I am always on the search for new, fun things to try with Harrison while Truman is napping—things with a bit more detail and difficulty.  I read about building with toothpicks and marshmallows–somewhere–and stored it away for awhile.  I remember my mom soaking peas for hours in order to soften them up so the cub scouts could build structures with PEAS and toothpicks.  Mini mallows are much more fun!!

Its great that this involves a mere two items.  I left the marshmallows out for an hour or so to harden them a smidge.  Makes ‘em easier to build with —sturdies them up.  We practiced a few shapes and built a few cubes together.  When left to his own devices, Harrison came up with some even more interesting things!

I love how this activity meets you at whatever your level of skill or interest is—older kids can build larger, more sophisticated buildings, little ones can just master making something that stands or even 2-d designs.   The marshmallows do harden nicely overnight—so these can sit out on a shelf and be admired and shown off for awhile!