Stuck for ideas to keep your little one busy at home? Here are a few that are a go-to for our home-based educators.
- Simon Says: This classic game helps with listening skills and following instructions. You can give simple commands like “Simon says touch your nose” or “Simon says jump up and down.” With music in the background, this game can provide entertainment for long periods of time.
- Puzzle Time: Toddlers love puzzles! Get some age-appropriate puzzles and spend time solving them together. It helps with problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Dress-Up: Gather some old clothes, hats, scarves and let your toddler play dress-up. Encourage imaginative play by pretending to be different characters or role-playing scenarios.
- Colour Sorting: Use coloured blocks, toys, or even snacks like fruit loops and have your toddler sort them by colour. It’s a great way to teach colours and develop fine motor skills. Colour sorting activities are among the many resources Home2Grow provides its educators to aid our play-based early learning curriculum.
- Obstacle Course: Create a simple obstacle course using pillows, cushions, chairs, and other household items. Let your toddler navigate through the course, crawling under, climbing over, and jumping across obstacles.
- Sensory Bins: Fill a container with items like rice, beans, water, or sand, and add toys or objects for your toddler to explore. Sensory bins are great for stimulating the senses and encouraging tactile exploration.
- Story Time: Read books together and engage your toddler by asking questions about the story or the pictures. You can also encourage them to act out parts of the story or make up their own endings.
- Music and Dance: Put on some music and have a dance party with your toddler. Encourage them to move and groove to the music, or give them simple instruments like shakers or drums to play along.
- Shape Hunt: Hide cut-out shapes around the house and have your toddler go on a shape hunt. Once they find a shape, encourage them to name it and identify its characteristics.
- Nature Walk: Take a walk around your neighbourhood or in a nearby park and explore nature together. Point out different plants, animals, and natural elements, and encourage your toddler to ask questions and observe their surroundings.
Remember to keep activities age-appropriate and always supervise your toddler during playtime. The most important thing is to have fun and spend quality time together.
