The Button Board
Many kids are starting school without the hand strength and fine motor skills they need for writing. With electronics replacing traditional toys, toddlers aren't getting the chance to develop their hand and finger dexterity. That's where the Button Board comes in to strengthen those tiny muscles, setting your child up for future success.
Start by...
Encouraging your toddler to push the buttons into place, then let them explore removing and replacing them on their own.
They might surprise you by figuring it out without any help!
Then,
Point to the pattern cards to show them how to match the buttons to the colors, starting with the simpler ones for easier learning.
Diversify play by...
Working together to sort the buttons by color. A fun and educational activity they wil love.
For extra fun & learning...
Practice pouring by putting the buttons in a pitcher and letting your toddler pour them from one cup to another.
The Depth Perception Board
This posting stand is more challenging than it looks. Your child needs to figure out which peg goes into which hole, and then slide it in. It's a great way to improve their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills, all while having fun!
Start by...
Showing your child the two different peg sizes and the openings on the stand. Explain that each peg fits into a specific hole.
Then,
Encourage them to try to fit the thin peg into one of the holes. Hand them a thin peg first, allowing an easier start, as it fits into any hole.
After that...
Hand them a thicker peg. This introduces a slightly more difficult task, requiring them to match the peg to a hole of the corresponding size.
Now it's time to...
Encourage them to match each peg to the right hole and slide it into the base.
Once done, have them dump it out and repeat! This repetition is fun and reinforces their skill development.
The Simon Says Cube
Your baby is beginning to understand (but not yet say) the names of a few body parts. By around 21 months, they will be able to identify body parts by pointing to or touching the named part.
Start by...
Partially inserting the card into the die and let your baby push it in or pull it out by themselves.
Then,
Have your baby roll the die, then look at the card that lands face-up and read the action or body part name aloud.
After that...
Demonstrate the action and encourage your baby to copy the activity shown in the picture.
Now it's time to...
Use everyday moments to point out and name body parts.
The " I Can" Book
Your baby develops by mimicking actions and expressions they observe in others. This includes both visible gestures, like clapping hands, and more complex "invisible gestures," such as sticking out their tongue, which they can't see themselves doing. This process of imitation demonstrates their growing cognitive abilities, as it shows they are not only observing but also understanding and replicating actions
Start by...
Pointing to the pictures and describing the actions as you read.
Use expressive gestures and facial expressions to show each action clearly.
Then,
Encourage your child to imitate the actions you demonstrate. Celebrate every successful imitation with a yay!
After that...
Repeat the actions regularly to reinforce learning and praise your child when they successfully imitate for positive reinforcement.
To make the most...
Make reading part of your everyday routine and new start conversations as you go!
The Montessori Pitcher Set
It's surprising how much toddlers love pouring, a fundamental activity in Montessori education. Letting them practice pouring (outside the bath to see any spills) aids in developing their hand-eye coordination and self-control, as they learn to stop when the water reaches the rim of the glass.
Start by...
Arranging a designated pouring area on a tray. Make sure the space is safe to handle accidental pouring!
Then,
Start with dry materials such as rice or lentils, allowing your toddler to practice before moving on to liquids.
When they're ready...
Introduce a small amount of water and slowly increase the quantity over time.
To make the most...
Use the pitcher set during every day activities such like cooking or even during bathtime.
The Buckle Bolster
Toddlers love the challenge of buckling things. Mastering the use of buttons, snaps, zippers, and buckles engages them and sharpens their fine motor skills. The Buckle Bolster enhances bilateral coordination, enabling your toddler to use both hands effectively. It also improves hand-eye coordination, boosts finger agility, and develops their ability to grasp objects accurately, all through engaging and playful interactions.
Start by...
Opening all the buckles and demonstrating how they click back together to your toddler.
Then,
Encourage them to fasten the buckles on their own. Give them space and time to figure it out, it's not easy!
Take a step back and...
Allow them to play with the bolster on their own terms. They might shake it around and try different ways to play.
To make the most...
As their finger dexterity and fine motor skills improve, they'll gradually learn to unbuckle them. This process takes time, and some buckles might be simpler than others.
It's common for many two-year-olds to find still this challenging.
