Your toddler is growing and learning every day! Between ages 1 and 2, your little one learns about the world by playing. Let’s learn how play helps your toddler’s brain grow and what you can do to help.
Your Toddler’s Amazing Brain
Your toddler’s brain grows very fast during their second year. When they play with toys, chase bubbles, or sing songs, they’re learning new things. Play isn’t just fun – it’s how toddlers learn about everything around them.
How Your Toddler Learns
Talking and Listening
Your toddler is learning new words every day. By age 2, they might know 10 to 50 words! Here are fun ways to help them learn:
- Read picture books and point to things you see
- Sing songs together
- Name things during the day (“Here’s your cup!”)
- Show you’re happy when they try to talk
Solving Problems
Watch your toddler try to get a toy or fit blocks together. They’re learning to solve problems! You can help by:
- Giving them simple puzzles
- Making fun paths with pillows to crawl through
- Letting them fill and empty boxes
- Giving them time to figure things out on their own
Remembering Things
Your toddler is getting better at remembering. They know your face, their toys, and what happens each day. Try these fun games:
- Play peek-a-boo with toys
- Do the same things at the same time each day
- Look at family pictures together
- Play matching games with socks or toys
Fun Ways to Play and Learn
Playing with Senses
Toddlers learn by touching, seeing, hearing, and tasting. Try these:
- Play with water and cups
- Touch different things (soft, bumpy, smooth)
- Try new foods
- Make music and dance
Playing Pretend
Around 18 months, toddlers start to play pretend. This helps them learn about the world:
- Give them dress-up clothes
- Let them play with toy kitchen stuff
- Play with stuffed animals
- Act out things like feeding dolls or driving cars
Building Things
Stacking and building help toddlers learn about space and shapes:
- Play with blocks
- Stack empty boxes
- Build with soft things like pillows
- Make towers and knock them down
How to Help Your Toddler Learn
Follow What They Like
Your toddler shows you what they want to learn about:
- Ask them questions
- Give them toys they like
- Let them play their way
- Join their games
Make Play Safe
Toddlers learn best when they feel safe:
- Make sure play areas are safe
- Switch toys around to keep things fun
- Give them tasks they can do
- Tell them “good job” when they try hard
Don’t Worry About Mess
Learning can be messy! Let your toddler:
- Pour water
- Draw and paint
- Play with sand
- Touch different things
When to Ask for Help
Talk to your doctor if your toddler:
- Doesn’t like to explore
- Isn’t saying any words by 18 months
- Doesn’t play pretend by age 2
- Stops doing things they used to do
Remember This
You don’t need fancy toys for your toddler to learn. They learn best by playing with everyday things and spending time with you. The most important thing is to have fun together!
Your toddler learns something new every time they play. Each smile and laugh helps them grow smarter and stronger. Enjoy watching your little one discover the world!
