The humble sticky clear book covering (contact) that we used in school makes a return in this fun and no-mess collage craft task for toddlers.

You’ll need a roll of large, clear sticky backed contact (cut off a piece as large as you need leaving the protective backing on), some sellotape, assorted art and collage materials like feathers, pom-poms, cut bright paper, twigs, leaves, sequins, ice-lolly sticks, cardboard strips, wool, buttons and anything else you can think of or have on hand that will stick to the contact.

Set up the contact collage by first taping the piece to a hard surface like a window or table top, with the sticky side facing up and out towards you. Peel off the protective backing to reveal a sticky art surface! Arrange the art materials in an easy to reach position lying next to the contact and invite your toddler to create a masterpiece. You may have to demonstrate at first what to do, but once they begin they will love it!

Remember to take advantage of the tactile nature of this task and talk about how “sticky” it is, and ask question like “why won’t the paper stick to the table?”.

Using a paper towel roll, have your child colour and decorate it using crayons, paint, glitter glue or anything else sparkly and bright.

Explain how in order to make magic happen you need to say the magic word “Abracadabra” and demonstrate!

Make it fun by asking your child to say abracadabra when they would like something, make sure you grant the wish! (I know a little girl who says Abber Dabber every time her bottle appears!)

Toddlers and wobbler’s are starting to appreciate the joy of imaginative role play, particularly anything that involves copying grow-ups like food shopping.

Spend some time collecting your used boxes, bottles, tins and cartons or cutting out photos of food from magazines. Make sure the containers are clean, flaps are taped backed together and that it is in reasonably good condition. Provide a few paper shopping bags of differing size and a space to play.

This play is even more fun if you become the customer, and is a wonderful way to demonstrate good recycling habits!

Would you like to come to a tea-party? Imagine the rush of independence that comes when your little one is allowed to be in charge of her very own tea party!

Little ones are brilliant at scooping and playing with cups and saucers, but not so great at pouring! Give them a chance to practice this skill next time you can get in the back garden with their very own tea set (plastic ones are best).

Set the scene before you begin by telling her that you are going out in the back garden, dining room etc. for a tea party soon, and you are going to help her get ready. Give her a small basket filled with the tea-set itself, and ask her (one at a time) to get a teddy or doll to join you too.

Before you go outside, select some snacks or treats that will make it feel even more special like mini rice cakes or grapes and strawberries, and don’t forget to half fill the teapot with water. Lay down a picnic blanket and you are ready to go!

Toddlers love to “write” and this is a great way to introduce them to letters and communication.

Make a post-box together out of a shoe-box or small cardboard box, cutting a small slot in the front and paint it green. Give your child paper and crayons and encourage them to write letters. Give them envelopes and stickers as stamps as well. Get other family members involved in letter writing as well and write your own mail to read your to your toddler as well.