Tell us your child’s age, how much time you have and how they feel today. You get three Montessori activities you can start in minutes, with things already in your house. Save the ones you like and print a plan for the week.
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How the Activity Finder Works
The finder holds more than 200 activities, from newborn floor time to cooking eggs with a 5 year old. Every one was written for real homes. Most take less than five minutes to set up, and almost all use things you already own, like pots, socks, tape, a cup of water or a basket of laundry.
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All Montessori Activities by Age
Every activity in the finder is listed here, grouped by the age it starts at. Tap a title to read the setup, the steps and the safety line. Many activities keep working for months or years after the age they start at.
Babies, 0 to 6 Months
Floating ScarfSenses · 1 to 6 months · 5 min
A scarf drifting down gives a young baby something soft to follow and touch.
You need. A light silk or chiffon scarf.
Set it up. Lay your baby on their back on a firm blanket in good light.
- Hold the scarf high and let it drift slowly across your baby’s view.
- Let one corner brush their hand or their foot.
- Lift it away, wait, and float it down again.
- Put the scarf away when you finish.
What is normal. Wide eyes, kicks, and later a hand that opens to grab the fabric.
Easier. Keep the scarf still and close so your baby only has to look. Harder. Let it land just within reach so they can pull it off their tummy.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Follow the RattleSenses · 1 to 5 months · 5 min
Tracking a slow rattle from side to side strengthens your baby’s eyes and neck.
You need. A rattle or a set of keys on a ring.
Set it up. Lay your baby on their back and kneel at their side, about a foot above their face.
- Shake the rattle gently in the middle of their view until they look at it.
- Move it slowly to one side. Stop when their eyes lose it.
- Bring it back to the middle, then try the other side.
What is normal. Eyes that follow a little farther each week, then the head turning along.
Easier. Move the rattle only a few inches each way. Harder. Go up and down too, or move it in a slow circle.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
High-Contrast Card GallerySenses · 0 to 4 months · 15 min
Bold black and white shapes give a newborn something to focus on.
You need. 3 or 4 black and white cards (free printable, or draw thick shapes with a marker); Tape.
Set it up. Tape the cards low on the wall or stand them beside the play mat, 8 to 12 inches from your baby’s eyes.
- Lay your baby on their back on the mat, next to the cards.
- Let them look as long as they want. You do not need to point or talk.
- Change one card every few days so there is something new to find.
What is normal. Long, still looks at one card, then a turn of the head toward another.
Easier. Use one card only, with a single big shape. Harder. Move the cards a little farther away as your baby starts tracking objects.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Kitchen Sound TourSenses · 0 to 8 months · 5 min
Everyday kitchen sounds, one at a time, are a first listening lesson.
You need. A carrier or your arms.
Set it up. Carry your baby around the kitchen while you get things done.
- Make one sound at a time, like running water, a spoon on a glass or the fridge door.
- Name each sound simply and wait while your baby listens.
- Skip loud appliances like the blender, which can startle.
What is normal. Stillness and wide eyes on new sounds, sometimes a startle, then interest.
Easier. Stay with soft sounds like water and paper. Harder. Let your baby tap the glass with their own hand while you hold it.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Mirror Floor TimeSenses · 2 to 8 months · 15 min
A floor mirror lets your baby watch their own arms and legs move.
You need. A shatterproof mirror (an acrylic mirror or a baby mirror).
Set it up. Lay the mirror on its side along the play mat, or prop it securely against the wall at floor level.
- Place your baby on their back or tummy next to the mirror.
- Let them watch their own movements. Stay quiet and close.
- Lie down beside them sometimes so they see your face in the mirror too.
What is normal. Smiles, kicks that get faster when they see movement, later reaching toward the reflection.
Easier. Use it during tummy time only, for a minute or two. Harder. Place a soft toy just in front of the mirror so they can see it twice.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Washcloth Drips in the BathSenses · 3 to 10 months · 5 min
Dripping water from a washcloth turns the bath into a sensory game.
You need. A washcloth; Bath water.
Set it up. Get your baby settled and supported in the bath, one hand on them at all times.
- Soak the washcloth and lift it above your baby’s tummy.
- Squeeze slowly so the water drips, and name it. “Drip, drip.”
- Hand over the wet cloth and let them squeeze or suck on it.
What is normal. Stillness while the water falls, then splashing and grabbing at the drips.
Easier. Drip on the hands and feet only. Harder. Squeeze fast and slow and let your baby hear the difference.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Face-to-Face ChatLanguage · 0 to 6 months · 5 min
A few minutes of back-and-forth talk, with real pauses for your baby to answer.
You need. You, and a calm moment after a feed.
Set it up. Hold your baby about a foot from your face, or lie down next to them on the floor.
- Look into their eyes and say something short, like “Hello, I see you.”
- Stop and wait. Count to five in your head.
- When your baby moves their mouth, coos or kicks, copy the sound or the face back.
- Keep going while they look at you. When they turn away, they need a break.
What is normal. Long stares, a still body when you talk and, around 6 to 8 weeks, the first real smiles.
Easier. Just narrate what you are doing while you change a diaper. Harder. Sing a short song with the same words every day and pause before the last word.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
First Picture BookLanguage · 2 to 10 months · 5 min
A board book with real photos, one picture at a time.
You need. A board book with one real photo per page.
Set it up. Sit with your baby on your lap with the book held close, 8 to 12 inches away.
