Use these activities to learn with your child every day!
Activities for Infants
10m
Creativity
Paint Play
Pour small amounts of paint into clear plastic bags that can be sealed; make sure the bags don’t have holes
Release the air out of the bags so they are flat. Lay them on a table in front of your child.
Have your child watch as you use your fingers to make lines and shapes on top of the bags.
Encourage your child to make lines and shapes on top of the bags.
15m
Physical
Learning to Stand
Once I have great control of my head and neck, help me learn how to stand by supporting me through the following stages of standing.
First, help me "stand" while you hold me up.
Lift me into a standing position, and hold my chest and back.
Gently bounce me to the beat of the music and see if I'll start bouncing myself.
Next, help me stand by holding onto low and sturdy furniture (like my crib rails, a coffee table, or the seat of a chair or couch.)
Finally, encourage me to pull myself up into a standing position.
Ask me to pull up and climb into your lap for a hug.
Place a favorite toy on the edge of a low table to encourage me to use the table to stand.
Activities for Toddlers
10m
Math
Nesting Four Boxes
Gather four boxes of different sizes that fit inside one another, or "nest." (They can be shoe boxes, jewelry boxes, square food storage containers, or a square nesting toy.)
At first, give me two boxes with very different sizes. Let me explore how they fit together.
Then, introduce a third and fourth box. See if I can nest all 4 boxes inside one another.
If I need a hint, try lining the boxes up side by side from smallest to largest.
15m
Social Studies
My Cultural Traditions
Tell your child about the cultural group(s) that your child belongs to. Explain to your child that a cultural group is a set of people who do similar things.
Gather items from your cultural group(s) that your child can touch and explore. Examples:
photographs
food
Talk about why those items are important to your family's culture, and how they relate to your customs, traditions, or holidays.
Encourage your child to interact with the items and ask questions about them.
Use these activities to learn with your child every day!
Activities for Infants
10m
Social-Emotional Learning
Making You Smile
I'm learning that some things I do can bring attention, smiles, and laughter from others.
Give me positive reinforcement when I:
Give a person or a toy a kiss
Stack blocks, or drop them in a bin
Some great ways to give me positive attention:
Smiling and laughing
Hugs and kisses
If I do something funny, but it's not a behavior you want me to repeat, do your best not to laugh. It can be so tough, but if I see that you think it's funny, I'm likely to do it again (and again).
15m
Science
Experimenting with Gravity
Gather toys that are okay for me to drop (balls, stuffed animals, crumpled paper, tissues, etc.) and a box or basket to catch them in.
Sit with me in a chair, and encourage me to drop the different items into the box. Describe how the different items fall.
Throughout the day, let me 'help' drop other things, like: clothes in a laundry basket, trash into a trashcan, or bath toys into the tub.
I might be in a "dropping stage" right now, and sometimes you might not want me to be experimenting with gravity (like when I'm eating and I drop food or spoons on purpose!).
During those times, try not to react strongly to my dropping, which will encourage me to continue.
Matter-of-factly remove the object and distract me. Don't try to reason with me, I'm still too young to understand rules.
Activities for Toddlers
Varies
Approaches to Learning
Playing Independently
Watch me when I'm playing alone and notice the types of toys that hold my attention the longest. Some toys that many kids my age enjoy:
Blocks or empty boxes
Dolls, stuffed animals, and accessories (play bottles, clothes, etc.)
I might need some changes to my play environment to help me focus. Too many toys can be overwhelming. Noises like people talking or TV in the background can be distracting.
Play with me to help keep me on task. Over time, reduce your interaction with me so I can play by myself for longer.
I learn most by doing and experiencing. Try to provide toys and materials that help me use my imagination.
10m
Health & Wellness
Learning to Button
Encourage me to practice buttoning large buttons (about 1" in diameter).
If I'm wearing clothing with large front buttons, help me practice on my own clothes. Teach me to start buttoning from the bottom, so I'll match the button to the correct buttonhole.
I can also practice on doll clothing, or you can make me a practice button. Sew a large button onto fabric, leaving about a half inch between the button and clothing. Cut a buttonhole slightly bigger than the button.
Use these activities to learn with your child every day!
Activities for Infants
5m
Language & Literacy
Saying "Hi" and "Bye"
Play a hi/bye game by saying "hi" and "bye" to:
Cars on the street.
Animals passing by.
Model saying "hi" and "bye" throughout the day. I learn from watching you.
Invite me to try saying (or waving) "hi" and "bye" throughout the day.
Keep it fun and low pressure. It can be harder for me to answer if I feel like I need to "perform."
15m
Creativity
Sounds Around Me
Gather some objects that make noise (like: rattle, bell, two blocks to bang together, crinkly paper, musical instrument, etc.).
Hold an object out of your baby's sight and make a gentle sound with it.
Describe your baby's reactions to the sound, what the sound is like, and what the sound reminds you of. Show the object to your baby.
Repeat with the same object a few times, then move on to something new.
