Simple, fun play Ideas at Home with Your Toddler
As we begin another week of staying at home, I’ve put
together a list of some fun activities for the kids. These are geared toward
preschool kids who may not be filling their days with homeschool work. Some of
these activities are fun for all ages though! Most are what we've been doing at
home to enjoy time with our 2-year old daughter!
THE IDEAS ARE SIMPLE AND USE ITEMS FROM YOUR HOME!
The ideas I recommend most of all...
-Getting outside for some part of each day! Even if
it’s raining consider getting wet and stomping in some puddles!
-Music and dancing! Now is a great time to introduce
your children to more of your favorite music and dance with them to their
favorite tunes!
Don’t forget the props! A spatula is a great microphone
and 2 spoons make for great wipers for the wheels on the bus!
-Reading! Reading! Reading!
The following activities support development across all
domains. These domains include; Cognition, Language, Social-Emotional,
Physical, Self-Help as well as some sensory play! You know your child best of
all, so see where you can get creative with some of these ideas...
1.FLASHLIGHT
Create all sorts of fun!
2.MAKE WATERCOLOR PAINT
Squeeze paint in a cup and mix it up with water. Instead
of a paper and paintbrush use a paper towel and medicine dropper
3.MAKE YOUR OWN PLAY-DOH
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup of water
few drops natural food coloring
add glitter at the end (optional)
mix and cook on low Stir frequently 3-5 minutes
Let cool!
*For gluten-free replace flour with 1/2 cup rice flour
& 1/2 cup non- GMO Cornstarch
4.SCIENCE FUN
Baking soda on an aluminum tray
vinegar in a cup or cups (mix some paint or natural food
color)
medicine dropper
squirt the vinegar mixture onto the baking soda
5.WHEELBARROW PUZZLES
Here is a way to get more movement!
Set an empty puzzle about 6 feet from the puzzle pieces.
Lift your child's legs and walk them like a wheelbarrow as they bring a piece
of a puzzle to complete the puzzle.
6.ICE SKATING
Cut a paper plate in half and use your kitchen floor for
the rink!
You can pull the younger kids around "The
rink"!
7.WATER PLAY
2 bowls/water/towel/spoon/small toys/soap/get creative!
1 bowl with water and one without
Have fun! Follow your child's lead...
8.DRESS UP
Pull out some of your own clothe and don't forget the
socks and shoes!
9.LETTER LEARNING
Draw (thick) letters on paper or index cards.
Bring out cotton balls, beans, pasta, pipe-cleaners,
playdoh, or even pebbles or sticks you collect on your outdoor time.
Have your child glue/mold the letters with these objects.
10.MATCHING
Category Match -Collect items from different
categories (food, animals, clothing) and allow your child to sort them into
where they belong
Matching "Same" items- Put one of each
out and have your child match (socks, blocks, spoons, paintbrushes, get
creative!)
Matching "What goes together?" -Have
your children match things that go together (cup and straw, toothpaste and
toothbrush, bowl and spoon, sock and shoe, crayon and paper, get creative!)
**Put out 3 objects at a time
11.DRESSING
Since we aren’t in a rush to get out the door, this is a
great time to work on un/dressing, putting on coats, socks and shoes and foster
independence in those who are still learning these skills.
12.HOUSEHOLD CHORES
Need to get household work done? Young children love
to be included in this work. If it takes longer to get it done than usual, even
better!
-Guide your child to pour the detergent and push the buttons on the washer/dryer
-Guide your child to find and match socks while you fold
* Use the
laundry basket as a train or boat when you’re done!
-Guide your child to put their clothes away in drawers
(socks, underwear PJs, etc.., real-life sorting!)
-Guide your child to water the plants
13.COOKING/MEAL PREP
Let your child help in the kitchen
Some examples.
-Do it yourself
pizzas
-Mixing, pouring
-Washing/drying tables
14.WATER PLAY
2 bowls/water/towel/spoon/small toys/soap/cups get
creative!
Fill 1 bowl with water and leave the other empty
Have fun! Follow your child's lead...
15.CUPCAKES
Using a cupcake tray and kitchen tongs have your child grasp cotton balls or small objects and fill the trays
Sitting with your child and following their lead can take you on some fun journeys as well
without you having to come up with ideas!!!!!
Look out for all your favorite classes offered online!
Try something new like virtual kids yoga!
I hope these ideas are helpful and add some fun to your week! Enjoy this time with your child!
Stay healthy and safe!
Warmly,
Dana Bianco
M.A. SPecEd, Certified Parent Coach