Sometimes the best activities are the ones you create yourself—no toys, no prep, and no extra spending. I’ve been using her activity book for inspiration and pulling together simple worksheet-style crafts using just paper, markers, glue and stickers. These five activities were a hit with my toddler, and they work on everything from number matching to fine motor skills.
Here is the link to my 8 week activity guide. I also made matching flashcards for weeks 1-4 and weeks 5-8. If you’re outside of the United States, you can purchase my activity guide HERE.
Here is the sketchbook I have. It doesn’t bleed through even with sharpie, dot markers or the Crayola markers we use!
Here’s how to set each one up:
1. Ice Cream Number Matching
Draw a few ice cream cones on a piece of paper and label each one with a number. Then cut out paper “scoops” with numbers on them that match the cones. Your toddler’s job is to glue each scoop onto the matching cone.
What you need:
- Markers
- Scissors
- Glue
What it helps with:
Number recognition and early counting
2. Colored Line Tracing
For this, I drew several straight dotted lines on a sheet, each in a different color. I laid out matching markers, and my toddler picked the right one to trace each line. It kept her engaged and focused! This is basics in learning how to write!
What you need:
- Paper
- Markers
What it helps with:
Fine motor control, color recognition, and early pencil grip practice
3. Balloon Color Match
On a sheet of paper, I drew seven balloons in different colors. Then I cut out construction paper circles in matching colors for her to glue on top. It’s such a simple way to mix color sorting with a hands-on activity.
What you need:
- Paper
- Markers
- Colored construction paper
- Glue
What it helps with:
Color matching, gluing, and attention to detail
4. Apple Basket Dot Sticker Sorting
I drew three baskets on a sheet of paper – one red, one blue, and one yellow. Then I gave her dot stickers in matching colors, and she filled each basket with the right colored dots. It was quick to prep and so satisfying to watch her focus! If you have no stickers, you can cut circles with construction paper or use dot markers.
What you need:
- Paper
- Markers
- Red, blue, and yellow dot stickers (or crayons if you want to draw them on)
What it helps with:
Color recognition, sorting, and fine motor skills (peeling and placing stickers)
5. Carrot Number Matching
This one’s super easy and so cute. I drew carrots with numbers on the bottom half and then cut out little orange paper “tops” with the same numbers. She glued the matching top to each carrot to help practice counting. I also drew the number of carrot leaves to match the number on the carrot!
What you need:
- Paper
- Markers
- Orange paper
- Scissors
- Glue
What it helps with:
Number matching and recognizing numerals in a playful way
All of these easy toddler worksheet activities take less than 5 minutes to set up and only use what you already have at home. The best part? My toddler was totally engaged the entire time—and proud of every page she finished. These are perfect for quiet mornings, screen-free afternoons, or whenever you just need something simple and fun.
Let me know if you try them, or tag me on Instagram so I can see your little one’s creations!
[…] also have several other blog posts for more activity workbook ideas! Part 1, Part 2 and Part […]