Activities for toddlers
apart. He can balance approximately 7 blocks on each other and enjoys knocking them down. He can string large beads with a shoelace, cut with a pair of scissors, if he has help.
Repetitive hand movements oſten form part of his play. He likes to involve two hands doing the same thing, e.g. holding two paint brushes and painting with both. He cannot hold a nail in one hand and a hammer in the other even though he enjoys hammering. Te nail needs to be secure and he hammers using both hands, or, using one hand whilst the other does the same movement.
Te two- to three-year-old uses the fist grip as his fingers lack the strength and skill for the adult grip.
His drawings are continuous scribbling movements. He begins to cut with several continuous movements with a pair of scissors but needs the paper held for him until he has better control with both hands.
He starts to loosen buttons and with time can fasten larger buttons. Zips are very interesting to him at this age. By age three, the child can concentrate longer and play with his hands. His movements are more accurate and his hands can work together more easily, each carrying out their own activity.
5.4 Criteria for choosing suitable activities Ask these questions –
If you answer ‘yes’, it is a suitable activity: a) Is the activity fulfilling the aims and values of manipulative play? b) Is it at the child’s developmental level? c) Is the activity interesting for the child? d) Is the child safe while playing? e) Is the apparatus safe and not a risk in any way?
5.4.1 Place, time and method of presentation
It is not necessary to create a special corner. Any place that is comfortable and safe is suitable. It can be inside and, when the weather permits, outside. It is only for an activity like art that a special area is necessary.
Whether toddlers are painting or eating, they should have opportunities to explore and play with toys and objects. Set out toys and objects in the playroom every day. Encourage them to play with them freely during the day.
Playing with musical instruments, for example, is also a manipulative activity and will be discussed under music.
5.4.2 Criteria for the selection of suitable materials/aids
Te type of activities that are going to be presented will establish the criteria for the selection of materials/aids. It is important that the child should be interested in the toy. Tey like to play with toys that do something in response to their reaction. Always refer to the criteria for suitable toys.
A few examples of suitable toys:
Puzzles: Can help a child to think logically and identify shapes accurately. Do not buy puzzles that are intended for older children: the toddler will get frustrated and lose interest.
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