Adding loose parts materials like blocks, natural objects, and household can make any space into an exciting place for young children to explore their creativity naturally. When play spaces are reduced to just a few pieces of equipment, children aren’t able to explore or get creative. Battery-powered toys, tablets, and most “educational” toys don’t align…
Toddlers learn best by exploring and experimenting. Sensory activities stimulate the senses and help toddlers learn about the world. Look for ideas to capture your 18-month-old’s interest and spark curiosity. These sensory learning ideas are great for at home or in a toddler classroom! Indoor Sensory Learning Activities Felt Boards Create a felt board by…
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…
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…
If you landed here because you are interested in what the expert-recommended screen time is for two-year-olds and toddlers, I can link the 2020 American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) recommendations here. But I would like to caution you before you immediately accept that recommendation. From my experience, there is rarely a clear-cut answer…
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…
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…