Toddler A-Z – Objects That Start with the Letter “J”

Posted on May 31, 2016 by Brittney

A group of my friends started doing something we are calling Toddler Time and each week we choose a letter to focus on. I realized that finding objects that start with the letter of the week can be a challenge and I thought it might be helpful to have a long list of “J” letter objects them on hand. If I’ve missed something drop me a note in the comments, I would be thrilled to add even more letter “J” objects.

Jack Fruit: A large tropical fruit with a sweet, fibrous flesh.
Jack Rabbit: A large North American hare with long ears and powerful hind legs.
Jack Russell Terrier: A small, energetic dog breed known for its intelligence and hunting abilities.
Jack-In-The-Box: A children’s toy consisting of a box with a clown or figure that pops up when the lid is opened.
Jack-o-lantern: A carved pumpkin used as a decoration during Halloween.
Jackal: A wild canine species found in Africa and Asia, known for its scavenging habits.
Jacket: A piece of outerwear typically worn on the upper body, often with sleeves.
Jacket potato: A baked potato served with various toppings such as butter, cheese, or sour cream.
Jackhammer: A powerful tool used for breaking up hard surfaces, typically operated pneumatically.
Jackknife: A folding pocketknife with a blade that folds into the handle.
Jackpot: The main prize or highest possible reward in a game of chance or lottery.
Jacks: A children’s game that involves bouncing a ball and picking up small metal or plastic objects.
Jacuzzi: A brand of whirlpool bath or hot tub.
Jade: A precious green mineral often used in jewelry and carvings.
Jade necklace: A necklace made from the gemstone jade.
Jagged rock: A rock with rough, uneven edges or surfaces.
Jaguar: A large, powerful wildcat species found in the Americas, known for its distinctive spots.
Jaguar print: A pattern or design resembling the spots of a jaguar’s coat.
Jaguar tooth: A tooth from a jaguar, sometimes used as a souvenir or decoration.
Jail: A facility or building used for the confinement of individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a crime.
Jalapeno: A medium-sized chili pepper, typically green and moderately spicy.
Jalapeño poppers: A dish consisting of jalapeno peppers stuffed with cheese, breaded, and deep-fried.
Jam: A sweet spread made from fruit and sugar, typically used on bread or toast.
Jambalaya: A Creole dish from Louisiana, consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables.
Jambiya dagger: A traditional Arabian dagger with a curved blade and ornate handle.
January: The first month of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
Japanese fan: A handheld folding fan, often decorated with traditional Japanese designs.
Japanese lantern: A traditional lantern made of paper or silk, often used for decoration or in festivals.
Jar: A cylindrical container with a lid, typically used for storing food or other substances.
Jasmine tea: A type of tea flavored with the fragrant flowers of the jasmine plant.
Javelin: A long spear-like weapon used in athletic throwing events.
Javelin thrower: An athlete who specializes in the javelin throw event.
Jaw: The movable part of the face that contains the teeth, used for biting and chewing.
Jawbone: The bone of the jaw.
Jawbreaker: A large, hard candy that takes a long time to dissolve in the mouth.
Jay: A species of colorful songbird often found in woodlands.
Jazz Band: A musical ensemble that performs jazz music.
Jean jacket: A denim jacket typically worn as outerwear.
Jeans: Casual pants made of denim fabric.
Jeep: A rugged and versatile off-road vehicle.
Jell-o: A brand of gelatin dessert.
Jelly: A sweet, semisolid spread made from fruit juice and sugar.
Jelly Beans: Small bean-shaped candies with a soft, jelly-like center.
Jelly Donut: A type of donut filled with jelly or jam.
Jellyfish: A gelatinous marine animal with tentacles that can deliver a painful sting.
Jelly jar: A jar used for storing jelly or other preserves.
Jelly roll: A type of sponge cake rolled up with a filling, often jelly or cream.
Jelly-filled donut: A donut filled with jelly or jam.
Jersey cow: A breed of dairy cattle known for producing high-quality milk.
Jester: A medieval entertainer known for their jokes and tricks.
Jet: A high-speed aircraft powered by jet engines.
Jet Engine: A type of engine that generates thrust by expelling high-speed jets of exhaust gases.
Jet ski: A small recreational watercraft propelled by a jet of water.
Jetpack: A device worn on the back that uses jet propulsion to enable the wearer to fly.
Jetsetter: A person who frequently travels, especially by jet, often for pleasure or business.
Jewelry: Personal ornaments, such as necklaces, rings, and bracelets, typically made of precious metals and adorned with gemstones.
Jewelry box: A container used to store and protect jewelry.
Jewels: Precious gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, often used in jewelry.
