In our previous post, “Choosing Age-Appropriate Fun for Your Wiggly Little One Part 1,” we shared toy safety tips and inexpensive learning toys for children 0-2 years old. You can also find ideas we have learned for affordable, age-appropriate fun as your little one develops from 2 years old to 5 below. Put these lists of activities somewhere you can reference such as your fridge!
2 years old- Expand toddler talk! Whether you two are reading a book or talking about your plans for the day, stretch their little sentences. If your child says two-word phrases, like “Drink, mommy.” You can respond by saying “Drink, please, Mommy?” Reading together can allow you opportunities to predict together what might happen next in the story. Ask questions and explore different endings. Do this with books that your toddler requests often.
2 ½ years old- Make bath time a delight. Continue using minimal water in the tub, but introduce bubble baths in moderation, crayons that wash off of bathtub walls, or pouring toys in various forms. Splash and play together, they’re only young once!
3 years old- Counting and color games can be made simple with a pack of Uno cards. Flip the cards over and practice saying the color and number on each card. Order them from low numbers to high to help your child learn the consecutive nature of counting.
Practice fine motor skills by turning a toilet paper roll into an animal craft. You will need a toilet paper roll, wiggly craft eyes, scissors, and paint. If you don’t have paint, you can also use crayons or markers to decorate the paper roll. You can make all sorts of animals such as a snake or cat. For a snake, first, paint the outside of the roll. Next, cut the roll in a swirling motion about 3 times around, so it resembles a slinky. Add eyes to one end of the roll and draw a slithering tongue below the eyes.
3 ½ years old- Children this age are eager to help. This can be an optimal time to introduce chores in a fun way. You may want to get a kids-size play mop, broom, etc. You can also let your child be in charge of using the dustpan after you sweep or dry the plastic dishes after you wash them. Let them dust the lower surfaces with a rag. There are so many ways your little one can get involved and feel like they are really contributing!
4 years old- Practice writing your child’s name together. Your child will find ownership in the letters of their name. As you drive or read books, look out for “their” letters. They will get excited as they see them all around. Find paper that can help your child practice writing within the lines or create your own sheet of paper with the help of a ruler.
4 ½ years old- There are plenty of ways to get your wiggles out in the great outdoors! Pick up walking sticks, play I-Spy, and jump over the cracks in the cement. Just get moving!
5 years old- Start a collection. Grab a jar and place it in your child’s room. If your child hasn’t already started a collection, talk about what you may have collected as a child. Get their creativity flowing! Allow them to add their collections into the jar such as smooth rocks, shells, or other simple objects.
Feel free to introduce these activities and others at the pace that makes the most sense for your child. The ages and activities above are just a guideline and are meant to be flexible. Most importantly, have fun!
For more age-appropriate activities that focus on 5 areas of development: Communication, Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Problem Solving, and Personal-Social, contact Help Me Grow Utah to speak to a member of our Parent Support Team at 801-691-5322.