- Turn one page and name the picture in one or two words.
- Wait while your baby looks. Point and name it again.
- Stop when they look away. Two pages is a good read at this age.
What is normal. Long looks at faces and high-contrast pictures, then hands slapping the page.
Easier. Use one page only and talk about it. Harder. Let your baby help turn the thick pages.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Name-It MassageLanguage · 0 to 9 months · 15 min
A short massage after the bath, naming each body part as you go.
You need. A towel; Unscented baby lotion or oil, if you use one.
Set it up. After a bath, lay your baby on a towel in a warm room.
- Stroke one part of the body at a time with slow, firm hands.
- Name each part as you touch it. “Here is your arm. Here is your hand.”
- Stop if your baby turns away, arches or cries.
What is normal. Relaxed hands and legs, eye contact, and often a long, sleepy stare.
Easier. Massage only the feet and hands. Harder. Sing a body song and pause so your baby can wiggle the part you name.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Pat-a-Cake HandsLanguage · 4 to 14 months · 5 min
A classic clapping rhyme builds rhythm and turn taking.
You need. Your hands.
Set it up. Sit facing your baby, who is propped or sitting supported.
- Say the rhyme slowly and clap your hands, then gently clap theirs.
- Pause before the last line and wait for a reaction.
- Repeat it on other days with the same words and gestures.
What is normal. Laughing, bouncing, and later trying to clap on their own before the end of the rhyme.
Easier. Just clap their hands together and smile. Harder. Stop and let your baby start the clapping to ask for more.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Kick the Crinkle PaperMovement · 2 to 7 months · 15 min
A crinkly sheet under the feet turns kicking into cause and effect.
You need. A large sheet of parchment paper; Painter’s tape.
Set it up. Tape the edges of the paper to the floor at the bottom of the play mat, where your baby’s feet land.
- Lay your baby on their back with their feet on the paper.
- Wait. The first kick makes a sound and your baby will often freeze to listen.
- Say what happened, like “You kicked. It crinkled.”
What is normal. Kicks that get stronger and faster once your baby links the sound to their legs.
Easier. Hold the paper up so it touches their feet when they move. Harder. Move the paper a little farther so they stretch to reach it.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Reach and Grasp GameMovement · 3 to 6 months · 5 min
Hold a toy just within reach and let your baby work out how to get it.
You need. A light rattle or a soft cloth ball.
Set it up. Lay your baby on their back on a firm blanket.
- Hold the rattle within reach above their chest and shake it gently once.
- Wait while they look, then reach. Do not put it in their hand.
- When they touch or grab it, let go and let them explore it.
- Try again on the other side.
What is normal. Swipes that miss, two hands coming together, the toy going straight to the mouth.
Easier. Hold the toy closer, right where their hand already moves. Harder. Hold it a little higher or to the side so they roll slightly to reach.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Ring PassMovement · 3 to 8 months · 5 min
Passing a ring back and forth builds grip and early turn taking.
You need. A wooden or silicone teething ring.
Set it up. Sit your baby supported on your lap or lay them on the mat.
- Offer the ring near one hand and wait for them to grab it.
- When they bring it to the middle, offer your hand on the other side.
- Take it gently, say “thank you” and give it back.
What is normal. Grabbing, mouthing, and around 5 or 6 months moving the ring from one hand to the other.
Easier. Touch the ring to their palm so the grasp kicks in. Harder. Hold it a little higher so they reach up for it.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Side-Lying PlayMovement · 1 to 6 months · 15 min
Lying on the side brings both hands together and prepares rolling.
You need. A rolled blanket; A soft toy.
Set it up. Lay your baby on their side on a firm blanket with the rolled blanket behind their back.
- Place the toy in front of their hands.
- Stay right beside them and talk.
- After a few minutes, switch to the other side.
What is normal. Hands coming together in front of the face, and a first look at what the hands can do.
Easier. Stay for one minute per side. Harder. Move the toy a little forward so they reach and almost roll.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Sing and SwayMovement · 0 to 6 months · 5 min
Rocking to the same song every day builds rhythm, language and calm.
You need. You, and one song you like.
Set it up. Pick one short song and use it at the same moment each day, after a feed or before a nap.
- Hold your baby upright against your chest or in the crook of your arm.
- Sing slowly and sway from side to side to the beat.
- Stop for a second before the last line and watch for a reaction.
- Sing it again tomorrow. Repetition is the point.
What is normal. A calmer body, a long stare at your mouth, and after a few weeks a smile when the song starts.
Easier. Hum instead of singing if your baby is already tired. Harder. Add a gentle bounce on the strong beat and a pause before it.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Tummy Time Over a Towel RollMovement · 2 to 7 months · 5 min
A rolled towel under the chest makes tummy time easier for a baby who protests.
You need. A bath towel rolled tight.
Set it up. Roll the towel and lay it across a firm blanket on the floor.
- Place your baby on their tummy with the roll under their chest and arms in front.
- Lie down facing them, at eye level, and talk.
- Stay a minute or two, then roll them onto their back to rest.
What is normal. Head lifts that last a little longer each day, and pushing up on the forearms.
Easier. Do it on your chest instead of the floor. Harder. Put a toy just in front of their hands to reach for.