Jicama: A root vegetable with a crunchy texture and slightly sweet taste, commonly used in salads and stir-fries.
Jigsaw: A tool used for cutting intricate patterns or shapes in wood or other materials.
Jigsaw blade: The cutting component of a jigsaw tool, typically made of metal and available in various tooth configurations for different cutting applications.
Jigsaw piece: One of the individual interlocking pieces that make up a jigsaw puzzle.
Jigsaw Puzzle: A puzzle consisting of small, irregularly shaped pieces that, when assembled correctly, form a complete picture or design.
Jingle bells: Small metal bells that make a tinkling sound when shaken or struck.
Jockey: A professional horse racer who rides in horse races.
Jockey helmet: A protective helmet worn by jockeys to protect their heads during horse racing.
Joint: The point where two or more bones meet and are held together by connective tissue, allowing movement.
Joint roller: A device used to roll cigarettes or joints.
Jolly Ranchers: Hard candy made from sugar, corn syrup, and various fruit flavors.
Journal: A written record or diary of personal thoughts, experiences, or events.
Journalist: A person who collects, writes, or distributes news and information through various media outlets.
Jousting lance: A long, sturdy pole with a pointed metal tip used by knights in medieval tournaments to unhorse their opponents.
Joystick: A handheld device used to control the movement or actions of an electronic device, especially in gaming.
Jug: A container with a narrow neck, a handle, and a spout, typically used for holding and pouring liquids.
Juggle: To continuously throw and catch objects, usually balls or pins, in an entertaining and skillful manner.
Juggler: A person who can skillfully juggle multiple objects, typically for entertainment purposes.
Juggling balls: Small balls specifically designed for juggling, often made of soft materials for easier manipulation.
Juggling pins: Long, club-shaped objects used for juggling, typically made of wood or plastic.
Juice: The liquid extracted from fruits or vegetables, often consumed for its nutrients and refreshing taste.
Juice Pops: Frozen treats made from fruit juice, similar to popsicles.
Juicer: A kitchen appliance used to extract juice from fruits and vegetables.
Juke Box: A coin-operated machine that plays a selection of recorded music when activated.
Jumbo crayons: Large-sized crayons designed for young children who are developing their fine motor skills.
Jumbo Jet: A large commercial aircraft capable of carrying a significant number of passengers over long distances.
Jumbo shrimp: A culinary term used to describe large-sized shrimp.
Jump: To propel oneself into the air using one’s legs or feet, briefly leaving the ground before returning.
Jump Rope: A long, flexible rope used for jumping over as a form of exercise or recreational activity.
Jumping beans: Small beans that move and jump when heated due to the larvae of certain insects inside.
Jumping castle: An inflatable structure resembling a castle, often used for children’s entertainment, where they can bounce and play.
Jumping frog: A toy or game where a small frog figure jumps and leaps when pressed or activated.
Jumping horse: A toy or equipment, typically made for children, that resembles a horse and allows them to imitate riding by jumping up and down on it.
Jumping pillow: A large inflatable pillow-like structure that is used for jumping and bouncing, usually found in outdoor recreational areas.
June Bug: A type of beetle commonly found in North America, known for its buzzing flight and often seen during the month of June.
Jungle: A dense, tropical forest characterized by abundant vegetation, high humidity, and a diverse range of plant and animal species.
Jungle gym: A structure typically made of metal or wood, commonly found in playgrounds, that children can climb, swing, and play on.
Junior soccer ball: A smaller-sized soccer ball specifically designed for young children who are learning and playing the sport.
Junior tennis racket: A tennis racket specifically manufactured for junior players, typically smaller and lighter than adult-sized rackets to suit their age and physical abilities.
Juniper: A coniferous evergreen shrub or small tree with needle-like leaves and berry-like cones, often found in dry or cold regions.
Junk: Random or discarded items that are considered useless, unwanted, or of low value.
Junk Food: Food that is high in calories, unhealthy additives, or lacking in essential nutrients, often associated with low nutritional value and potential detrimental effects on health.
Justice scale: A symbol used to represent the impartiality and fairness of the legal system, typically depicted as a scale held by Lady Justice, with one pan balanced against the other.
Jute bag: A bag made from the fibers of the jute plant, commonly used for carrying groceries, shopping, or other items, known for its durability and eco-friendly nature.

