Play activities for 12 to 24 months old include stacking blocks, simple puzzles, and imaginative play. These activities promote motor skills and cognitive development.
Toddlers between the ages of 12 to 24 months are at a crucial stage of growth. During this period, they develop fine and gross motor skills, cognitive abilities, and social interactions. Engaging them in play activities that involve stacking blocks, solving simple puzzles, and imaginative play helps stimulate their brain and body.
Such activities not only keep them entertained but also encourage problem-solving skills and creativity. Parents and caregivers should offer a variety of safe and age-appropriate toys to support their overall development. Remember, playtime is not just fun; it’s an essential part of a child’s growth and learning journey.
Manipulative Play
Children between 12 to 24 months are at a fascinating stage of development. Engaging them in manipulative play activities helps refine their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive abilities. These activities involve using the hands and fingers to manipulate objects, which is crucial for their overall growth. This blog post explores various manipulative play activities perfect for toddlers in this age group.
Blocks
Blocks are timeless toys that provide endless opportunities for toddlers to learn and grow. Playing with blocks allows children to develop fine motor skills and spatial awareness. Here are some benefits of block play:
Consider providing a variety of block types, such as:
| Type of Blocks | Material |
| Wooden Blocks | Wood |
| Foam Blocks | Foam |
| Plastic Blocks | Plastic |
Each type of block offers a different tactile experience, enhancing the sensory development of toddlers.
Puzzle
Puzzles are fantastic for promoting cognitive development and problem-solving skills. Simple puzzles with large pieces are best for toddlers. The benefits of puzzles include:
When choosing puzzles for toddlers, opt for those with:
Puzzles with knobs or handles are also great for small hands still developing fine motor skills.
Stacking
Stacking toys are excellent for hand-eye coordination and motor skills. They teach children about balance and gravity. The benefits of stacking include:
Popular stacking toys for toddlers are:
| Type of Stacking Toy | Description |
| Stacking Rings | Colorful rings that fit on a pole |
| Nesting Cups | Cups that fit inside one another |
| Stacking Blocks | Blocks that stack into a tower |
These toys are often designed with safety in mind, ensuring that they are safe for toddlers to use.
Shape Or Color Sorting Toys
Shape and color sorting toys help toddlers understand categorization and matching. These toys also enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The benefits of sorting toys include:
Examples of sorting toys are:
These toys not only teach basic concepts but also keep toddlers engaged and entertained for hours.
Sensory Playtime
Play activities for children aged 12 to 24 months are crucial for their development. Sensory playtime engages their senses and helps them explore the world around them. It fosters cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and social interaction. Here are some fantastic sensory play activities for your little one.
Ball Play
Ball play is a fantastic sensory activity for toddlers. It helps develop their motor skills, coordination, and balance. Here are some ideas:
Ball play also encourages social interaction and sharing. Toddlers learn to take turns and play cooperatively with others.
Clean Painting
Clean painting is a mess-free way for toddlers to enjoy art. It stimulates their senses and promotes creativity. Here’s how to set it up:
This activity allows them to explore colors and textures without getting dirty. It’s perfect for indoor play and easy cleanup.
Fill And Dump
Fill and dump activities are excellent for developing fine motor skills. They also introduce concepts of volume and quantity. Here are some materials you can use:
These activities keep toddlers engaged and help them understand cause and effect.
Finger Paint
Finger painting is a fun and creative sensory activity. It helps toddlers explore colors and develop fine motor skills. Here’s how to get started:
Finger painting allows children to express themselves and boosts their creativity.
Squishy Sponges
Playing with squishy sponges is a great way to engage a toddler’s sense of touch. Here’s how to set up this activity:
This activity helps develop hand strength and fine motor skills. It’s also a fun way to introduce water play.
Water Play
Water play is a wonderful sensory activity. It keeps toddlers entertained and helps them learn about cause and effect. Some ideas include:
Always supervise your child during water play to ensure their safety.
Bath Toys
Bath time is a perfect opportunity for sensory play. Here are some bath toy ideas:
Bath toys make bath time enjoyable and encourage sensory exploration.
