Styrofoam has become a good friend in our household and to think of all the pieces I’ve thrown out over the years.  No more.  I keep it all now.  We paint it, poke it and paint it some more.  This is a really fun invitation to play that is great for fine motor and discovery.  I realize not all two year olds are safe with thumbtacks and other sharp materials, so please take that into consideration when trying this.  Popsicle sticks and cake pop sticks might be a better option for your child.  Gigi is really careful with things and doesn’t put things in her mouth so we’re all good over here.  This styrofoam board has lasted for months and is still going strong.  First we painted it.  Then we poked at it.  I’ve given Gigi everything from golf tees to toothpicks to skewers to thumbtacks.  It’s all worked out great.  We prop it up on the side of the wall in our playhouse when we’re done and bring it out every few weeks.  I love how you can feel her concentration through the picture.  Very busy, this one.

My favorite moment was when Gigi figured out that she could poke the toothpicks through the paper and onto the styrofoam, something I never intended.  She had gotten the white circles off the shelf and did it on her own.  When I noticed what she had done I got out some tissue paper scraps, which were a little easier to poke.  To Gigi’s delight they worked great and opened up a whole new layer of play for her.

This has been an awesome ongoing play station.  I know there are tons of ways to extend it too so I won’t be throwing away the styrofoam anytime soon.  On the lookout for new things to poke with and maybe we’ll add some wood beads next time.  Enjoy!