What is this? Well, it is a surefire way to occupy your kiddos (as long as they can identify their ABCs). I got the idea of an I-Spy jar from here, but I took it a step further. I have had these little alphabet letters sitting around in one of my craft boxes…just waiting to be used. So, I created the Alphabet I-Spy jar. I took a clean, empty peanut butter jar and filled it about 2/3 of the way with rice. Then I added in all of the letters, being sure to include all 26. Finally I used some glue to glue the lid on and let it dry. The babies love the original version that I made using the link above, but I find that my ABC version even keeps the bigger kids occupied, because they have to find all 26 letters…in order! {smile} Not only are they occupied, but it reinforces their knowledge of their ABCs!
Be sure to check out Picnic Table Talk over at ABC & 123 for more great ideas to keep your kiddos occupied! While you are at it, be sure to stop over to Carisa’s blog for more great tools for tots!
Mama Jenn
Jenn, thanks for visiting! Glad you like the I-Spy idea!
A Mom After God's Own Heart
Great idea! I love your blog and am now following!
Angie
What a fantastic idea! I’m definitely going to have to do this! Love it!
Michelle
I have GOT to make one of these! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Jenny
Awesome! I save our PB jars and have so many that are just waiting for this project!
I can’t wait to make some and surprise the kids with them on our next trip.
Thanks!
Kim
What a great idea! It’s like the alphabet game we used to play with signs. Your jar is a much better way for everyone to play on their own. Thanks for the idea!!!
Katie, Kevin and kids
Our kids also enjoy the eye spy jars. I like your idea of using a wider topped container. I used empty water bottles, but they were a little difficult to fill w/o spilling all my rice on the floor:)
Diana
The I Spy items seem to be very popular at the picnic. I did something very similar for my kids. It’s a favorite. I love the link for tools for tots and have bookmarked it for future use. Thanks!
Mama Jenn
DairyQueen,
Thanks for the idea. I did not even think of using shapes and numbers….I guess b/c I didn’t have any of those in my craft box! {smile}
Mama Jenn
Susana,
I used a Kirkland brand PB jar from Costco.
DairyQueen
I love that idea! That will be perfect for my little tot – I could do numbers and shapes too! Thanks for passing that along!
MaryAnne
I think my 3.5yo would really enjoy this kind of an I-spy bottle, thanks for sharing!
Susana
Looks like this is really popular! I love the style jar you’ve used. I’ll have to try that one next time instead. Thanks for sharing!
Annette
Maybe your idea would be better accepted than the I spy bottle I made. Definitely sturdier! Meghan’s not ready for the ABC’s in order…yet. 🙂
Queen Mumma
Great idea!
Helene
That is such an awesome idea!!! I think my older twins would love that!
I just checked out that link and it’s full of wonderful activities…I’ve bookmarked it so I can refer back to it. I think it just might be my saving grace this summer!