Ping Pong Colored Balls
Colored ping pong balls are great for sensory play. They are lightweight and easy to handle. Here are some activities:
These activities help develop color recognition and fine motor skills.
Touch Exploration (feathers, Fabric, Bumpy Toys)
Touch exploration is essential for sensory development. Here are some materials to use:
These activities help toddlers understand different textures and sensations.
Sight Exploration (colorful Toys, Peek-a-boo, Mirror Play)
Sight exploration stimulates a toddler’s vision. Here are some engaging activities:
These activities help with visual development and self-recognition.
Sound Exploration (rattles, Crinkling Paper, Pots And Pans)
Sound exploration is fun and educational. Here are some sound-making ideas:
These activities help develop auditory skills and rhythm.
Taste Exploration (safe Edible Textures With Adult Supervision)
Taste exploration is important for sensory development. Always supervise these activities. Here are some ideas:
These activities help toddlers explore new tastes and textures safely.
Imaginative Play
Imaginative play is a vital part of a child’s development, especially between 12 to 24 months. During this period, toddlers begin to explore the world around them with curiosity and wonder. Engaging in imaginative play helps them develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Let’s dive into some exciting play activities that can spark your child’s imagination.
Magnet Play
Magnet play is an excellent way to stimulate your child’s imagination. The magic of magnets can captivate their attention for hours. Here are some ideas to get started:
Consider creating a dedicated magnet play area. Use a small table with a magnetic board or even the refrigerator door. This makes it easy for your child to explore and play independently.
Toy Treasures
Toy treasures are everyday items that can spark imagination. Simple household items can become magical toys. Here are some ideas:
Encourage your child to use their imagination with these toy treasures. Set up different play scenarios and watch their creativity flourish.
Shadow Play
Shadow play is a fascinating activity that uses light and shadows to tell stories. It’s a simple yet magical way to engage your child. Here’s how to start:
Shadow play enhances your child’s understanding of light and shapes. It’s also a wonderful way to bond and tell imaginative stories together.
Musical Instruments
Introducing musical instruments to your child can be a joyful experience. Music stimulates their senses and creativity. Here are some instruments to try:
Consider setting up a mini music corner with these instruments. Encourage your child to experiment with sounds and create their own music. It’s a fantastic way to enhance their auditory skills and creativity.
Cruising Curiosity
Cruising curiosity involves activities that encourage your child to explore their surroundings. It’s about fostering their natural sense of adventure. Here are some ideas:
Encouraging cruising curiosity helps develop your child’s physical abilities and problem-solving skills. It also nurtures their sense of independence and exploration.
Gross Motor Skills Development
During the ages of 12 to 24 months, children experience rapid growth in their physical abilities. This period is crucial for developing gross motor skills, which involve the large muscles of the body. These skills include walking, running, jumping, and climbing. Engaging in play activities that target these abilities helps children build strength, coordination, and confidence. Below are some fantastic activities to support gross motor skills development.
Push Toys
Push toys are excellent for promoting gross motor skills in toddlers. These toys encourage walking and help improve balance and coordination. Here are some benefits and ideas for push toys:
Popular types of push toys include:
| Type | Benefits |
| Walker Wagons | Encourages early walking and provides support. |
| Ride-On Toys | Develops leg strength and coordination. |
| Shopping Carts | Promotes imaginative play and fine motor skills. |
Encourage your child to use push toys indoors and outdoors. This variety helps them adapt to different surfaces and challenges their balance.
Kicking And Throwing Balls
Kicking and throwing balls are simple yet effective activities for developing gross motor skills. These actions involve coordination, balance, and timing. Here’s how to incorporate ball play into your child’s routine:
Different types of balls serve various purposes:
| Type | Purpose |
| Beach Balls | Lightweight and easy to kick or throw. |
| Foam Balls | Safe for indoor play and gentle on little hands. |
| Mini Soccer Balls | Introduce basic soccer skills and running. |
Engage in ball play both indoors and outdoors to help your child adapt to different environments. This variety promotes versatility in their motor skills.
