example, when an activity requires cutting out pictures, you can let your older toddler help you. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to involve your child more. You might let him stir the batter in a cooking activity or help set up the boundaries for a game.
Keep Activities Open-Ended
Whenever possible, look for activities that encourage your child to make choices. For example, the main goal of art experiences for young children is to promote creativity and emotional expression. There is very little value in having your child follow a rigid pattern to create something that looks just like the thing you or anyone else could make.
In the world of childhood art, boats may look like bananas, cats may have three eyes, and the sky can be orange. In the world of childhood games, someone may be “it” twice in a row, and it is okay to pin the tail on the donkey’s head. When rigid rules and restrictions are lifted, the real fun begins!
CHAPTER 2
Activities Throughout the Day
There may be times when you have the leisure to plan activities in advance for your toddler. However, there will certainly be many other times when you need to come up with something fun to occupy your toddler on the spot. The activities in this chapter are designed to fit into your normal daily routine without much effort or planning. You will find ways to entertain and involve your young child and to make any ordinary day more pleasurable for both you and your toddler.
Morning-Time Activities
Start your day on the right foot! These activities can help with routines and promote bonding with your toddler. Follow your child’s lead; if they are not a “morning person” they will not enjoy too much stimulation early in the day.
Down by the Banks
Add some pizzazz and excitement the next time you bounce your little one on your knee.
Activity for an individual child
Age group: 18–40 months
Duration of activity: 5 minutes
Chant the following words and use the corresponding actions:
Down by the banks of the Wanky Swanky
(bounce child on knees)
Where the bullfrogs jump from bank to banky
(lift child from one to knee to the other)
With a hip, hop, and hippity hop
(bounce child on knees)
They jump off the lily pad and land kerplop!
(lower child between your knees)
Matching Sock Game
Here is a fun way to promote classification skills. Don’t be afraid to include your socks in this game.
Activity for an individual child
Age group: 18–40 months
Duration of activity: 10 minutes
Socks of different colors and patterns
Place a pile of loose socks on the floor in front of your child.
Encourage your child to sort the socks by color or pattern.
Wake Up Tickles
Adjust the intensity of your touch to suit your child.
Some children find tickling to be an unpleasant sensation.
Activity for an individual child
Age group: 12–40 months
Duration of activity: 5 minutes
Slowly wake your child by gently tickling parts of his body. Start with extremities such as fingers and toes and work toward his belly.
Tiptoe
Young children will enjoy the overexaggerated sense of suspense.
Activity for an individual child
Age group: 18–40 months
Duration of activity: 5 minutes
Encourage your children to creep or tiptoe throughout the house as they get ready for the day.
You may wish to whisper and add to the excitement by pretending not to wake a sleeping giant or family member.
Bath-Time Activities
Bath time can be very soothing and calm. But there’s also a dark side to getting clean—bath time can also be stressful, marked by battles and tantrums. It is not uncommon for children to resist the need to take a bath. Young toddlers often worry that they can slip down the drain. You can help make this a better experience with a very simple first step and just ensure that the water is a comfortable temperature. You will also find it helpful if you avoid rushing this routine and take the time to make things fun with these activities. To ensure the safety of your
Keep Activities Open-Ended
Whenever possible, look for activities that encourage your child to make choices. For example, the main goal of art experiences for young children is to promote creativity and emotional expression. There is very little value in having your child follow a rigid pattern to create something that looks just like the thing you or anyone else could make.
In the world of childhood art, boats may look like bananas, cats may have three eyes, and the sky can be orange. In the world of childhood games, someone may be “it” twice in a row, and it is okay to pin the tail on the donkey’s head. When rigid rules and restrictions are lifted, the real fun begins!
CHAPTER 2
Activities Throughout the Day
There may be times when you have the leisure to plan activities in advance for your toddler. However, there will certainly be many other times when you need to come up with something fun to occupy your toddler on the spot. The activities in this chapter are designed to fit into your normal daily routine without much effort or planning. You will find ways to entertain and involve your young child and to make any ordinary day more pleasurable for both you and your toddler.
Morning-Time Activities
Start your day on the right foot! These activities can help with routines and promote bonding with your toddler. Follow your child’s lead; if they are not a “morning person” they will not enjoy too much stimulation early in the day.
Down by the Banks
Add some pizzazz and excitement the next time you bounce your little one on your knee.
Activity for an individual child
Age group: 18–40 months
Duration of activity: 5 minutes
Chant the following words and use the corresponding actions:
Down by the banks of the Wanky Swanky
(bounce child on knees)
Where the bullfrogs jump from bank to banky
(lift child from one to knee to the other)
With a hip, hop, and hippity hop
(bounce child on knees)
They jump off the lily pad and land kerplop!
(lower child between your knees)
Matching Sock Game
Here is a fun way to promote classification skills. Don’t be afraid to include your socks in this game.
Activity for an individual child
Age group: 18–40 months
Duration of activity: 10 minutes
Socks of different colors and patterns
Place a pile of loose socks on the floor in front of your child.
Encourage your child to sort the socks by color or pattern.
Wake Up Tickles
Adjust the intensity of your touch to suit your child.
Some children find tickling to be an unpleasant sensation.
Activity for an individual child
Age group: 12–40 months
Duration of activity: 5 minutes
Slowly wake your child by gently tickling parts of his body. Start with extremities such as fingers and toes and work toward his belly.
Tiptoe
Young children will enjoy the overexaggerated sense of suspense.
Activity for an individual child
Age group: 18–40 months
Duration of activity: 5 minutes
Encourage your children to creep or tiptoe throughout the house as they get ready for the day.
You may wish to whisper and add to the excitement by pretending not to wake a sleeping giant or family member.
Bath-Time Activities
Bath time can be very soothing and calm. But there’s also a dark side to getting clean—bath time can also be stressful, marked by battles and tantrums. It is not uncommon for children to resist the need to take a bath. Young toddlers often worry that they can slip down the drain. You can help make this a better experience with a very simple first step and just ensure that the water is a comfortable temperature. You will also find it helpful if you avoid rushing this routine and take the time to make things fun with these activities. To ensure the safety of your
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