Things to do with a 4yo boy?

[hub1176]

I am getting a 4 year old boy in my care next week. Looking for ideas that would be fun for him. Apparently he loved his last day care but his parents did not (it was the same place we were going to send DD to) because it was a free for all. So he's used to doing whatever he wants -and I'm kind of the opposite (structured play, crafts etc.) so anything to make the transition easier!

[Natrat80]

I used to teach kindergarten so let me see if I can remember some of my boys' favorite things:
-puzzles (ones specifically for that age)
-blocks
-art projects
-just set out construction paper, tape, markers, crayons, stickers and let him create
-lots of storytime
-pretend play-costumes like firefighter, police man, etc
-manipulatives---sets out items; like a tupperware full or rocks, one full of popsicle sticks, marbles, etc

Good luck! I'm so glad that you are providing a good day care for your town...sounds like you weren't the only one unhappy with the lack of choices!

[hub1176]

Thanks Nat!
I really want to do a great job and this is my first "challenge" because although the 19 month old girl can be picky "no, no, no, " anyone? She is very easy going. I plan to stock up on some "boy" supplies this week.

[Natrat80]

Thought of another idea:
We had a sand table that I filled with sand or dry rice or water and put some toys in. You could make a mini one by filling up a small container with rice and hiding small toys in there.

Dollar stores are a great place to buy toys and manipulatives. Also try oriental trading company.

I'll post more as they come to me!

[lysh79]

CARS!!!
The 4 year old boys I used to watch loved cars. Others favorites were painting, blocks, marble ramps, balls, mainly things that go.

[linda_loo]

do you have a teacher supply store near you? My kids love Do-A-Dot stuff, which is like bingo painters, but washable. They make coloring books to go with, that have a lot of circles (that are the size of the tip of the paints) and curves where the paints fit in. I love that the paint is washable and it's been the neatest non-crayon artwork for us so far.

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B00004W3Y5.01-A2BZM6KPH3R3VX._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0006OFU3M.01-A2BZM6KPH3R3VX._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

I photocopy the book (making 4-5 sets at a time) and keep the originals... we would go broke otherwise.