Fridge Box Tunnel
A fridge box tunnel is a creative and cost-effective way to enhance gross motor skills. This activity encourages crawling, climbing, and spatial awareness. Here’s how to set up and use a fridge box tunnel:
Benefits of fridge box tunnels include:
| Benefit | Description |
| Strength Building | Crawling through the tunnel improves arm and leg strength. |
| Spatial Awareness | Helps children understand their body space and movement. |
| Imagination | Encourages creative play and storytelling. |
Encourage your child to crawl through the tunnel, play peek-a-boo, or even roll balls through it. This simple activity offers endless fun and developmental benefits.
Cognitive Development
Introducing play activities for children aged 12 to 24 months can significantly boost their cognitive development. During this stage, children are learning to explore their surroundings, recognize patterns, and develop problem-solving skills. Engaging them in activities that stimulate their brains can make learning fun and effective.
Montessori Animal Match Game
The Montessori Animal Match game is excellent for enhancing cognitive skills. It involves matching toy animals with their corresponding cards. This game helps children recognize animals and their names, improving memory and association skills.
Setting up the game is simple. Lay out the animal cards and hand the child the toy animals. Encourage them to match each toy with the correct card. Celebrate their success to boost confidence.
Crayons
Crayons are a fun and educational tool for toddlers. Drawing with crayons helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It also encourages creativity and self-expression.
| Benefits | Description |
| Fine Motor Skills | Strengthens hand muscles and improves grip. |
| Hand-Eye Coordination | Helps in developing precise movements. |
| Creativity | Encourages imaginative thinking and creativity. |
Provide your child with a variety of crayon colors and large sheets of paper. Let them scribble and draw freely. This activity not only entertains but also educates.
Ping Pong Colored Balls
Ping pong colored balls can be used for various educational games. These balls help in teaching color recognition and sorting. They also enhance motor skills as children pick and place them.
To play, give your child a set of colored ping pong balls and containers in matching colors. Ask them to place each ball in the container of the same color. This game is both fun and educational.
Clean Painting
Clean painting is an innovative way to introduce toddlers to art without the mess. Using a Ziploc bag, place a piece of paper inside and squeeze some paint on it. Seal the bag and let the child press and move the paint around.
This activity is perfect for developing fine motor skills and creativity. It also provides a unique sensory experience as the child feels the paint through the bag. Plus, it’s mess-free, making cleanup a breeze!
Shape Or Color Sorting Toys
Shape or color sorting toys are essential for cognitive development. These toys help children learn to identify and differentiate between shapes and colors. Sorting activities also enhance problem-solving skills.
| Skill | Benefit |
| Shape Recognition | Teaches children to identify various shapes. |
| Color Recognition | Helps in recognizing and naming different colors. |
| Problem-Solving | Enhances logical thinking and decision making. |
Provide your child with toys that come in various shapes and colors. Encourage them to sort these toys into groups. This activity is not only educational but also engaging, keeping the child entertained while learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teach 12 to 18 month olds basic words, animal sounds, and simple songs. Encourage walking, stacking blocks, and scribbling. Read picture books, play with toys, and practice naming body parts. Engage in interactive activities to stimulate cognitive and motor skills.
Engage a 24-month-old with simple puzzles, building blocks, and storybooks. Play pretend games and sing songs together. Encourage outdoor activities like ball games and nature walks.
Engage your 12-month-old with simple games. Play peekaboo, stack blocks, or read colorful books. Sing songs, clap hands, and explore toys with different textures. Encourage crawling and walking with push toys. Enjoy outdoor strolls.
Engage a 13-month-old with simple games like peekaboo, stacking blocks, and rolling balls. Read picture books together. Encourage crawling and walking with push toys. Sing songs and dance to music. Use sensory toys for exploration.
Conclusion
Engaging in play activities is crucial for toddlers aged 12 to 24 months. These activities foster creativity, motor skills, and cognitive development. Always ensure a safe environment and encourage exploration. By incorporating a variety of play, you support your child’s growth and learning.
Start today and watch them thrive!