Safety. Tummy time happens only when your baby is awake and you are right there. Sleep always on the back, in a bare crib. AAP, back to sleep, tummy to play
Tummy Time on Your ChestMovement · 0 to 4 months · 5 min
Tummy time on your chest is the gentlest way to start building neck strength.
You need. A comfortable spot to recline.
Set it up. Lean back on the couch or the floor, propped on a pillow.
- Place your baby on your chest, tummy down, with your hands on their back.
- Talk or sing so they want to lift their head to see your face.
- Start with a minute or two, a few times a day, and add time as they grow.
What is normal. Short head lifts and wobbles. Fussing after a minute is normal at first.
Easier. Do it right after a diaper change, when your baby is already awake and calm. Harder. Move to a firm blanket on the floor with your face at their level.
Safety. Tummy time happens only when your baby is awake and you are right there. Sleep always on the back, in a bare crib. AAP, back to sleep, tummy to play
Bird Window WatchNature · 3 to 14 months · 15 min
A window and a few birds make a calm daily nature show.
You need. A window with a view of a tree or a feeder.
Set it up. Sit by the window at a calm time of day with your baby on your lap.
- Watch together and name what moves, a bird, a leaf, a squirrel.
- Point and wait. Let your baby look where they want.
- Come back to the same window often so it becomes a routine.
What is normal. Long looks at moving things, and later pointing and excited sounds.
Easier. Stay for two or three minutes. Harder. Hang a simple feeder outside the window so the birds come back.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Grass Under the FeetNature · 4 to 14 months · 15 min
Bare feet on grass is a first nature lesson that costs nothing.
You need. A patch of clean grass; A blanket.
Set it up. Check the grass for anything sharp or small, then sit on the blanket at the edge.
- Hold your baby so their bare feet touch the grass.
- Let them feel it, curl their toes and pull back. Say “Grass. Soft.”
- Try a few other safe surfaces, like a warm stone or sand.
What is normal. Toes that curl and lift, faces of surprise, then kicks to feel it again.
Easier. Touch the grass with their hand only. Harder. Let a sitting baby pat the grass and pull at it with both hands.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Leaf Watching BlanketNature · 0 to 8 months · 15 min
Moving leaves and changing light are the best mobile there is.
You need. A blanket; Shade (a tree or an umbrella).
Set it up. Spread the blanket in full shade on a mild day, away from anything your baby could grab and mouth.
- Lay your baby on their back under the leaves.
- Lie next to them and look up together. Name what you hear, a bird, the wind.
- Stay until they get fussy or sleepy, then head inside.
What is normal. Quiet staring at moving light and leaves, sometimes for a surprisingly long time.
Easier. Try it on a porch or by an open window. Harder. Turn your baby on their tummy with a few leaves on the blanket to touch while you watch closely.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Babies, 6 to 12 Months
First Sips From an Open CupPractical life · 6 to 18 months · 5 min
A tiny open cup at meals, the Montessori way to learn to drink.
You need. A small open cup or shot-size glass; A little water; A bib or towel.
Set it up. At a meal, pour a tiny amount of water, about a sip, into the cup.
- Hold the cup with your baby, both hands on it.
- Tip it slowly to their lips and let them sip.
- Let them try alone. A spill is part of learning.
What is normal. Dribbles and spills for weeks, then surprisingly steady sips.
Easier. Hold the cup the whole time and tip it for them. Harder. Let them pour the sip from a tiny pitcher into their own cup.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Preloaded SpoonPractical life · 7 to 18 months · 15 min
A filled spoon handed over is the first step to self-feeding.
You need. A short baby spoon; Thick food like oatmeal, mashed sweet potato or yogurt.
Set it up. Seat your baby in the high chair with a bowl of thick food in front of you.
- Fill the spoon and hand it to your baby handle first.
- Let them bring it to their mouth alone.
- Fill the next one while they eat.
What is normal. Spoons upside down, food everywhere, then more and more landing in the mouth.
Easier. Let them hold the spoon while you guide their wrist. Harder. Put the bowl on the tray so they dip the spoon themselves.
Safety. Cut food into small, soft pieces and keep your child seated while eating. Skip whole grapes, nuts and popcorn under 4. AAP, choking prevention
Bath Cups and PouringSenses · 8 months to 2½ years · 15 min
Filling and pouring cups in the bath, the first science lesson.
You need. 2 plastic cups; A small plastic pitcher or a measuring cup.
Set it up. Run a shallow bath and put the cups in the water.
- Fill a cup and pour it slowly over your hand while your child watches.
- Hand over the cup and let them fill and pour.
- Name what happens, full, empty, splash.
What is normal. Water everywhere, and a lot of dumping before careful pouring.
Easier. Use one cup only. Harder. Pour from the cup into the pitcher and back without spilling.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Fabric Tug BoxSenses · 8 to 16 months · 15 min
Strips of fabric knotted through a shoebox to pull back and forth.
You need. A shoebox; 4 strips of fabric, about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide; Scissors (adult only).
Set it up. Poke holes on top of the box, thread a strip through each and knot it inside so it cannot come out.
- Set the box in front of your baby and pull one strip to show how it slides.
- Let them pull, push and chew.
- Put the box away after play.
What is normal. Pulling with one hand, then holding the box with the other. Lots of mouthing.
Easier. Use two wide strips only. Harder. Make the strips different textures, like velvet, cotton and ribbon.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Frozen Washcloth to ChewSenses · 6 to 14 months · 5 min
A cold, twisted washcloth for sore gums.
