This simple open-ended car play idea was such a hit with both of my boys. It was a perfect boredom buster for a miserably cold winter day. Plus, it combined my boys' favorite toys at the moment: cars (for three year old K) and a Magna-Doodle (for five year old J). It encouraged writing practice for J and prewriting practice for K. It also encouraged creative play, storytelling, and problem solving. And it kept them playing quietly for up to an hour, which was great for my sanity...
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For this car themed invitation to play, we used:
I originally drew roads for the boys to get them interested, but it wasn't long before they started drawing their own. Sometimes we would add extra details such as some trees. J even requested a road with a volcano. It was pretty awesome.
They also experimented with parking lots, which is great for one-to-one correspondence.
My boys particularly enjoyed drawing lakes, roads, and bridges for their cars. They would first draw a body of water and then the roads. J would ask, "How will the car get across? Oh, we need a bridge!" Then he would draw a bridge for the cars. It was a great way to practice his problem solving skills.
Looking for more ways to play and learn with cars? Try these ideas out:
