Adorable toddlers playing meals using plastic

Kids Play and Toys

Play

In the pre-school years, your child matures in many ways – their ability to think and imagine dominates their play and learning. They will spend longer concentrating on an activity and have a vivid imagination in their play.

They love to pretend they are a character, and dress up and act the character. They will also create imaginary characters to play with, or treat their doll or teddy bear as a real person. It is important not to dismiss or limit their imaginative play. Encourage this – be positive and interested in what they are doing. Let them know that you are proud of them and their effort to try new things and be independent.

Let them help you prepare food and cook – but make sure it is safe and always supervise them in the kitchen.

Child playing as a pilot aviator

Music is a great release for toddlers– they love dancing and performing in front of their parents. They will also learn to balance on one foot, walk on tiptoe, walk upstairs and down. They can ride a tricycle and learn about pushing pedals and steering. They can throw, kick and catch a ball with practice.

They love construction. They can build a tower of 8–10 blocks and make bridges and complex structures, like ramps and bridges. By the time they reach 4 years of age, they know most colours, and like drawing, painting and use their preferred hand with pencils.

Types of play to enhance their development

  • Drama, arts and crafts.
  • Music – instruments, children’s music tracks and singing.
  • Counting games such as telling the time and hopscotch.
  • Building and construction – such as Lego, foam blocks, fitting things together.
  • Outdoors – water, sand, mud and gardening.
  • Physical – bicycles, scooters, ball games and climbing.
  • Books and reading also help improve their speech and use of language.

Toy ideas

  • Puppets and dress ups (have a dress up box).
  • Trucks, cars and trains.
  • Puzzles, books, board games, memory and matching games.
  • Building and construction sets.
  • Bead threading.
  • Play dough or modelling clay.
  • Chalk and painting using an easel.
Vietnamese mother and daughter playing with wooden toys

Activities around the home

  • Kids’ gardening set to help in your garden or even create a vegetable patch.
  • Use large cardboard boxes to make cubby houses and tunnels (they may choose to decorate them).
  • Make a picture collage using egg cartons, coloured plastic lids, feathers, leaves, old magazines and kid-safe scissors for cutting out.
  • Involve them in housework when they’re at home so they learn new skills – give them a small dustpan and broom, or a step stool so they can stand at the sink and wash up, using plastic cups and dishes.
  • Let them help you prepare food and cook – but make sure it is safe and always supervise them in the kitchen.
  • If you have pets, teach them about washing, feeding and caring for them.
  • Visit your local park so they can climb, swing, balance and scramble in safety.
  • Restrict screen time with television, tablets and smart phones – their most important interaction is with you.

Music is a great release for toddlers – they love dancing and performing in front of their parents.

The list is endless and so is their energy and imagination. Remember to play safely and have fun with your child.

Chapter 3 Growing Up

Related articles

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 3 Growing Up

Toddler Food - Tips for Feeding Toddlers

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 3 Growing Up

Toddlers Play and Toys

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 3 Growing Up

Learning to Talk

Grandmother and grandchild making dough in the kitchen

Chapter 3 Growing Up

Toddler Safety - Safety Tips for Toddlers