6 Ideas to Try Right Now
Window Sticker Story
- 1Give your child a sheet of gel window stickers.
- 2Let them stick them to the car window.
- 3Tell a story using the stickers.
Tupperware Tower
- 1Stack plastic containers from biggest to smallest.
- 2Let your toddler knock them over — they love it!
- 3Help them rebuild and try stacking themselves.
The 'knock down' phase is just as developmental as the building phase.
Pom-Pom Post
- 1Cut a hole in the top of a container (or use a tissue box).
- 2Show your toddler how to 'post' pom-poms through the hole.
- 3Dump them out and repeat — toddlers love the repetition.
This is a classic Montessori object permanence activity.
Sticky Wall (Contact Paper)
- 1Tape a sheet of contact paper sticky-side-out to a low wall.
- 2Give your toddler small bits of tissue paper, leaves, or stickers.
- 3Let them stick things on and peel them off.
Great for developing pincer grip — a key pre-writing skill.
Crayon Scribble Art
- 1Tape a large sheet of paper to the floor or table.
- 2Give your toddler 2-3 thick crayons.
- 3Let them scribble freely, building arm strength.
Balloon Tapping
- 1Hang a balloon from a doorway at your toddler's head height.
- 2Show them how to tap it with their hand or a paper tube.
- 3Encourage them to reach and jump.