Can you think of any other letter “J” words? If so please comment and let me know, I’d love to get them added to the list.

Cardboard Creations – DIY Easy Rebuildable Ball Run

Posted on May 30, 2016 by Brittney

One of our favorite places to visit is the Boston Museum of Science. At the Museum of Science they have an amazing room just for toddlers and in this room they have a huge magnetic wall that has different sized and shaped PVC pipe secured to huge magnets. There is also a mechanism that sucks up little ping pong balls and drops them down a shoot at the top of the magnetic wall. The children can rearrange the magnetic PVC pipes to create different paths for the balls to drop down. This is my son’s favorite part of the museum and he could spend hours playing with the ball run.

I started thinking more and more about the different elements of the ball run and decided it wouldn’t be very difficult to recreate a ball run that had moveable pieces for our home. It was super fast, easy and inexpensive to build and my son has played with it for hours! Nothing like bringing a little taste of the Museum of Science home with us. 🙂

Supplies Needed:

Large Piece of Cardboard
Lots of Toilet Paper Rolls
Paper Towel Rolls
Felt Fabric Sheet
Velcro
Pom Poms
Paint (optional)

Set Up:

Cut your cardboard to the size you want your ball run to be. I choose a piece that was about my son’s height and I left a flap of cardboard along the bottom so it would have a little bit better balance.
Cover your cardboard with your felt fabric sheet.
Paint your toilet paper and paper towel rolls.
Add a small square of the hook side of velcro to each cardboard tube. We found that they worked best when we did once piece at each end, even on the small rolls because they stuck to the felt better.
Finish by sticking your velcroed pieces to the felt and start sending the pom poms down the shoot.

Additional Ideas:

If you want curved piece cut one of your rolls on a diagonal in the middle and rotate it around so the long parts of the diagonal are next to each other and short parts are next to each other. I secured it with a two pieces of masking tape, glue would also work great.
We played with pom poms, bouncy balls and little toys cars are also fun.
If you have older children it would be fun to set up tasks for your children to figure out, such as start the balls in the top right corner and find a way to get them clear over to the bottom left corner, or some other place.

Thanks for reading!

Have you tried to make a ball run? I would love to see the ball run you’ve created or hear about any of your experiences or thoughts to make it better in the comments section.

Unexpected Ways to Get Free Children’s Books in Cambridge – Cambridge Book Bike – Family Friendly Boston/Cambridge

Posted on May 25, 2016 by Brittney

I have always loved books and loved reading. One of the first gifts I gave my son was a book, and I read to him often even though he was only a newborn and far to young to understand what was happening. It didn’t matter that he didn’t understand it because it was more about sharing something beneficial with him that was important to me.

To this day my son loves reading and we do not take a nap or go to bed at night without him insisting we read at least two books to him, more if he can get away with it.

Anyway all that is a precursor to the amazing Cambridge Book Bike Program I stumbled onto by accident during the summer of 2015. Honestly this program made me fall in love with Cambridge and though I’ve never considered myself a city girl I can’t deny that Cambridge does amazing things for kids all summer long and its a fantastic place to have young children during the summer – with Book Bike probably being my favorite thing of all.

