Playing “let’s pretend” sets the stage for a rich imagination. It also helps your toddler make sense of things, express individuality and gain a sense of control. Check out our playtips and plenty of toys just right for this age.
She enjoys mimicking the actions of those she knows
He creates simple sentences and uses the words "I, me and you"
She can hop, jump and climb stairs one foot at a time
He understands what "inside," "under" and "on top" mean
She can recall what to do when given simple instructions
Roller skates
Barbie™ Grow With Me™ 1,2,3 Roller Skates™
Grow With Me™ 1,2,3 Roller Skates™
Help your child learn more:
Safety first. Help your child put on appropriate safety gear; make it clear that it's part of the process before skating.
Set boundaries of acceptable places to skate. Make sure it’s free of obstacles or cracks your child could trip over.
Balancing act. Set adjustable skates on the beginner's setting. Just as you helped your child balance when he was learning to walk, hold on now. Little by little, let him find his balance—the key to learning to skate.
Moving on. Soon, she'll be able to move forward, transferring weight from one foot to the other. Get ready to change the skates to the next setting.
Family fun. If you have skates, put 'em on and head down the sidewalk with your child; if there's a roller rink in your area, check it out together some rainy afternoon—it adds a different dimension to skate along to music and lights.
Creative activities
Kid-Tough Doodler Clip-on
Help your child learn more:
Take-along. If the toy is portable, bring it with you any time your child may have a wait in store or on long car rides to help pass the time.
Follow Directions. Make sure your child understands how to use the toy and its accessories. Read the directions and test it out together until your child is comfortable using it on her own.
Scene starters.Offer your child a "scene starter" for artwork: "Can you draw a picture of Grandma?" "If you were to invent a robot, what would it look like?"
A colorful world.Use your child's interest in art as an opportunity to talk about different colors. Find examples of complimentary and clashing colors. Use paints to show how two different colors mixed together produce a new color.
Tour an art gallery or museum with your child. Let her critique the work, telling you what she likes best about it. See if the museum offers any kid-friendly activities.
Children develop at their own pace and reach milestones at different times. The highlights mentioned in this website are approximate guidelines only. If you have any questions about your child's development, consult your healthcare provider.
Copycat
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Your toddler is a great imitator—which is one of the ways he learns. Turn the tables on him and play a game of Copycat, where you do the imitating!
Materials
Your bodies
Instructions
Bring your toddler into the playroom and set him on the floor.
Sit down next to him, imitating his exact body position.
Every time your toddler moves or does something, do exactly what he does.
See if you can tell when he catches on to what you’re doing!
Safety
Stop the game if your toddler gets into anything dangerous and deal with the problem before you continue. Don’t tease your toddler or upset him with your imitating.
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It allows young children to
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Tips to Promote Imaginative Play
Provide a collection of dress-up props for role-play.
Look at the clouds and take turns imagining what they resemble.
Plant seeds for imaginative thinking by reading lots of books together.
Provide toys that
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