Quiet Play
Sometimes, I need to be quiet and slow down my activity. What can we do when I need to be quiet? How about looking at books, listening to recorded stories, or drawing pictures? I can grow my imagination and develop…
Activity Bag
I am getting to be so big! Sometimes you might be fooled into thinking I am all grown up! But I still don’t have the ability to sit still for long periods of time. An activity bag is just the…
I Know You
When we get to talk on the phone, or talk over the computer, I feel like you don’t always know what to say to me. I am so little, and I don’t have many words to share with you yet.…
What Can We Do with This?
Let’s be creative! Let’s take recyclable items and see what we can do with them! Old yogurt cups can become building blocks for a tower or a place for us to plant seeds I can watch grow. Water bottles can…
Hand in Hand
Make a great keepsake, and help me to remember my parent who is getting ready to deploy! You can use either white Crayola Model Magic Clay™ or other moldable materials such as plaster of Paris, available at most craft stores.…
Play-by-Play
When you know I am not tired or hungry, a good game for us to play is “Play-by-Play.” It’s easy! Put me on my tummy. It is OK to have a few of my favorite toys near me. You need…
Let’s Take Turns
Help me learn how to take turns and share. I can practice when I am with my friends, and I can practice with you, too! When we have cookies, have me take them to everyone in the room and offer…
Dream of Me
If I am old enough to scribble, I will have lots of fun making this project. If I am not old enough to scribble, I can still do this project but will need lots of help. Take 2 pillowcases—white or…
That Looks Like Fun!
Getting to know you may take me a little time. This is a great way to help me get over being shy or hesitant to play with you. Get down on the floor and start playing with my toys. Act…
Say It with Music
“Freeze” and “Hokey Pokey” are fun musical games. When I play it with you, I have to listen and follow directions. I also learn new words and sounds. I am moving, exercising my body. I think you will enjoy watching…
Look How Big I Am!
I am growing so fast. When my parent deploys, I want to make sure you remember me especially since I am changing so fast! This is a two-part activity; the first takes place before deployment, and the second takes place…
Running, Climbing, and Action!
Games like “Ring Around the Rosy” and “London Bridge” encourage me to move, sing, listen, and take turns. Try creating an obstacle course for me to run with you. Put on some music and march with me like we are…
Won’t You Be My Friend?
Toddlers learn a lot by watching and playing with other children. If you invite one of my friends over to play, take me to the park to play, or join a play group in our community I will have lots…
Sing a Little Song to Think of Me
Did you know music is one of the best ways to trigger our memories? You can help me think about you and remember you by singing a song with me! Pick any simple song, a silly song or a loving…
Let’s Do It Again, and Again, and Again
I love repetition! It helps me learn how things work. I might fill a pail and dump it over and over again to learn about empty/full. Or I might want to put a lid on a container, then take it…