Things to Note:

1) What is the Cambridge Book Bike?
It’s a bike, loaded with books, that travels around to different parks during the summer to give out free books to children. They have teamed up with a bunch of great businesses to provide these books and make it possible. (Agenda for Children, Center for Families, Cambridge Public Library, & Liz Phipps Soeiro)

2) What Kind of Books to they give out and to who?
They give out books for every level, from popular board books (Llama Llama, Sandra Boyton, Goodnight Gorilla,) to soft cover picture books (Eric Carl) to young easy reader chapter books, to popular YA chapter books (Book Thief, Twilight etc.) They are for children 18 and under and your child gets to pick out a new book every single week! If you have multiple children they each/all get to pick out a book.

3) Why do they do this?
I had to opportunity to talk to one of the women from the Agenda for Children and she was telling me that research has show children are so much more likely to read and be interested in both books and education if they have a library of their own and easy access to books. She said that a library of their own is considered to be about 8 books, so their program ran for eight weeks, giving every child the opportunity to have a “library” by the end of it.

4) Where is this happening?
The book bike visits a different Cambridge park every day of the week during the summer. They have teamed up with Summer Food Programs and you can find out where they will be on any given day here: http://www.cambridgebookbike.org/schedule.html

Summary and Rating ★★★★★

Five Stars. Cambridge Book Bike has been my favorite part of summer! It’s a great reason to get out of the house, head over to a park, and get moving. We got free lunch, a chance to play at the park and a free book along with great crafts provided by book bike and the entrainment of having a librarian read a story aloud to the captivated audience of children showing how awesome books really are. Bottom line is this is pretty much the best program ever and I can’t wait to join in it again.

Have you been here before? If so I’d love to know more about your experience and any tips or tricks you have in the comments section below.

Cambridge Book Bike Website

95 Objects That Start with the Letter “I”

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Brittney

A group of my friends started doing something we are calling Toddler Time and each week we choose a letter to focus on. I realized that finding objects that start with the letter of the week can be a challenge and I thought it might be helpful to have a long list of “I” letter objects them on hand. If I’ve missed something drop me a note in the comments, I would be thrilled to add even more letter “I” objects.

