7 Fun Activities for Toddlers that Encourage Development

Kids are like sponges when it comes to playing games and doing fun things. Toddlers in particular are ready to learn as much as you can teach them. Through the use of activities and games, kids learn about themselves and the world around them. Games help to foster hand-eye coordination, speech, and problem-solving skills. Before you turn on cartoons for the kids, consider playing these games instead:

7 Fun Activities for Toddlers that Encourage Development

Pretend Play or Make Believe

Whether you buy a pretend kitchen or give your children a pile of clothes to play dress-up with, you should encourage pretend play games for your kids. This encourages creativity and also helps with problem-solving skills. Pretend play is an integral part of every child’s development.

Eyes-Nose-Fingers-Toes

There are several interactive nursery rhymes that help children identify their body parts. No matter which one you choose to use, be sure to sing and act out the song with your children. Not only will they learn about their own bodies, but they will be able to work on their motor skills as well.

Hide-and-Seek

No childhood is complete without mastering hide-and-seek. This game encourages problem-solving skills, counting, and helps with memory as well. It’s a fun game that is full of educational benefits. You can start out by teaching your child to count to three, then five, and continue until he or she has learned to count to ten as a starting point.

Playing with Blocks

Toddlers may still be at the age when they like to knock block towers over, but learning to build with blocks teaches spatial relations, fine and gross motor skills, and cause-and-effect. Play with your child to help him or her learn how to stack tall towers. You can even have a “contest” to see who can build the tallest one. Remember, it’s OK to let your child win at this one.

Sorting Games

When playing with blocks or other toys, practice sorting by color and size with your child. You can turn this into a game while teaching concepts about sizes (which is bigger) and colors (can you find the other red blocks). This helps with a number of development skills.

Sing Songs with Hand Movements

Songs like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “I’m a Little Teapot” encourage a love of music while improving fine motor skills. Soon, your toddler will be singing the songs and acting out the movements without your prompts.

Play with Textures

Arts and crafts games are particularly helpful for toddlers. Pipe cleaners, finger paints, and play dough give your child a chance to learn about different textures and helps develop creativity and fine motor skills.

While playing is fun for toddlers, it can be educational too. Incorporate these seven fun activities for toddlers into your daily routine, and watch your child learn and grow before your eyes.