A toddler plays with blocks during a cognitive activity.

Cognitive Activities: Ideas for Toddlers 1 to 3 Years Old

As a developmental therapist working in early intervention, I’m excited to share my favorite cognitive activities for toddlers aged 1 to 3. These fun and developmentally appropriate activities can be enjoyed at home or in the classroom. Support toddlers’ cognitive development with interactive activities that enhance executive function and problem-solving. Cognitive Development Cognitive development is…

Best Imagination Games for Imaginative, Creative Toddlers

Best Imagination Games for Imaginative, Creative Toddlers

Building imagination skills leads to a lifetime of creativity. Explore these 8 types of imagination games for toddlers and find the activities that will give your child a creative outlet. Each type of imagination game includes several play-based imaginative activities to use in the classroom or at home. What are Imagination Games? Imagination games are…

Child playing on a balance board during a sensory activity.

Vestibular and Proprioceptive Sensory-Seeking Play: What to Know

Updated: November 20, 2023 The vestibular and proprioceptive systems use sensory input to connect the body to the brain. These senses help the brain and body balance, coordinate movement, and respond to the environment. Key Points As a developmental therapist, I partner with occupational therapists to bring appropriate vestibular and proprioceptive sensory-seeking play into therapy…

How to Stop Losing Patience with Your Toddler (and have more quality time instead)

How to Stop Losing Patience with Your Toddler (and have more quality time instead)

During my experience working in early childhood education, I have heard how parents wish they had more patience, lost their tempers less, and felt less frustrated. It is overwhelming to keep up with the invisible labor of running a household, supporting your toddler’s development, and not losing your patience in the process. So how can we…

Raise an Environmental Steward: Build a Love of Nature Early

Raise an Environmental Steward: Build a Love of Nature Early

Environmental stewardship involves preserving natural environments through conservation and sustainable practices. Children need to spend time outdoors in order to build a relationship with nature. Maybe it’s all the early childhood trainings I have attended, but I have repeatedly had to do this specific activity. Everyone closes their eyes and focuses on their favorite childhood…

A child stands on rocks that he climbed during risk-taking play.

Brave Kids: The Ultimate Guide to Risk-Taking Play

Updated: November 12, 2023 Risk-taking play, also known as dangerous or risky play, is a natural part of children’s play. Risk-taking play is a type of play where children test physical abilities with climbing, jumping, balancing, moving fast, moving heavy objects, and rough-and-tumble play. Key Points Risk-Taking Play Definition Risk-taking play, also called dangerous or…