Toddlers at this age are going to be hard to stop! Encourage them to explore the playground and to play with one another. Let them decide what they want to play with and introduce the vocabulary that goes along with it. “That is a soccer ball. Do you want to kick it to me?”
As the children are exploring, they are learning to define what they like and don’t. They are gaining control, learning to express their emotions, getting used to unfamiliar adults and learning how to interact with peers. They are developing their oral language skills and helping them to understand how to communicate. Also, they are developing their fine and gross motor skills.
Go outside on a nature walk and see what kinds of plants and animals you can find. Point out a grasshopper or a flower starting to bloom. When you return inside, read a book about one of the things you saw on your hike.
As the children explore the outside, they are also working on their fine motor skills. Let them get down on the ground to observe what is going on. They will enjoy listening to a book about the things they have seen, and will begin to associate the correct vocabulary.
Once the children in your care begin to toddle, hold on to their fingers and let them lead the way around the playground. If they are able, let go of one hand and help them find their balance. Greet other children and encourage the children to say hi to them, too.
This new adventure will allow the children to see their world from a whole new perspective. They will build their coordination and gross motor skills as they explore the world around them. They will come to trust you and other adults who help them learn to walk. Talking about what they are doing will help them put words to their newest trick.