Iberian Lynx: A wild cat species native to the Iberian Peninsula, known for its distinctive tufted ears and critically endangered status.
Ice: Solid water formed by freezing at or below 0 degrees Celsius.
Ice Ax: A tool used in mountaineering for climbing and self-arresting on icy slopes.
Ice Chest: A portable insulated container used for keeping food and beverages cold.
Ice Cream: A frozen dessert typically made from dairy products, sugar, and flavorings.
Ice Cube: A small piece of ice typically formed in a tray for use in cooling beverages.
Ice Cube Tray: A plastic or metal tray with compartments for making multiple ice cubes.
Ice Fishing Shack: A small shelter used for ice fishing, usually made of wood or metal.
Ice Sculpture: A work of art created by carving ice into a specific shape or design.
Ice Skates: Footwear with blades attached, used for gliding on ice.
Ice Skating Rink: A smooth and frozen surface designed for ice skating.
Iceberg: A large floating mass of ice detached from a glacier and floating in the sea.
Iceberg Lettuce: A variety of lettuce with a crisp, pale green head of leaves.
Iceberg Rose: A type of rose with large, ruffled petals and a white or pink color.
Iced Tea: A beverage made by chilling brewed tea and serving it over ice.
Icicles: Long, pointed ice formations that hang from surfaces.
Icing: A sweet topping made from powdered sugar, water, and flavorings, often used on baked goods.
Igloo: A dome-shaped snow shelter traditionally built by the Inuit people.
Iguana: A large reptile native to tropical regions, known for its long tail and spiky crest.
Iguanodon: An herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the early Cretaceous period.
Image: A visual representation or depiction of someone or something.
Impala: A medium-sized African antelope known for its leaping ability and curved horns in males.
Imperial Moth: A large and colorful moth found in North America.
Imperial Topaz: A precious gemstone known for its golden to orange color.
Impressionist Painting: Referring to the art movement that prioritized capturing the impression of light and color in a scene rather than precise details.
Inca Berry: A small golden fruit native to South America, also known as “goldenberry” or “Cape gooseberry.”
Incandescent Lightbulb: A traditional type of lightbulb that produces light by heating a wire filament.
Incense: A substance, often made from plant materials, that produces a fragrant smoke when burned.
Incense Burner: A container or holder designed for burning incense.
Inch: A unit of length equal to 1/12 of a foot, approximately 2.54 centimeters.
Inchworm: The larval stage of certain moths that moves by looping its body.
Incinerator: A device used for the controlled burning of waste materials.
Incisor (tooth): A sharp-edged tooth at the front of the mouth, used for cutting and biting.
Incubator: An enclosed apparatus used for maintaining controlled conditions, often for the cultivation or hatching of organisms.
Index: A list of names, subjects, or topics, often arranged alphabetically, used to facilitate finding information within a book or document.
Index Card: A small, usually rectangular card used for recording and organizing information.
Index Finger: The finger next to the thumb, often used for pointing.
India: A country located in South Asia known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and vibrant traditions.
Indian: Referring to something or someone from India.
Indian Rhinoceros: A large terrestrial mammal native to the Indian subcontinent, characterized by its single horn and prehistoric appearance.
Indicator Light: A small light on a device or dashboard used to indicate a specific condition or status.
Indigenous Art: Artistic creations rooted in the traditions, culture, and heritage of a particular indigenous group or community.
Indigo: A deep blue or violet color.
Indoor Garden: A garden that is cultivated indoors, typically with plants grown in containers.
Indoors: Inside a building or structure.
Indri: A large, arboreal lemur native to Madagascar.
Industrial Crane: A heavy-duty machine used for lifting and moving heavy objects in industrial settings.
Infant: A very young child or baby.
Infielder (baseball): A player positioned in the infield of a baseball field who primarily defends against ground balls.
Infinity Sign: The mathematical symbol (∞) representing an unlimited or endless quantity.
Inflatable: Something that can be filled with air or gas to expand and become larger in size.
Influenza Virus: A contagious virus that causes the flu in humans and animals.
Infrared Thermometer: A device used to measure temperature by detecting infrared radiation.
Ingot: A solid mass of metal cast into a convenient shape for storage or transportation.
Ingredient: A component or substance used in the preparation of a dish or product.
Ingrown Hair: A hair that has curled and grown back into the skin, causing irritation or infection.
Inhaler: A device used to deliver medication directly into the lungs.
Inheritance: The passing down of genetic characteristics or property from one generation to another.
Ink: A liquid or paste used for writing or printing.
Ink Blot: A random pattern created by dropping ink onto a surface.
Ink Pad: A small cushion soaked with ink, used for applying ink to a rubber stamp.
Ink Pot: A container for holding ink.
Inkwell: A small container with a lid for holding ink, traditionally used with a dip pen.
Inlaid Wood Table: A table with decorative patterns or designs made from different types of wood fitted into its surface.
Inn: A small establishment providing lodging, typically located in a rural or remote area.
Insect: A small arthropod characterized by having six legs, a three-part body, and often wings.
Inset Map: A small map or diagram inserted within a larger map or illustration.
Installment: A regular payment made to pay off a debt or purchase over a fixed period of time.
Instant Noodles: Pre-cooked noodles that can be prepared quickly by adding hot water.
Instructor: A person who teaches or trains others in a particular skill or subject.
Instrument: A device or tool used to perform a specific task or produce music.
Insulated Lunch Box: A container designed to keep food at a desired temperature, usually with added insulation.
Insulation: A material used to reduce the transfer of heat, cold, or sound.
Insulator: A material that does not conduct electricity, heat, or sound well.
Insurance Card: A document that serves as proof of insurance coverage.
Insurance Policy: A contract between an individual and an insurance company that outlines the terms of coverage.
Intercom: A communication device that allows for two-way audio communication between people in different rooms or areas.
Interface Cable: A cable used to connect two electronic devices and facilitate communication or data transfer.
Intertidal Zone: The portion of a shoreline that is exposed to air at low tide and submerged at high tide.
Intestine: The part of the digestive system that extends from the stomach to the anus, responsible for absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste.
Iris: The colored part of the eye surrounding the pupil, responsible for controlling the amount of light that enters the eye.
Irish Setter: A breed of dog originating from Ireland, known for its red coat and hunting abilities.
Irish Spring Soap: A brand of soap known for its fresh scent and moisturizing properties.
Iron: A metallic element that is malleable, ductile, and a good conductor of heat and electricity.
Iron Ore: A rock or mineral from which iron can be extracted and used in the production of steel.
Ironing Board: A flat board with a cushioned surface used for smoothing out wrinkles in clothing with a hot iron.
Irukandji Jellyfish: A small and venomous marine creature found primarily in the waters of Australia. It is known for its transparent appearance and intensely painful stings.
Island: A landmass surrounded by water, smaller than a continent. Islands can vary in size from small islets to larger landmasses and are often popular tourist destinations.
Islandic Sheepdog: A breed of dog originating from Iceland. It is known for its friendly and energetic nature, as well as its thick double coat that helps it withstand cold weather conditions.
Italian Bread: A type of bread popular in Italian cuisine, characterized by a crusty exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. It is often made with simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt.
Italics: A style of writing or printing that slants the letters slightly to the right. Italics are typically used to emphasize words or phrases, denote titles of books or movies, or indicate foreign words.
Item: A generic term referring to any object, thing, or entity that is considered a distinct unit.
Itsy Bitsy: A playful phrase used to describe something very small or tiny. It is often used in children’s stories or songs, such as “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
Ivory: A hard, creamy-white material mainly composed of dentin found in the tusks of elephants, as well as other animals like walrus, hippopotamus, and narwhal. It has been historically valued for its beauty and used in various decorative purposes.
Ivy: A type of clinging plant that typically has climbing and trailing stems with lush green leaves. Ivy is often used to cover walls, fences, and buildings, adding aesthetic appeal to outdoor spaces.