Activities for Toddlers
5m
Math
Doing Dishes
Together you and your child can decide how you will sort the dishes.
Ask your child if there are more cups or more plates.
Ask your child if there are more spoons than cups.
Put all the dishes together and sort in a different way. Repeat the questions asked above. Sort by size, color or dish type.
15m
Math
Snack Addition
Put 6 small pieces of food (like cereal) on a plate. Group them into two groups of 3. Count each group out loud for your child, pointing to each piece of food as you count.
Ask your child to combine the two smaller groups into one big group.
Count the total of the big group, pointing to each piece of food as you count.
Repeat, using different groups that add up to 6 (5+1, 4+2) . When you're done playing, eat your snack!
Use these activities to learn with your child every day!
Activities for Infants
5m
Social-Emotional Learning
First Fears
Notice if I seemed to have developed any fears. Common fears at this age include:
animals
vacuum cleaners or other household appliances
Remember that my fears might seem silly or unlikely to your adult brain, but they feel very real to me. I'll feel understood and important if you acknowledge my fears.
Try to interpret my fears into simple words and add a reassuring comment.
Know that most of my fears will be "just a phase," and as I get older I'll be less afraid.
5m
Language & Literacy
Learning to Say Your Names
Play "peek-a-boo" emphasizing your name.
When you hear me babble my name for you, respond with delight! This is how I learn that my vocalizations mean something.
Throughout the day, point to yourself while emphasizing your name. Like: "You gave Tia a kiss!"
When I begin to say your name on purpose, I may be trying to ask you something. Try interpreting my thoughts aloud, like: "Oh, it looks like you need help with that. Daadee's coming."
Activities for Toddlers
20m
Creativity
Fruit and Veggie Stamps
Set up your work area:
Cover your work surface with plastic or newspaper if the surface requires protection.
Get a bib or apron for your child.
Buy or make a few pureed foods with bright colors, such as pureed beets, carrots, berries, or spinach. These will be edible paints. Put the purees in plastic bowls or cups.
Cut a few fruits and vegetables (like: potatoes, apples, celery, bell pepper, cucumber, carrot) so they have a flat surface.
Model dipping and stamping the halves of these foods into the edible paints onto paper. Encourage your child to do the same!
10m
Language & Literacy
Repeat After Me
Tell your child you're going to play a repeating and following game.
Give your child a direction. Ask them to repeat the words out loud, and then follow the directions with their bodies.
Switch roles- have your child give you directions which you repeat and then follow.
Use these activities to learn with your child every day!
Activities for Infants
10m
Physical
First Steps
If I'm taking steps while holding onto your hands, encourage me to take steps without support!
Play a "get the toy" game.
Place two chairs (or other low furniture) 2-3 steps apart.
When I'm holding onto one chair, place a favorite toy on the other chair so I need to take a few steps to reach it.
If I can take a few steps between chairs, play a "walk and hug" game.
Kneel on the floor, facing another adult.
Hold me steady, then give me a "send off" and encourage me to take steps toward the other adult.
Celebrate this big milestone!
30m
Language & Literacy
Homemade Books
Gather safe and child-friendly materials with different textures to create a homemade book for your child (examples: corrugated cardboard, bubble wrap, fabric, aluminum foil, tissue paper, etc.)
Cut the materials into squares and assemble as a book with about 4 pages. Secure the book with non-toxic glue, a staple, or a key ring.
Create simple pictures on top of the materials with drawings, paint, or collages (like pictures from magazines or newspapers).
Give the book to your child for them to explore on their own. See if they'll open it and begin to interact with the pages.
Activities for Toddlers
15m
Math
Shoes of all Sizes
Place the gathered shoes side by side on the table or floor.
Look at the shoes and see if they are all the same size. Which ones are big? Which ones are little?”
Ask your child: “Do you think we can fit the big shoe inside the little shoe? Let’s try and see what will happen.”
Have your child explore which shoes do fit inside each other. Put shoes away when done.
10m
Math
How many dots do you see?
Invite your child to help you make a set of activity plates using the attached directions before you begin.
Show your child one plate with dots on it and another without dots so they can see that some plates have dots and others don't.
Now show them each plate one by one, trying to say how many dots there are without counting.
Use these activities to learn with your child every day!
Activities for Infants
5m
Language & Literacy
One Word Sentences
When I say a word, try to figure out the "sentence" I'm trying to say with that word. Repeat my word back to me in a sentence.
Try to add extra details to your sentence. This helps me learn even more words.
I will say a lot of words incorrectly right now! Sometimes my "words" might be made up words, like "ba ba" for "bottle." There’s no need to correct my mistakes; repeat the word correctly in a sentence instead.
Continue to describe things around me throughout the day. This helps me hear and learn more words. Soon I'll add those words to my sentences.
10m
Language & Literacy
I Spy Kitchen Words
During meal preparation, while we're eating, or anytime we're in the kitchen, play a game of "I Spy Kitchen Words."
