At 21 months your toddler is probably showing more signs of symbolic play (pretend play or imaginative play.) During symbolic play your toddler may play doctor on her stuffed animals or “drive” a shoe-box around like it is a car. This shows a higher level of thinking as it uses creativity and the ability […]
When you are out and about, think about asking “wh” questions as much as possible, such as “who do you see? What do you smell? What color is this? Why is the dog barking?” Engage all of your toddler’s senses. Ask him what he sees, hears, smells, feels and even tastes. Encourage him to look […]
Talking to you toddler all day long can be exhausting, but it is just so good for your toddler’s development! Here are some video clips of examples of how to talk to your toddler in different situations to encourage new learning. When out for a walk: Talk about what you see, ask “wh” questions such […]
If it feels like you spend all day butting heads with your toddler, this can be exhausting and frustrating for both of you! There are two strategies that are pretty efficient in helping with this constant frustration- create safe spaces, and redirect attention. Creating safe spaces will decrease the need for you to be constantly […]
Stack Them STEM Concepts: Science (physical science) Math (number sense and operations, measurement), Engineering (engineering) Materials: A variety of plastic storage containers and their lids. What to do: Have your child use these containers to match the lids with the correct container and then stack them to build different towers. Language and Communication: Use […]
Your 20-month-old is probably still doing some functional play, but more and more symbolic (pretend or dramatic play) as well. Play with your toddler when you can to encourage this symbolic play as it fosters creativity and imagination. Continue to provide your toddler opportunities to play with other children. Try to keep playdates simple and […]
Words that illustrate directions, volume, size, space, and speed are great early STEM words because they are used in science, technology, engineering, and math subjects. These words are also important to know for general body awareness. For example, “raise your right hand, bend down, and touch your toes.” These words are also important for letter formation […]
When a child pats another child on the back because they are crying or offers a child their binky because they are sad or hands you a toy to help you clean up, that shows that they are recognizing the needs and feeling of others. This is a critical milestone. For some children, this […]
At 19 months, toddlers are still engaging in functional play, using toys in the manner that they are intended to be used such as sweeping with a toy broom and “driving” a toy truck. They are starting to use more and more symbolic play (sometimes called pretend play, imaginative play, or dramatic play) demonstrating higher-level […]
Stress is very real for babies and toddlers. They are very sensitive and very aware of their environment. When the adults who care for them are overwhelmed or stressed, that transfers to the child and causes them to feel stress. There is normal, everyday stress that comes from keeping a tight schedule, occasional frustrations and […]
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