Shape Up

Your toddler's probably already grasped the ABC's of clay play: squish, squash, and pound, with the occasional "Not in your mouth!" from you. Give him a new challenge by making laminated cards he can use as guides to form letters, as he'll surely tell you, "all by my own self."

To make a set, draw large letters on blank paper. You may want to start with just three or four -- your child's initials, say, or A, B, and C -- and add to them over time. Laminate each letter at a copy shop or at home with regular or heavyweight no-heat laminating sheets (available at office-supply or discount stores). Alternatively, draw the letters on stiff paper, such as construction paper or even poster board, and seal them between two pieces of clear Con-Tact paper.

Then your toddler can roll and shape up the clay around the alphabet forms.