How your 2 to 2 ½-year-old might play now

    • He knows the difference between safe and dangerous
    • She's becoming more social with other kids
    • Good eye-hand coordination means he can build with blocks and tuck a stuffed animal into bed
Sports toys
  • crawlerImg

    Grow to Pro® Golf

    Balance & Coordination Gross Motor Security & Happiness Self-Expression & Confidence
  • crawlerImg

    Grow 2 Pro™ Junior 2-in-1 Tee Ball

  • crawlerImg

    Grow 2 Pro™ Junior Basketball

    Balance & Coordination Gross Motor Security & Happiness Self-Expression & Confidence

Help your child learn more:

    • Make adjustments. Whatever sport your child is trying out, make sure it’s at the right level. If you're using an adjustable basketball hoop, for example, put the backboard at its lowest setting for a 2-year-old. An adjustment feature on a sports toy lets you challenge your child as she grows and skills develop.
    • Great job! Praise specific actions to make your support more useful. Instead of saying, "Wow! You're a great player!" be precise. "You're really getting the hang of throwing that ball just hard enough to get to the hoop."
    • Put it in words. Paint the picture of your child's success: "Take your time and think about putting the soccer ball in the net." Make your words as descriptive as you can: "You kicked the ball right into the net. Your aim was great, and it went right in. Good for you!"
    • My turn … Help your 2-year-old learn about taking turns by introducing the concept of team play. "It's your turn to throw the ball … Now it's my turn to try."

Dance 'til You Drop

Average Rating

Most toddlers love to express themselves through music and dance. Provide your toddler with an opportunity for creative body expression, with a fun twist.

Materials

  • Variety of music, such as rumba, waltz, polka, rock and roll, square dance, and so on
  • Cassette player
  • Large area for dancing

Instructions

  • Tape-record a few minutes of each type of music, allowing enough time to enjoy the tune and do a little dance. Tape one song right after another, so the music plays continuously.
  • Turn on the music and stand in the middle of the room.
  • When the first song comes on, dance to the music, and encourage your toddler to dance with you.
  • When the music changes, change your dance to match, and encourage your toddler to change with you.
  • Dance until you drop.

Safety

Be sure the room is cleared so you don’t crash into anything while you’re dancing! Take breaks if you get tired.

Learning Skills

  • Balance and rhythm
  • Body awareness
  • Creativity
  • Listening skills
Your child can learn

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