You need. A clean washcloth; Water; The freezer.
Set it up. Wet the washcloth, wring it out, twist it and freeze it for an hour.
- Hand the frozen cloth to your seated baby.
- Let them chew and hold it while you stay close.
- Take it back when it softens.
What is normal. Serious chewing, especially on teething days, and surprised faces at the cold.
Easier. Freeze it only 20 minutes so it is cool, not hard. Harder. Freeze a little breast milk or water in a corner for flavor.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Muffin Tin Ball HuntSenses · 7 to 15 months · 15 min
Pulling balls out of a muffin tin is a simple grasp and release game.
You need. A muffin tin; 4 to 6 tennis balls or balls of the same size.
Set it up. Put one ball in each cup of the muffin tin and set it on the floor in front of your sitting baby.
- Pull one ball out slowly and drop it back in.
- Let your baby take over. Do not help unless they ask.
- When all the balls are out, show how to put one back.
What is normal. Pulling out is easy, putting back comes much later. Both are good practice.
Easier. Use a shallow baking pan with three balls. Harder. Cover each ball with a washcloth so they lift the cloth first.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Pots and Wooden Spoons BandSenses · 6 to 18 months · 15 min
Pots and a wooden spoon make a loud first band on the kitchen floor.
You need. 2 or 3 pots or metal bowls; A wooden spoon.
Set it up. Turn the pots upside down on the kitchen floor while you cook.
- Tap one pot with the spoon to show the sound.
- Hand over the spoon and let your baby play.
- Name the sounds, loud and soft, big pot and small pot.
What is normal. Lots of banging and surprised faces. Some babies prefer to drop the spoon in the pot over and over.
Easier. Offer one pot and let them use their hands. Harder. Add a plastic container so there are two different sounds to compare.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Scarf in a WhiskSenses · 7 to 14 months · 15 min
A scarf tucked inside a whisk becomes a pulling puzzle.
You need. A large wire whisk; A small silk scarf or a washcloth.
Set it up. Push the scarf between the wires of the whisk so a corner sticks out.
- Hand the whisk to your sitting baby.
- Let them figure out how to get the scarf out.
- Push it back in and offer it again.
What is normal. Shaking, mouthing and then pinching the corner to pull. That pinch is the skill.
Easier. Leave a big part of the scarf outside. Harder. Push it deeper inside so they need two hands.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Splash TraySenses · 8 to 18 months · 15 min
Half an inch of water on a baking tray for splashing.
You need. A baking sheet with edges; A towel; Half an inch of water; 2 bath toys.
Set it up. Set the tray on a towel on the floor and pour in half an inch of water. Add the toys.
- Sit beside your baby and pat the water once.
- Let them splash, push the toys and taste the drips.
- Empty the tray the moment play ends.
What is normal. Big splashes, a wet shirt and lots of laughs.
Easier. Use a damp towel only, no standing water. Harder. Add a cup so they can try to pour.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Sticky WallSenses · 6 to 16 months · 15 min
A sheet of sticky contact paper on the wall for sticking and pulling.
You need. Clear contact paper; Painter’s tape; Large scraps of fabric, paper and felt, bigger than your baby’s palm.
Set it up. Tape a sheet of contact paper to the wall at sitting height, sticky side out.
- Stick one piece of fabric on the sheet while your baby watches.
- Hand them a piece and let them press it on or pull it off.
- Stay close and collect any piece that ends up in the mouth.
What is normal. Pulling off is the favorite part. The sticky feel on the fingers is surprising.
Easier. Use three big pieces only. Harder. Add pieces with different textures and name them, rough, soft, crinkly.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Treasure BasketSenses · 6 to 12 months · 15 min
A basket of real objects from around the house to touch, mouth and compare.
You need. A low basket; 5 or 6 everyday objects, such as a wooden spoon, a metal whisk, a silicone cup, a washcloth, a large pinecone and a lemon.
Set it up. Put the objects in the basket and set it on the floor in front of your sitting baby.
- Sit nearby and let your baby choose. Do not name everything at once.
- Watch which object they pick and how they explore it, by mouthing, shaking or banging.
- Swap one or two objects every few days.
What is normal. Everything goes in the mouth. That is how babies this age learn about weight, texture and temperature.
Easier. Start with three objects instead of six. Harder. Group objects by one material, all wood or all metal, so the differences stand out.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Washcloth Pull BoxSenses · 8 to 15 months · 15 min
Pulling cloths out of a box, the reusable version of emptying the tissues.
You need. An empty tissue box or a baby wipes container; 5 or 6 washcloths or fabric squares.
Set it up. Fold each washcloth loosely and stuff them into the box so a corner sticks out.
- Show how to pull the first corner out.
- Let your baby pull out the rest, one by one.
- Push them back in together, or let them try.
What is normal. Pulling out is easy, putting back is much harder. Expect a pile of cloths.
Easier. Leave several corners sticking out of the hole. Harder. Use fabrics with different textures and name them, soft, bumpy, smooth.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
What Is in the Box?Senses · 10 to 18 months · 15 min
A toy hidden in a box with a lid to work open.
You need. A small cardboard box with a lid; A toy that fits inside.
Set it up. Put the toy in the box and close the lid while your baby watches.
- Shake the box gently and ask “What is inside?”
- Let your baby work at the lid. Help only if they get upset.
- When they find the toy, close it again.
