The need to play is universal for all children. The Playful Toddler is a wonderful collection of brain-boosting activities, created especially for the 18- to 36-month-old child. Parents and caregivers can use this resource to provide rich and supportive learning environments for very young children. There is a powerful force within every human being to become an individual. Play is the place where a young child can bring about this dynamic life force. The activities in this resource have been carefully selected to promote the development in every level for the child.
How does the old adage go? "Necessity is the mother of invention."
Nothing could be more true for a toddler. Between 18 and 24 months, a
toddler's fine motor skills increase in leaps and bounds because he
needs to manipulate the world. Curiosity will keep a toddler engaged in
small motor movements from sunrise to sunset. Nimble fingers poke and
pinch; busy hands grasp and wave; limber arms carry and hug. During a
toddler's second year, his fingers will master the coordination needed
to hold a spoon, use a crayon, open a door, unwrap candy, pick up
things, take things apart, and put things back together again. As time
goes on, your toddler will become increasingly interested in more
complex manipulations involving dials, switches, knobs, and locks. His
construction skills will include: building towers and knocking them
down, fitting things into other things, and emptying and refilling
containers. Just as your toddler's fine motor development skyrockets, so
will his pride in his accomplishments. One of his greatest joys will be
the feeling that comes from knowing "I can do it!"
The new fine motor skills your toddler will acquire in the next six
months are too numerous to list. Among his new skills will be variations
of the following milestones.
Fine Motor Milestones: 18 to 24 Months
Will learn how to scribble on paper when given a crayon
Will learn how to manipulate finger paint
Will learn how to turn over containers and pour out contents
Will learn how to build towers of three to five blocks
May begin showing a preference for his dominant hand
Will learn how to fit round objects into round holes
Will learn how to fit square objects inside square objects
Will learn how to use modeling materials
Will learn how to fit odd-shaped objects into containers
Will learn how to clap hands
Will learn how to drink from a cup and use a spoon
Will learn how to put things into a paper bag and take them out
again
Will learn to put on and take off hats and caps....
Becky Daniel is a parent, teacher, author, and editor; four distinctive yet interrelated professions. After graduating from California University at Long Beach, she taught kindergarten through eighth grade. When she began her family, she left the classroom to care for her first daughter and to pursue a career in writing at home. Now the mother of three children, Amy, Sarah, and Eric, she edits a magazine and writes educational books from her home in Orcutt, California. Over the past 25 years she has written over 200 educational resource books.
