Toy Rotation

 We started incorporating a toy rotation over a year ago. Since we've cut screen time from our weeks I can see that it will be a more common occurrence in our home to swap out toys for different options since hands on play is happening much more frequently.

I've tried many different methods of rotating toys--incorporating dress up items in her cubbies, adding books, putting technology/learning books on her shelves, etc.

I've had some dud weeks where she wasn't interested at all, but other weeks where she loves what I have out and it entertains her for 2-3 weeks long. 

I think a good principle for a toy rotation is if it's working, don't change it! I've come to realize that sometimes it doesn't need to be updated if she's still enjoying the current rotation. Also, some weeks I just swap out a couple toys for new ones from our pantry.

Our little toy corner has looked different over the last couple years depending on her age and interests, but I am sharing what it looks like this week! It's not fancy, but it is simple and organized. I limited small parts items except for a Mrs. Potato Head and a floor puzzle because I realized just how much I was picking up come time to reset our space before quiet time each day.

So far it's a hit this week--though she has requested to pull back out several items (her plastic dinosaurs, dump truck toy and a ball.)

If she can tell me by name what she wants from the pantry pile of toys I am willing to go grab it for her.

Her wooden Melissa and Doug box has a floor puzzle. It's an animal puzzle this week and we have about 5 other floor puzzles to swap it with to always keep it interesting. I added some parts from our former vacuum cleaner on the bottom left this week and she has played with them non stop. Window washing, chalkboard cleaning, etc.

We have three kinds of blocks, so I just chose one set to keep out for this week. Her barn is always out because she plays with it daily so I kept barn accessories and animals and tucked away zoo animals.

I shared about how to store and build a young child's book collection HERE, and this is our living room book area. It's great to have some throughout our living space when screen time isn't an option--we're much more inclined to sit for several books at a time.

These figurines sit on top of her Flisat table from Ikea. They are played with all day long and even are her bath toy choices. 

When I don't have a sensory filler in her table, we store coloring books and markers/crayons (left) and play dough and accessories (right.) Most of the play dough accessories are mine from the 90s.

We keep this out always because of the size, but it's a chalkboard on one side and a magnet/dry erase board on the other. 

Another item we always have out. She will play shopping and add a baby and some of her plastic food items and request a shopping bag. 

I think this toy is geared for younger kids, but she's gotten creative with how she uses it through the last year. It's also played with daily and we keep a couple small balls tucked inside of her.

Organized chaos! Small space living can be hard to keep organized, but there is a method to this madness. I know what is tucked in each bin, sensory play and an extra bin with kinetic sand is on the floor, outdoor play items, rainy day play, etc. are all stored here.

Sweet girl window cleaning and using soap, washcloth and old vacuum parts. Often the practical items are the most beloved!

Above our washer and dryer are activity/sticker books, some books for tot school, a large bin of paint and other craft supplies, flash cards and our board games.

Do you incorporate a toy rotation into your child's play time?

With heart from our home. 

Jordan