Keeping Hands Busy

My beautiful daughter, Megan, age three, is a busy little girl.  She wants to be doing something all the time.  It has been a challenge to keep her occupied with positive activities that keep her from watching tv.  I am trying to limit her TV consumption, even from educational programs and even Christian programming for children.  I think she is getting addicted to being entertained instead of exploring and learning in her world. 

My list of activities she can do is s-l-o-w-l-y growing.  I have some specific rules.  The activities need to be things that will keep her attention.  I don't want things overly messy.  I want things that will help my daughter just be a kid.  I don't mind her working in a workbook here or there, but my focus is not on that. Mostly, I want her to play in her activities.  Being a kid is important to her.

Yesterday, I broke out the water colors and let Megan paint.  She was occupied for an hour.  It was a very fun hour, watching her paint and be creative.  I am researching other such activities.

On her own, Megan will often look at books.  I have Laura scheduled to read to her daily.  We also often read stories at bedtime.  I want Megan to be read to a lot, but sometimes she gets tired of it if we read to her more than once or twice a day.  I figure it is her age and personality.  She would rather be moving.  So, the activities I am looking for are ones where she can keep her hands or body busy.

I don't want to overlook outside time.  Right now, the summer heat is still sweltering.  Our outside time is limited.  We will have a bit of cooler weather coming, then the onset of winter.  I know that winter also limits our outside time.  I plan to take advantage of nice weather when I can, while I can.

I guess my preschool isn't traditional... at least not this year.  Who knows what next year will bring?