6 Ideas to Try Right Now
Tray Play (Quiet & Calm)
- 1Load a tray with 5 interesting small objects.
- 2Place it on the bed or couch next to your child.
- 3Let them explore without pressure.
Perfect for low-energy days — no movement needed.
Sticker Sorting Game
- 1Draw sections on paper (colours, shapes, animals).
- 2Give your child a sticker sheet.
- 3Challenge: put each sticker in the right section.
Kitchen Whisk Rescue
- 1Stuff colorful pom-poms or small soft toys inside a metal kitchen whisk.
- 2Show your toddler how to pull them out through the wires.
- 3Helps build fine motor skills.
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.