What is normal. Pulling, shaking and banging the box before figuring out the lid.
Easier. Use a box with a loose lid. Harder. Use a box with a tighter lid or wrap it in a dish towel.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Board Book BasketLanguage · 6 to 18 months · 15 min
A small basket of board books your baby can reach alone.
You need. A low basket; 3 board books with real photos.
Set it up. Stand the books face out in the basket where your baby plays.
- Sit nearby and let your baby choose a book.
- Name the pictures they look at. Let them turn pages, even many at once.
- Swap one book each week.
What is normal. Chewing, flipping several pages at a time and stopping on favorite pictures.
Easier. Offer one book at a time. Harder. Ask “Where is the dog?” and wait for a look or a point.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Family Photo Flap BoardLanguage · 8 to 18 months · 15 min
Flaps over family photos for a peekaboo naming game.
You need. A piece of cardboard; 4 family photos; 4 squares of felt or paper; Tape.
Set it up. Tape the photos on the cardboard and tape a flap over each one along the top edge.
- Lift one flap and say the name of the person.
- Let your baby lift the flaps and find the faces.
- Name each person every time.
What is normal. Lifting one flap again and again, and smiles at familiar faces.
Easier. Leave the flaps open and just name the faces. Harder. Ask “Where is Grandma?” before they open.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Peekaboo Under the ClothLanguage · 7 to 14 months · 5 min
Hiding a toy under a cloth turns object permanence into a game.
You need. A small dish towel or cloth napkin; A favorite toy.
Set it up. Sit facing your baby on the floor.
- Show the toy, then cover it halfway with the towel while your baby watches.
- Ask “Where did it go?” and wait.
- When they pull the towel, celebrate the find. Then cover it all the way.
What is normal. Pulling the cloth away is the big skill here. It means your baby knows the toy still exists.
Easier. Hide only part of the toy so a corner shows. Harder. Hide the toy under one of two towels and let them guess which.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Wave, Clap and PointLanguage · 8 to 16 months · 5 min
Gestures like waving and pointing come before first words.
You need. You.
Set it up. Use real moments, like someone leaving the room or a dog passing the window.
- Do the gesture and say the word, “Bye-bye” with a wave.
- Wait for your baby to copy. Do not move their hand for them.
- Celebrate any try, even a tiny hand flap.
What is normal. Copying gestures usually comes before words. Waving often appears around 9 to 12 months.
Easier. Use one gesture only for a week. Harder. Add pointing at what you name, and wait for your baby to point back.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Back and Forth Ball RollMovement · 8 to 18 months · 15 min
Rolling a ball back and forth is a first game of taking turns.
You need. A soft ball about the size of a cantaloupe.
Set it up. Sit on the floor facing your baby, legs open in a V so the ball stays in between.
- Roll the ball gently to your baby and say “Your turn.”
- Wait while they push, slap or drop it back toward you.
- Cheer when it comes back, then roll again.
What is normal. Pushes that go sideways and a lot of grabbing. Turn-taking comes later.
Easier. Roll a slower, bigger ball, or roll it right into their hands. Harder. Sit a little farther away, or roll it so they crawl to get it.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Box Tunnel CrawlMovement · 8 to 18 months · 15 min
A cardboard box tunnel to crawl through to find you.
You need. A large cardboard box open at both ends.
Set it up. Open both ends of the box and lay it on its side on the floor.
- Sit at one end and look through at your baby on the other side.
- Call their name and wave. Wait for them to crawl through.
- Cheer at the other end, then switch sides.
What is normal. Peeking in, backing out, then a brave crawl through on the second or third try.
Easier. Cut the box shorter so they see you the whole time. Harder. Join two boxes for a longer tunnel with a turn.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Couch Cruising CourseMovement · 9 to 14 months · 15 min
Toys along the couch invite a baby to cruise sideways.
You need. A couch or a low sturdy table; 3 favorite toys.
Set it up. Place the toys along the couch edge, a step apart.
- Help your baby pull up at one end.
- Let them side-step along the couch to reach each toy.
- Move the toys a little farther apart next time.
What is normal. Slow side steps holding on with both hands, and many sit-downs. Bare feet help.
Easier. Put the toys close together. Harder. Leave a small gap between two pieces of furniture to step across.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Cushion Crawl CourseMovement · 8 to 16 months · 15 min
Couch cushions on the floor make a soft course for crawlers.
You need. Couch cushions and pillows; A rolled-up towel.
Set it up. Lay the cushions on the floor in a line with small gaps, away from furniture corners.
- Put your baby at one end and a favorite toy at the other.
- Let them crawl over, around or along the cushions to reach it.
- Change the layout when they start finding it easy.
What is normal. Lots of falls onto soft cushions and trying again. That is the practice.
Easier. Use flat cushions only, with no gaps. Harder. Add the rolled towel as a bump to climb over.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Laundry Basket PushMovement · 11 to 20 months · 15 min
A laundry basket is the best push toy in the house.
You need. A plastic laundry basket; A few soft toys or towels for weight.
Set it up. Put the toys in the basket so it does not slide too fast.
- Show your child how to hold the rim and push the basket across the floor.
- Walk next to them in an open space.
- Unload the toys at the other end, then push the empty basket back.
What is normal. Wobbly steps and crashes into walls. Pushing a basket steadies new walkers.
