80% Paint and Mud, 20% Pencil and Paper

It was 30 degrees out this morning when I 20-point harnessed my son into his car seat, to head to swim lessons. We made it just in time....for him to see that the school has a brand spanking new train table set up in the lobby. Great. I carried the boy to the changing area that doubles as a try outs for the upcoming reality show, "Change your winter clothed toddler into a swim suit while surviving other toddlers trying to break down your door to eat your coffee-fueled brain."

We made it through the lesson and he even got a little ribbon for dunking is head and trying to float with help on his back. These are extra tricky skills when you have sensory issues and a fear of moving out of mid line. I was a proud mom and the owner of 20 blurry iPhone photos, so I carried my wet toddler to changing room battle round 2.

When we made it home, I thought now that he has gotten some energy out we could possibly get a bit of workbook "work" done. Dun Dun Duuuunnnnnn...Yes, I probably ask my son 3-4 times a week for 15 minute session if he would like to do some work sheets or Leap Pad style work. He gets really into it...for that 15-20 minutes. I am very cool with that. My husband and I are still working alongside him, reiterating directions, helping encourage good grip on his marker or crayon etc.

This is a supplement to our creative arts based curriculum that we follow. Our son, occasionally, as many sensory parents know, likes for expectations be black and white. It almost organizes his brain to follow the prescribed directions and be done at the end of the page or lesson.

Thus far, we have used School Zone Preschool workbooks and my son likes them. We received a Leap Start device (not a tablet) as a gift. To be honest, our son can take or leave these Leap workbooks. I wonder, because he doesn't have a great triangle grasp and his and hand leans, he may be frustrated with the accuracy needed with these interactive Leap books.

I have considered ABC Mouse and Hot Dots, for on the go interactive work, but have yet to try them out. Do you supplement with any programs or work books? I'd love some toddler parent feedback! Happy Weekend.