Toddler Activities
Many parents worry about preparing toddlers for reading and other academic skills and activities that we do not focus enough on other areas which are as important for early learning. The main developmental skills for your toddler, and ways to incorporate them into your every day interactions are: Following Directions- Give toddlers experience with success by beginning with simple commands such as asking them to bring you specific items, to drop toys into a toy box, or to pull off their socks are good ways to starter. This approach helps to develop responsibility and self-help skills. Some toddlers may need you to physically “walk them” through the request the first time. As toddlers get more confident at processing and responding to verbal requests, try two-step directions. Remember to give lots of praise. Taking Turns and Sharing- This is one of the toughest social skills for toddlers to master. Give your toddler lots of exposure to both structured and unstructured play opportunities with other children. Use the words “Share” and “Turn” often in conversation with toddlers so they understand the importance of these concepts. Physically practicing skills helps cement them for toddlers, so structure and facilitate many turn-taking experiences for them. Use educational games or toys to practice this skill. Or, demonstrate the concept with two dolls and a spoon (“One bite for this doll. Now it’s her turn. One bite for her. Now it’s his turn.”) Have your child alternate “feeding the dolls” to help crystallize the concept. Praise them for their patience. Attention Span- This is one of the most important skills for later school success. Encourage toddlers to gradually increase time spent on an activity before moving to another. Try making verbal suggestions about other play options for a specific toy before getting out something else. Focus is also sharpened when toddlers are able to occupy themselves, so don’t feel the need to entertain them every minute of the day. Start with small increments of time and work from there. Verbally reinforce when toddlers are playing well by themselves. Be extremely careful with TV time. No screen time at all for children under two, and limited time from that point on. The goal is for toddlers to learn to engage themselves in activity, rather than learning to need TV to entertain them. Problem Solving- It’s amazing what even the littlest of children are motivated to figure out in toddler activities. Capitalize on this by giving toddlers time and support to solve problems with increasing levels of independence. Ask them to locate a toy that has fallen behind a sofa or to upright a small chair that has been knocked over. Encourage them to try again or try something else if their initial attempt doesn’t work. Help them work through frustration by demonstrating confidence in their abilities, and by praising their effort as well at the outcome. Persistence and Frustration Tolerance- Toddlers frustrate easily. They often want to do things their bodies aren’t quite able to do yet. Rather than stepping in and doing it for them right away, provide support. Arrange their task so that it is achievable for them (for example - move the toy closer so they can reach it, partially unscrew the lid so they can pull it off the rest of the way, etc.) Build their confidence by helping them learn to overcome difficulties rather than giving up. Verbally encourage them to try again when things don’t work out, and let them see you doing the same. All of these points are vitial in toddler activities. This will form the essential parts of your toddlers development, the learning capacity and also their social skills. Author Anthony http://www.all-about-toddlers.com
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