Can you think of any other letter “I” words? If so please comment and let me know, I’d love to get them added to the list.

Toddler Letters – “K” is for “Kiwi”

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Brittney

Supplies Needed:

Colored Craft Paper
Letter “K” Cutout
Elmer’s Glue
Glue Stick
Scissors
Marker
Toilet Paper Roll
Yellow Circle Stickers
Small Seeds/Spices (We Used Flax Seed)

Set Up:

I cut out our “K” ahead of time. We stared by smashing a toilet paper roll flat and cutting it into small circle strips, then unflattening it so we had little brown circles. We then glued our brown circles to our “K” and put a circle of glue stick glue inside each circle. As soon as we had a little bit of glue inside one of the toilet paper roll circles we put down a yellow sticker in the middle of it then did a pinch of seeds on top of it (so that our seeds would stick to the area around the sticker yet inside of the brown circle). We let it dry, then carefully shook our loose seeds into the sink before gluing our K to the craft paper.

We finished by eating a kiwi together and talking about different kinds of seeds and why fruits and vegetables have seeds in them. This would also have been a great opportunity to plant something and grown it our window, but I didn’t think about that until after the fact.

Tracing Letters:

*Courtesy of http://bogglesworldesl.com/

Have you made this craft? What was your experience like and do you have an suggestions to make it better? I’d love to hear about them in the comments section below.

Sly Spoon

Mommy blog for toddler activities, abc crafts, cardboard cutouts and family friendly ideas

Monthly Archives: May 2016

Toddler A-Z – Objects That Start with the Letter “J”

You may also be interested in:

Cardboard Creations – DIY Easy Rebuildable Ball Run

Supplies Needed:

Additional Ideas:

Unexpected Ways to Get Free Children’s Books in Cambridge – Cambridge Book Bike – Family Friendly Boston/Cambridge

Things to Note:

Summary and Rating ★★★★★

95 Objects That Start with the Letter “I”

You may also be interested in:

Toddler Letters – “K” is for “Kiwi”

Supplies Needed:

Set Up:

Tracing Letters:

You may also be interested in: