SacMomsClub.com

ST. LOUIS -- Toy companies have convinced us that learning is powered by AA batteries and ear-exploding sound effects. But parent educator Mary Lynn Schmidt of the Rockwood (Mo.) School District says parents can create fun, engaging projects in less than 15 minutes without spending money on expensive toys.

The solution is in the cupboard, not in the toy store. Parmesan cheese cans, Pringles tubes and water bottles are among Schmidt's favorite materials. A little glue here, some dried beans there and voila! Schmidt has busy, happy grandkids (April Mabie, 10; Keaton Mabie, 3; Nolan Walters, 2; and Xavier Mabie, 4 months).

"I have a closet full of empty containers," Schmidt said. "You would be surprised what you can make. My husband knows to ask before he throws anything away."

Schmidt is a big fan of the three B's -- blocks, balls and books. Those toys help toddlers develop crucial fine and gross motor skills as well as their imaginations.

PHOTO ALBUMS

Children paste family photographs onto construction paper and slip the sheets into Ziploc bags. A grown-up staples the bottom of the bags. Painter's tape makes a nice binding. "My grandson Keaton loved his," Schmidt said. "He said, 'Look, it's a book about me.'"

BUILDING BLOCKS

Fill plastic baby food containers with beads, confetti, dried beans, etc. Secure the lid with rubber cement. One of Schmidt's grandsons erected a tower, another built railroad tracks. "People don't buy blocks anymore, but they are so important," said Schmidt, citing studies that show blocks are linked to higher math scores. "Blocks help with spacial reasoning, fine motor skills, imagination. You can do anything with blocks."

PAPER BAG ROAD

Draw a curvy road on a spread-open paper bag. "Then I like to ask, 'Can a boat go on the street?' No, then we had better draw some water.' The next thing you know, the child has drawn railroad tracks and trees," Schmidt said.

RACKETS

Tape paint mixing sticks to a paper plate. Bat around a balloon. "We could do this forever," Schmidt said.

(c) 2008, St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.