Toddlers are always bursting with energy that never seem to end. They may still look like babies but these kids are old enough to explore and discover new things. With the right toys, these toddlers will easily learn new concepts during playtime.
• Balls. One of the simplest toys there is, balls are often underestimated as toys for toddlers. Playing ball is not only an effective form of exercise but it develops motor skills, balance, and hand-eye coordination as well. Additionally, having your toddler play ball with other kids will introduce him to the concepts of teamwork and sportsmanship.
• Push and pull toys. Toddlers are always on the go and push and pull toys cater to this need for mobility. Buy toys that are stable and, preferably, with music. That way, not only does your toddler develop his motor skills, but he can also coordinate his moves with the music.
• Ride-ons. Like push and pull toys, ride-ons help toddlers develop their sense of balance and coordination. Ride-ons do not have pedals like bicycles do and this helps build stronger muscles which your toddler will need for running, jumping, and other activities.
• Stacking blocks or cups. Building high towers from stacking blocks or cups develop hand-eye coordination. For younger toddlers, it’s best to choose blocks made of plastic or foam so it won’t hurt when everything comes tumbling down. Meanwhile, wooden blocks are most suited for older toddlers.
• Simple puzzles. Hand-eye coordination also a skill that is developed by playing puzzles. Moreover, puzzles teach toddlers learning concepts such as letters, numbers, shapes, colors, depending on the puzzle that is being played.
• Shape sorters. More than learning about shapes and colors, shape sorters can teach toddlers about the concepts of “cause and effect” and “in and out.” For older toddlers, you can go way beyond the basic square, circle, rectangle, and triangle. Introduce him to more sophisticated shapes such as pentagons, ovals, and octagons.
• Stuffed toys. Develop your toddler’s emotional skills with stuffed dolls and animals. These toys are very useful in teaching lessons about good manners and friendship. Likewise, the way your toddler interacts with his stuffed toy may reflect your very own parenting style. Do you hug your youngster often? Then, don’t be surprised when he hugs his stuffed toys at playtime.
• Costume and props for role play. Encourage your toddler’s imagination by role playing. Costumes need not be bought and may be made from scratch. Making costumes for role play is, in fact, a good time for an arts and craft project. You can also opt to improvise using clothes from your closet and things in your kitchen or bedroom.
• Art materials. Aside from boosting creativity, your toddler’s fine motor skills can be developed through drawing and coloring pictures. Choose pencils and crayons that are big, fat, and non-toxic. You may also prefer ones that are easily erased just in case the scribbles go way past the paper.
• Books. Reading, for toddlers, doesn’t mean having them literally read-out the words that they see. Looking at and recognizing objects from pictures are already enough to be classified as a reading activity. It would be best to read to or read along with your young child to expose him to the world of numbers and letters.
• Balls. One of the simplest toys there is, balls are often underestimated as toys for toddlers. Playing ball is not only an effective form of exercise but it develops motor skills, balance, and hand-eye coordination as well. Additionally, having your toddler play ball with other kids will introduce him to the concepts of teamwork and sportsmanship.
• Push and pull toys. Toddlers are always on the go and push and pull toys cater to this need for mobility. Buy toys that are stable and, preferably, with music. That way, not only does your toddler develop his motor skills, but he can also coordinate his moves with the music.
• Ride-ons. Like push and pull toys, ride-ons help toddlers develop their sense of balance and coordination. Ride-ons do not have pedals like bicycles do and this helps build stronger muscles which your toddler will need for running, jumping, and other activities.
• Stacking blocks or cups. Building high towers from stacking blocks or cups develop hand-eye coordination. For younger toddlers, it’s best to choose blocks made of plastic or foam so it won’t hurt when everything comes tumbling down. Meanwhile, wooden blocks are most suited for older toddlers.
• Simple puzzles. Hand-eye coordination also a skill that is developed by playing puzzles. Moreover, puzzles teach toddlers learning concepts such as letters, numbers, shapes, colors, depending on the puzzle that is being played.
• Shape sorters. More than learning about shapes and colors, shape sorters can teach toddlers about the concepts of “cause and effect” and “in and out.” For older toddlers, you can go way beyond the basic square, circle, rectangle, and triangle. Introduce him to more sophisticated shapes such as pentagons, ovals, and octagons.
• Stuffed toys. Develop your toddler’s emotional skills with stuffed dolls and animals. These toys are very useful in teaching lessons about good manners and friendship. Likewise, the way your toddler interacts with his stuffed toy may reflect your very own parenting style. Do you hug your youngster often? Then, don’t be surprised when he hugs his stuffed toys at playtime.
• Costume and props for role play. Encourage your toddler’s imagination by role playing. Costumes need not be bought and may be made from scratch. Making costumes for role play is, in fact, a good time for an arts and craft project. You can also opt to improvise using clothes from your closet and things in your kitchen or bedroom.
• Art materials. Aside from boosting creativity, your toddler’s fine motor skills can be developed through drawing and coloring pictures. Choose pencils and crayons that are big, fat, and non-toxic. You may also prefer ones that are easily erased just in case the scribbles go way past the paper.
• Books. Reading, for toddlers, doesn’t mean having them literally read-out the words that they see. Looking at and recognizing objects from pictures are already enough to be classified as a reading activity. It would be best to read to or read along with your young child to expose him to the world of numbers and letters.
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