Easier. Push it together, your hands next to theirs. Harder. Ask them to deliver the towels to the bathroom.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Pick the Wall ApplesMovement · 10 to 20 months · 15 min
Soft apples taped to a paper tree on the wall to pick.
You need. A large sheet of paper; Painter’s tape; 4 to 6 red soft balls or red socks rolled into balls.
Set it up. Draw a tree on the paper, tape it to the wall and stick the balls on the branches with loops of tape.
- Show how to pull one apple off and drop it in a basket.
- Let your child reach, stretch and pick the rest.
- Stick them back on, a little higher.
What is normal. Reaching up and pulling to stand. Many will want to stick them back on too.
Easier. Put the apples low, at sitting height. Harder. Put some high so they stand on tiptoe.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Rolling Bottle ChaseMovement · 6 to 12 months · 15 min
A sealed bottle of colored water that rolls just out of reach.
You need. A clean plastic bottle; Water and a drop of food coloring; Strong glue or tape for the lid.
Set it up. Fill the bottle a third with colored water, glue the lid and tape it shut.
- Roll the bottle slowly in front of your baby during tummy time or crawling.
- Let it stop just out of reach.
- Cheer when they reach or crawl to it.
What is normal. Lunging, pivoting on the tummy and the first crawling attempts to chase it.
Easier. Let it roll only a few inches away. Harder. Roll it a little farther each time.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Yogurt Finger PaintingArt · 8 to 20 months · 15 min
Taste-safe finger paint on the high chair tray.
You need. Plain yogurt; A drop of food coloring or a spoon of fruit puree; A high chair tray.
Set it up. Seat your baby in the high chair and spoon a little colored yogurt on the tray.
- Draw a line in the yogurt with your finger.
- Let your baby smear, pat and taste.
- Wipe the tray together at the end.
What is normal. Most of it gets eaten. That is expected with taste-safe paint.
Easier. Use plain yogurt, no color. Harder. Offer two colors side by side and let them mix.
Safety. Cut food into small, soft pieces and keep your child seated while eating. Skip whole grapes, nuts and popcorn under 4. AAP, choking prevention
Toddlers, 12 to 18 Months
Farm Animal WashPractical life · 15 months to 3 years · 15 min
A washing station for plastic animals, two tubs and a brush.
You need. A tub with a little soapy water; A tub of clean water; A small brush; 4 plastic animals; A towel.
Set it up. Set the two tubs on a towel on the floor or outside, with the dirty animals on one side.
- Wash one animal slowly with the brush and rinse it.
- Lay it on the towel to dry.
- Let your child wash the others.
What is normal. Lots of scrubbing of one animal, splashing, and moving animals between tubs.
Easier. Use one tub and a washcloth only. Harder. Add a little mud first so there is something real to wash off.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Hand Washing SongPractical life · 15 months to 3 years · 5 min
A song and a step stool for real hand washing.
You need. A sturdy step stool at the sink; Soap; A towel at their height.
Set it up. Set up the stool and hang a towel where your child can reach it.
- Wet hands, soap, then rub while you sing a short song twice.
- Rinse and dry with the towel.
- Do it at the same moments each day, before meals and after outside play.
What is normal. Lots of water play and very short scrubbing at first. The song helps.
Easier. Wash their hands with yours around theirs. Harder. Let them pump the soap and turn the tap themselves.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Put the Shoes AwayPractical life · 14 months to 3 years · 5 min
A daily two-minute job at the front door.
You need. A low shoe rack, basket or a mat by the door.
Set it up. Make a spot for shoes at your child’s height.
- When you come home, take your shoes off and put them in the spot.
- Hand your child their shoes and point to the spot.
- Do it every day, the same way.
What is normal. Shoes thrown in the general area. Pairs side by side come with time.
Easier. Let them carry one shoe only. Harder. Draw two shoe shapes on paper and tape it to the mat to match.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
The Kitchen DrawerPractical life · 12 months to 2½ years · 15 min
One low kitchen drawer that belongs to your toddler.
You need. One low kitchen drawer or cabinet; Safe things like wooden spoons, plastic bowls, a colander and dish towels.
Set it up. Empty one low drawer and fill it with safe things your child may use.
- Show the drawer and say “This one is yours.”
- Let them empty and fill it while you cook.
- Swap a few things every week.
What is normal. Everything comes out, very little goes back in. That is how this age plays.
Easier. Put in three things only. Harder. Ask them to put the bowls back at the end of cooking.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Turn On the LightPractical life · 14 months to 2½ years · 5 min
A real job twice a day at the light switch.
You need. A light switch.
Set it up. Each time you enter a room, lift your child to the switch, or use a sturdy step stool.
- Say “Lights on” and let them push the switch.
- When you leave, say “Lights off.”
- Keep it to coming and going, not as a game of flicking.
What is normal. Big pride in a real job. Flicking on and off a few times is normal at first.
Easier. Hold their hand over the switch. Harder. Let them do the lights for the whole bedtime routine.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Water the PlantsPractical life · 16 months to 4 years · 5 min
A small watering can and one plant to look after.
You need. A small watering can or a cup; A house plant or garden bed.
Set it up. Fill the can only a quarter so it is light and spills are small.
- Show how to pour slowly at the base of the plant.
- Let your child water one plant.
- Wipe any spill together with a cloth.
What is normal. Lots of water in one spot. Plants that can take extra water are a good start.
