Encouraging Safe Exploration: Toddlers and Small Objects

Encouraging Safe Exploration: Toddlers and Small Objects

Quick Insight:

Mumma and Daddy, I’m naturally curious about small things, like tiny bugs or everyday items like zipper pulls and bits of lint. This curiosity is a normal part of my growth. According to Montessori early learning, there’s a special time between ages 1 and 3 when I’m really interested in small objects. This helps me improve my thinking skills and fine motor skills. 

Safe Play Ideas with Small Objects 

Grab Bag 

Use a soft felt bag or box with small  interesting items inside. Let me reach in and discover these treasures. This helps me practice using my fingers and improves my fine motor skills. 

Push Play 

Take an empty oatmeal canister and make holes in the lid. Give me small spoons or similar items to put through these holes. This helps me practice hand-eye coordination, like putting coins in a piggy bank or puzzle coin box.  

Toy Rescue 

Stick small toys onto a baking sheet or piece of cardboard with painter's tape. Let me try to peel off the toys. This game helps me strengthen the tiny muscles in my fingers and is fun too! 

Treasure Box 

Use an empty wipes container as a treasure chest. I can open it, take out tiny toys, and put them back in. This helps me practice grabbing and letting go of things. 

Felt Pockets 

Make simple felt pockets for me to fill with small items. This activity helps me learn how to play with small things and practice precision in a colorful way. 

Small Item Scoop 

Combine small objects with scooping fun using a muffin tin and O-shaped cereal. This helps me with fine motor skills and understanding space. 

Pincer Puzzle Hide-and-Seek 

Hide a piece of cereal under a puzzle piece and let me find it. This game helps me use my pincer grasp and solve puzzles. 

Key Ring Fun 

Give me jingle keys or safe key rings to play with. I can enjoy the sounds they make and practice using my hands, which also helps with my speech and language development. 

Maintaining Safety and Encouragement 

While I play, it’s very important for you to keep an eye on me to make sure I stay safe. These activities are meant to keep me interested while helping me grow my thinking and motor skills. By supporting my curiosity and giving me safe ways to explore, you’re helping me build a love for learning.

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