Playing with 1-2 year old toddlers

WHAT YOU CAN DO AND LOOK OUT FOR

- Give your child objects to put into containers.

This is excellent for the development of her/his eye-hand coordination.

- Give your toddler things to stack up.

She/he should try to stack things until they fall down.

- Ask simple questions and respond their attempts to talk.

She/he should be willing to interact by responding further questions.

- Talk about everyday scenarios, such as nature, pictures and things around you.

Notice your toddler move around and be willing to explore the environment.

- Encourage learning by watching what she/he does and naming it, “you are filling the boxes”.

She/he will be happy to show you what she/he learned and will gain self-esteem.

- Play and help with your toddler, “let’s do it together, here are more stones to put into your box”.

These activities should make her/him happy and more confident.

- Take advantage of every opportunity to engage in a conversation with your toddler, including feeding or bathing.

Soon she/he should start to understand what you're saying and follow simple directions.

- Play simple word games, “where is your toe?” or “where is the bird?”. Look at pictures and talk about what you see.

She/he should be increasingly curious and willing to communicate what she/he sees and hears.