Easier. Water outside, where spills do not matter. Harder. Give your child one plant to care for every few days.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Wipe the TablePractical life · 12 months to 2½ years · 5 min
A small cloth and a real job after every meal.
You need. A small damp cloth, cut to the size of your child’s hand.
Set it up. After a meal, wet the cloth and wring it out well.
- Show one slow wipe from left to right, then hand over the cloth.
- Let your child wipe their own spot at the table.
- Hang the cloth on a low hook together when you finish.
What is normal. Circles in one spot, crumbs pushed on the floor. The habit matters more than the result.
Easier. Wipe the high chair tray only. Harder. Add a small spray bottle of water and a dry cloth to finish.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Ball Drop BoxSenses · 12 months to 2 years · 15 min
A box with a hole on top turns a few balls into a long game.
You need. A cardboard box; 3 or 4 balls the size of a tennis ball or bigger; Scissors (adult only).
Set it up. Cut a hole in the top of the box a little bigger than the balls, and a wide opening at the bottom of one side.
- Drop a ball in the hole and watch it roll out together.
- Hand over the balls.
- Ask “Where did it go?” each time it comes out.
What is normal. The same ball dropped twenty times in a row. Repetition is the point.
Easier. Make the top hole very big. Harder. Make two holes of different sizes and two ball sizes.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Lid Posting BoxSenses · 12 months to 2 years · 15 min
Push lids through a slot in a box, again and again.
You need. An oatmeal container or a shoebox with a lid; Large jar lids or baby food pouch lids too big to fit in a toilet paper tube; A craft knife (adult only).
Set it up. Cut a slot in the lid a little wider than your lids. Do this away from your child.
- Show how to push one lid through the slot, slowly.
- Hand over the lids and let your child post them.
- Open the box together and start again.
What is normal. Turning the lid until it fits takes many tries. Wait before you help.
Easier. Make the slot extra wide, or use a round hole and a ball. Harder. Cut a narrower slot so the lid has to be turned the right way.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Painter’s Tape PullSenses · 12 months to 2½ years · 15 min
Peeling strips of tape off a table builds a strong pinch.
You need. Painter’s tape.
Set it up. Stick 6 to 8 strips of tape on the high chair tray, a low table or the floor. Fold one end of each strip to make a tab.
- Show how to pinch a tab and pull the strip off.
- Let your child peel the rest.
- Collect the strips in a ball or stick them on paper.
What is normal. Pinching the edge is hard work for small fingers. Tabs help a lot.
Easier. Make longer tabs and use only a few strips. Harder. Press the tape flat with no tabs so they have to find the edge.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Body Parts in the MirrorLanguage · 12 months to 2 years · 5 min
Naming body parts in the mirror builds words and self awareness.
You need. A mirror at your child’s height.
Set it up. Sit in front of the mirror with your child on your lap.
- Point to your nose in the mirror and say “Nose.”
- Touch their nose and say it again.
- Ask “Where is your nose?” and wait.
What is normal. Laughing at the mirror, then pointing to the right body part, starting around 15 to 18 months.
Easier. Name only two parts, nose and eyes. Harder. Add tummy, elbows and knees.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Name It Walk Around the HouseLanguage · 12 months to 2 years · 15 min
A slow tour of the house, one object and one word at a time.
You need. Nothing.
Set it up. Carry your child or hold their hand and walk slowly from room to room.
- Stop at one object at a time and name it simply, “Lamp.”
- Let them touch it and wait for any sound or word back.
- Come back to the same objects tomorrow.
What is normal. Pointing, babbling and one or two words. Understanding grows long before speaking.
Easier. Name three objects only, the same three every day. Harder. Ask “Where is the lamp?” and let them point to it.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Ball RampMath · 14 months to 3½ years · 15 min
A tube leaned on the couch turns into a ball run.
You need. A wrapping paper tube or a long board; Couch cushions; 2 tennis balls.
Set it up. Lean the tube or board against the couch to make a slope.
- Put a ball at the top and let it roll down.
- Hand the ball to your child to try.
- Change the slope and watch it go faster or slower.
What is normal. Many, many repeats. Toddlers love watching the ball disappear and come out.
Easier. Hold the top of the ramp for them. Harder. Ask which ball will go farther, and try different balls.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Feed the Monster BoxMath · 12 months to 2½ years · 15 min
A cardboard monster that eats sock balls.
You need. A cardboard box; A marker; Rolled socks.
Set it up. Draw a big monster face on the box and cut a wide mouth. Roll socks into balls.
- Feed one sock ball to the monster and make a munching sound.
- Hand the socks to your child and let them feed it.
- Open the box to get them back and count them out.
What is normal. Feeding the monster again and again, and laughing at your munching sounds.
Easier. Make the mouth very wide and stand close. Harder. Step back and toss from farther away.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Nesting ContainersMath · 12 months to 2 years · 15 min
Plastic containers that fit inside each other teach size by trial and error.
You need. 3 or 4 plastic food containers of different sizes.
Set it up. Set the containers out of their stack, mixed up, on the floor.
- Show how the small one goes inside the big one, slowly.
- Let your child try. Do not correct the order.
- Stack them upside down as a tower when the nesting is done.
What is normal. The wrong container forced in, then a switch. Finding the right size is the learning.
Easier. Use two containers only, one clearly bigger. Harder. Add lids to match to each container.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Box Tower KnockdownMovement · 12 months to 2½ years · 15 min
Stack empty boxes, knock them down, start again.
