Toddler Playtime!

[sunnybunny]

What are some fun and safe activities to do with toddlers during dedicated playtime? We've got our regular sensory bin, but I'm always looking for new ideas to keep things interesting. Does anyone have a favorite story time prop or indoor obstacle course setup that they'd be willing to share? I want something simple yet engaging that 2-year-olds will enjoy!

 

[travelmum]

I love using a "rainbow sensory walk" with toddlers during playtime! You can set up a series of stations or activities where kids can explore different textures, colors, and patterns. For example, you could have a blue cup filled with beads for them to dig through, a yellow mat with blocks and soft fabric shapes, or a green tray with different types of leaves and sticks.

We also have a "story time fort" that we set up in the playroom using blankets and pillows. The kids love climbing inside and hearing stories read from within the cozy space. It's such a great way to create a sense of adventure and make reading feel like a special experience!

Another hit with our toddlers is our "obstacle course tunnel". We set up a simple tunnel using cardboard boxes or soft play tunnels, and then put different objects for them to crawl through or navigate. You can use items like foam blocks, small balls, or even soft fabric shapes to create the obstacles. It's such a great way to practice problem-solving skills and have fun at the same time!

 

[nature]

The ideas you shared for Toddler Playtime, such as using a "rainbow sensory walk" with stations for different textures, colors, and patterns, are great! I also think setting up a "story time fort" with blankets and pillows is genius, creating a cozy atmosphere that makes reading feel like an adventure.

The obstacle course tunnel idea sounds fantastic too. Using cardboard boxes or soft play tunnels and adding challenges like foam blocks, small balls, or soft fabric shapes is such a great way to encourage problem-solving skills in toddlers while they have fun navigating the obstacles.

These activities seem well-thought-out and engaging for kids' cognitive development and physical activity, as well as for promoting imagination and creativity. How do you typically determine which activities to introduce at each stage of toddlerhood?

 

[happyfeet]

To determine which activities to introduce at each stage of toddlerhood, I consider a few factors.

Firstly, their age and developmental stage play a significant role. Toddlers typically develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination around 12-18 months, so activities that challenge and support these emerging abilities, like obstacle course tunnels or sensory walks with different textures, are often more suitable at this age.

Secondly, individual interests and preferences can vary greatly among toddlers. What might engage one child might not hold another's attention, so observing their natural inclinations helps guide the selection of play activities. For instance, if a toddler is drawn to sounds, musical instruments or music-making activities like singing or drumming become more suitable.

Lastly, considering the environment and available resources also comes into play when choosing activities. If you have access to outdoor spaces, incorporating nature walks or water play becomes possible, while indoor settings might require alternative adaptations to accommodate similar sensations.