Choose two items in the kitchen, and bring me to a spot where I can see both (or bring them both to me). Example items:
appliances (fridge, microwave, toaster, etc.)
utensils (fork, knife, spoon, etc.)
Say: "I spy… [kitchen item]. Which one is the [kitchen item]?" Pause for several seconds, and see if I look at, point to, babble towards, or say the correct item.
Continue with more items for as long as we're having fun!
Activities for Toddlers
10m
Approaches to Learning
Where Do We Go Instead?
Place simple obstacles around your space to encourage your child to think of an alternative path.
For example, move the ottoman in the living room to encourage your child to go a different way.
Ask your child to describe or show you where they have to go instead.
Point out obstacles or detours while walking or driving as well.
For example, if you’re in a store aisle that’s blocked because there’s a “wet floor” sign, ask your child what they think you should do.
Varies
Approaches to Learning
Following Rules
Think about the most important rules for me to learn. Two important categories to start with:
I am not allowed to hurt myself, others, or people's belongings.
I am not allowed to go near the street, hot stove, or other dangerous things.
When I'm learning a new rule, show me what I am allowed to do at the same time you show me what I can't do.
I will need frequent reminders of our rules. Consistency is key, so only give me rules you can consistently enforce.
Like most children, I will probably try to test the limits of rules. Calmly but firmly tell me the rule again. If I continue to test, remove me from the situation.
Use these activities to learn with your child every day!
Activities for Infants
10m
Social Studies
That's My Name!
Play "peek-a-boo" with me and say my name as we play.
Look in a mirror with me. Point to me in the mirror and say my name, then point to yourself and say your name.
Throughout the day, use my name often.
15m
Language & Literacy
Clothing Word Challenge
Play a clothing vocabulary game with me when I'm getting dressed
Ask me to point to or bring you each item of clothing I need.
If it seems like I don't understand your question, answer it for me and show me the item of clothing you mean.
Celebrate if I find the correct item, and help me put it on.
Activities for Toddlers
10m
Science
Night Sky Noticing
Before bedtime, head to a window with a view of the night sky (or head outside).
Direct your child's attention to the sky.
What do they notice about the sky?
If you can see the sun, moon, clouds, or stars, what does your child notice about them?
What is the weather like?
What noises do you hear? Do you hear any birds, animals, or people?
Repeat each night before bed over the course of a week or two. What are some of the changes your child notices?
Can’t do this at night?You can still do a similar activity during the day, noticing the sun, clouds, weather, and animals.
15m
Social-Emotional Learning
Teddy Needs Help
Use your child’s dolls, stuffed animals or action toys to play a pretend game about sad feelings.
Pretend that your child’s doll or stuffed animal is upset, and ask them what they might do.
Pause and see what your child says. Acknowledge their ideas and remind them that when they’re upset, they can call for a grown up to listen.
Together, pretend different kinds of ways that the stuffed animal might ask for help, and what a grown up might say to acknowledge their feelings and help them feel better.
Use these activities to learn with your child every day!
Activities for Infants
5m
Language & Literacy
Waves, Taps, and Claps
Choose a simple rhyme or rhyming song to say to your child.
Wave your hands, tap your child's body, or clap to emphasize the words that rhyme.
Repeat the rhyme a few times, encouraging your child to mimic your movements (you may have to gently guide their hands to do the movements).
Try the game with other rhymes.
10m
Physical
Sliding and Rolling Toys
Find a toy with wheels that I can slide back and forth, like a toy car or a push toy. I might especially like toys that make sounds when they move.
Sit with me on the floor. Show me how to push and slide a toy back and forth, and see if I'll copy your movements.
At this age, I'll probably make a motion that's more like "wiping" back and forth, rather than pushing a car to make it go across the floor.
Help me slide my toys on different surfaces to see and hear the differences. For example:
Roll my car on the bumpy carpet
Roll my car on the smooth tile
Activities for Toddlers
Varies
Social-Emotional Learning
Big Feelings
When I'm having big feelings, do your best to stay calm. This helps me feel safe and like I can regain emotional control too.
After I have returned to calm, talk to me to understand my feelings. It's hard for me to express my feelings clearly when I'm in the middle of an upset moment. It feels good when you listen to me and talking can help me understand my emotions.
In a calm moment, teach me some things I can say when I have strong feelings. If I can say "No," "Help," or "That made me mad," I'll be less likely to express myself through physical actions.
Sometimes I have big feelings because as a child there's not a lot I can control in my life. When possible, give me two concrete choices to help me feel like I have some control.
10m
Math
Toy Patterns
With your child, gather two different types of small toys (like blocks and toy cars, or balls and stuffed animals). Sort them into 2 piles based on their types.
Place them in an alternating pattern, repeating three times if possible (example: block, car / block, car / block, car)
Say the pattern out loud, pointing to each object as you say it. Ask your child: "What comes next?" Add that object to the pattern, and check your child's answer.
