Cozy Corner
A cozy corner is a great place for me to go when I feel like I need some quiet time, when I want some cuddle time, or when I am feeling overwhelmed by my emotions. I can go to my…
Nurses and Doctors
Sometimes, visiting a big place with lots of strangers can be scary, especially if I see people who are sick, or who are hurting. If I am not ready, please leave me with a trusted adult so that I won’t…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Act it Out
I love when I get to imagine and be creative in my play! Keep a box of old clothes and items for props that I can play pretend with. You can include things like scarves, hats, backpacks, and containers, even…
Kitchen Band
A fun thing for me to do when you are in the kitchen is to play with my kitchen band! What is that? It is a collection of pots and pans you don’t mind that I play with, rubber storage…
Busy Hands
I love to touch things and see what happens. I want to turn knobs, push buttons, open boxes, and turn pages. Find ways for me to get busy with my hands. You may want to buy some toddler-safe finger paint…
Let’s Dance!
Put some music on and let’s dance together! Help me experience the joy of movement. Show me how to bounce in time with the beat or clap my hands. No music available? We can sing and dance! We will be…
Singing and Rhyming
Have you noticed how I love it when you sing with me? I love the rhythm of words, like those found in fun songs, nursery rhymes, and toddler books. If I know the song and start to sing along, pause…
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…
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…
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…
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…