Toddler

Toddlers love to play in water. Put “squeezing” objects in the bathtub, such as sponges or squeeze bottles along with dump-and-pour toys (cups, bowls).

Toddlers are excited about bubbles. Let toddler try to blow bubbles or watch you blow bubbles through a straw. Bubbles are fun to pop and chase, too.

Pretend play becomes even more fun. Encourage toddler to have a doll or stuffed toy do what he or she does – walk, go to bed dance, eat and jump. Include the doll in daily activities or games

Make instant pudding together. Let toddler “help” by dumping pudding, pouring milk, and stirring. The results are good to eat or can be used for finger-painting.

Use boxes or buckets for toddler to throw beanbag or balls into. Practice overhand release of the ball or beanbag.

Play hide and seek. Toddler can hide with another person or by him or herself for you to find. Then take your turn to hide and let toddler find you.

Toddlers love movement. Take him or her to the park to ride on rocking toys, swings, and small slides. You may want to hold your toddler in your lap on the swing and slide at first.

Sing action songs together like “Ring Around the Rosey,” “Itsy-Bitsy Spider,” and “This is the Way We Wash Our Hands.” Do actions together. Move with the rhythm. Wait for toddler to anticipate the action.

Put favorite toys in a laundry basket slightly out of reach or in a clear container with a tight lid. Wait for toddler to request the objects, giving him or her a reason to communicate. Respond to his or her requests.

Toddler may become interested in “art activities.” Use large nontoxic crayons and a large pad of paper. Felt-tip markers are more exciting with their bright colors. Let toddler scribble own picture as you make one.

A favorite pull toy often is a small wagon or an old purse for collecting things. Toddler can practice putting objects in and out of it. It can also be used to store favorite items.

Make a picture book by putting common, simple pictures cut from magazines into a photo album. Toddler will enjoy photos of him or herself and family members. Pictures of pets are favorites, too.

Toddlers are interested in playing with balls. Use a beach or Nerf ball to roll, throw, and kick. You can also use balloons. Play a game to keep the balloon in the air. (If the balloon pops, make sure all the pieces are picked up to prevent choking.)

Play the “What’s that?” game by pointing to clothing, toys body parts, objects, or picture and asking the toddler to name them. If toddler doesn’t respond, name it for him or her and encourage imitation of the words.

Fill a plastic tub with cornmeal or oatmeal. Put in kitchen spoons, strainer, measuring cups, funnels, or plastic containers. Toddlers can fill, dump, pour and learn about textures and use of objects as tools. Tasting won’t be harmful.

Toddlers will begin putting objects together. Simple puzzles (separate pieces) with knobs are great. Putting keys into locks and letters into mailbox slots is fun too.

Get two containers (coffee cups or cereal bowls) that look the same and a small toy. Hide the toy under one container while toddler watches. Ask him or her, “Where did it go?” Eventually you can play the “old shell game.”

Help toddler sort objects into piles. He or she can help you sort laundry (put socks in one pile and shirts in another). Play “clean up” games. Have toddler put toys on specified shelves or boxes.

Save milk cartons, Jell-o or pudding boxes. Toddler can stack them to make towers. You can also stuff grocery bags with newspapers and tape them shut to make big blocks.

Lay out toddler’s clothes on the bed before dressing. Ask him or her to give you a shirt, pants, shoes, and socks. This is an easy way to learn the name of common items.