Tell your toddler that you want to play catch with him. Make sure that you have a ball that is easy for him to grip. Encourage him by saying, “Good catch,” or “Nice throw.” If needed, move closer and say, “Let’s try again.” While playing, help him use words to explain what he is doing. For instance, if he says, “Ball,” say, “Yes, we are playing with a ball.”
This activity will help your toddler show more awareness of herself and her abilities, use an increasing number of words, start to understand and use common rules of speech, and show increased coordination.
Allow your toddler to explore and play in the sand box. Give him a shovel and different sized containers or buckets. If he asks, or looks to you for help, show him how to use the shovel and fill the containers with sand. Demonstrate how he can pour the sand from one container to another.
This activity will help your toddler show more awareness of himself and his abilities and help him to explore on his own. It will also help your child to follow directions, see the result of his actions, and develop his eye-hand coordination.
Encourage your toddler to climb, crawl, and walk on the playground equipment. Help to lead him to try new equipment and to play with other children. Watch to make sure he is safe, but allow him to try things on his own. Stay close enough that you are available for help if needed.
This activity will help your toddler show more awareness of herself and her abilities and ask for help when needed. It will also allow her to explore while having the security of a trusted adult and enter into play with other children at her own speed. Completing this activity will also help your child to use an increasing number of words and help her to show increased balance and coordination in activities.