Naptime Creation
Treasure Map!
This easy peasy treasure map is so much more than a craft, it is a tool for learning and endless fun. Although I have this listed as a naptime creation younger preschoolers could do this with a lot of adult help, but kids of all ages will enjoy the games played withthe maps once they are made.
- Gather your materials. You will need some white paper, permanent markers ( see why it’s not a toddler activity?), used coffee grinds in the filter, and some ribbon.
- Using permanent markers draw a treasure map. I like to use things in my backyard as the “stops” in the map. I have our trees, a basket ball and blocks – you don not have to use real things. However for the activity below using real things will make it easier.
- Taking out most of the coffee grinds
rub the outside of the filter all over your map to make it look old and dirty! 
Let dry. You can also use tea but it takes much longer and we all know how much kids love to wait. 
- Randomly rip the edges to make the map look more authentic!
- Roll up and scrunch and secure with a ribbon!
All Ages
Treasure Hunt
Treasure Hunt
A few years ago I had a small but amazing class of 2-3 year olds who challenged me because they were such smart little people. In an effort to find a fun outdoor activity I developed this map game. I would draw a map and together we would all follow it. Using your map you can go to each “stop” then you must complete a challenge before moving on.Here is where I snuck in some totally unrelated learning. At the stops the challenges were things like : Sing the alphabet, find something blue, jump in the air 5 times, find a word that rhymes with pig… anything but they loved it. After a few times playing with me they became the masterminds and developed their own challenges- pretty cool for children who weren’t even potty trained!
With my toddler we went to the park and hid his new ball. We busted out the map( that I made ) and followed the pictures. We counted to ten, reached up high, found something red and touched our noses! As you can see you have to fit the challenges to the specific child but trust me, everyone will be having so much fun they won’t even notice all the learning they are doing!
You inspire me! I’ve done treasure hunts before, but never with my baby – didn’t think she was big enough . . . But I think she is now!
Are you kidding me- just your profile picture , that is inspiration. I wish I had the balls to live somewhere like Mozambique with a toddler!
I found your website through Hillbilly Housewife and I am HOOKED! Thank you for sharing all your ideas with moms like me who need to learn creativity! You are a blessing!
Was sent to your website via our 2000+ member playgroup TriangleMommies.com (North Carolina USA). We do one craft per week. My 2-year old son LOVES it and I – the anti-arts-and-crafts mom – loves it, too (because you’ve already done the hard work for me). Thank you thank you thank you!
p.s. Adore your song videos, too! What a fun mommy Owen has!
If only all preschool teachers were like you:) You inspire me! I’m a homeschool mama and am now hooked to your website. You should publish a book–REALLY! God Bless!
Oh Stacey thank you, I miss teaching so much, little minds are so fascinating and preschoolers are so funny.
I was following your Five Senses unit, and think this would be a good one for the sense of sight, too!
Thanks so much for your awesome blog.