You need. 5 or 6 empty food boxes or shoeboxes.
Set it up. Tape the boxes shut and stack them into a tower on the floor.
- Let your child knock it down.
- Build it again together, one box at a time.
- Count the boxes as you stack them.
What is normal. Knocking down is the favorite for months. Stacking two or three comes later.
Easier. Stack two boxes only. Harder. Let your child build the tower and decide when it falls.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Bubble ChaseMovement · 12 months to 4 years · 15 min
Blow bubbles and let your child chase and pop them.
You need. A bottle of bubbles.
Set it up. Go outside or to a room with a hard floor that can get a little wet.
- Blow a few bubbles high so they float down slowly.
- Let your child chase, clap and pop them.
- Take turns, you blow and they pop, then they try blowing.
What is normal. Lots of running and laughing. Blowing bubbles yourself takes practice, so let them try when they want.
Easier. Blow bubbles low and slow, close to your child. Harder. Ask them to pop bubbles with one finger only, or with a foot.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Bubble Wrap StompMovement · 12 months to 2½ years · 15 min
A strip of bubble wrap taped down for stomping.
You need. A large piece of bubble wrap; Painter’s tape.
Set it up. Tape the bubble wrap flat on the floor along all edges.
- Stomp on it yourself so they hear the pops.
- Let your child walk, stomp and jump on it.
- Throw it away when play is over.
What is normal. Surprise at the first pops, then stomping and running across again and again.
Easier. Let them pat and pop with their hands, sitting down. Harder. Make a path of two sheets and march to music.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Heavy Work CarryMovement · 14 months to 3 years · 15 min
Toddlers love to carry heavy things. Give them a real reason to.
You need. A basket of books, a full laundry bag or a small watering can.
Set it up. Find a real job that needs something carried from one room to another.
- Show how to hold it with two hands, close to the body.
- Walk beside your child to where it goes.
- Thank them for the help.
What is normal. Proud faces and slow, wide steps. Toddlers love carrying the heaviest thing they can lift.
Easier. Use a lighter load and a short trip. Harder. Add a turn or a step to get around.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Scarf DanceMovement · 12 months to 4 years · 15 min
Wave a scarf to music and dance together.
You need. 2 light scarves or dish towels; Music.
Set it up. Clear a space and put on a song with a clear beat.
- Wave a scarf high and low to the music.
- Hand one to your child and dance together.
- Stop the music now and then and freeze.
What is normal. Waving, spinning and running. Freezing is hard before 2.
Easier. Dance while holding your child, both waving one scarf. Harder. Switch between fast and slow songs and move to match.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Puddle WalkNature · 14 months to 5 years · 20 min
Rain boots on, puddles found, splashing allowed.
You need. Rain boots; A raincoat.
Set it up. After a rain, dress for the weather and head out to find puddles.
- Stomp in the first puddle to show it is allowed.
- Let your child splash, walk around and look at reflections.
- Talk about what you see, “deep, shallow, big splash”.
What is normal. Stomping, splashing and some sitting down in the puddle. Bring dry clothes.
Easier. Splash in the smallest puddle you find. Harder. Drop a leaf and a stick in the puddle and see which floats.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Big Crayon ScribblesArt · 12 months to 2½ years · 15 min
Paper taped down and two chunky crayons, first marks.
You need. A large sheet of paper; Tape; 2 chunky crayons.
Set it up. Tape the paper to the table or the floor so it does not slide.
- Make one slow line yourself.
- Hand over a crayon and let your child scribble.
- Talk about what they do, “Long line. Round and round.”
What is normal. Fist grips, dots and back-and-forth lines. Crayons go in the mouth sometimes.
Easier. Offer one color only. Harder. Tape paper to the wall or the underside of a table for a new angle.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Cardboard Box CarArt · 14 months to 3½ years · 20 min
A cardboard box turns into a car to sit in and decorate.
You need. A box big enough to sit in; Markers; Paper plates.
Set it up. Draw headlights and stick paper plates on the sides as wheels.
- Let your child sit in the car.
- Push it slowly around the room and make engine sounds.
- Let them color their car.
What is normal. Climbing in and out, honking and a lot of pretend driving.
Easier. Just push the empty box around together. Harder. Add a steering wheel and a road made of tape.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Toddlers, 18 to 24 Months
Dish Washing StationPractical life · 18 months to 4 years · 15 min
Two tubs, a sponge and real plastic dishes to wash.
You need. 2 tubs or bowls, one soapy and one clear; A sponge; Plastic cups and plates; A towel.
Set it up. Put the tubs on a towel on a low table or the floor, with the dirty dishes on the left.
- Wash one cup slowly in the soapy tub, rinse it in the clear tub and set it on the towel.
- Hand over the sponge and step back.
- Dry the clean dishes together at the end.
What is normal. Long scrubbing of one plate and moving water from tub to tub. The water gets everywhere.
Easier. Use one tub and two cups. Harder. Add a dish rack and let them put the clean dishes away.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Help Make the BedPractical life · 20 months to 4½ years · 5 min
Pulling up the covers together every morning.
You need. Your bed or theirs.
Set it up. Do it at the same time each morning.
- Pull the covers up together, each holding one side.
- Let your child place the pillow.
- Smooth the blanket with flat hands.
What is normal. A bumpy bed and a proud child. The result does not need to look neat.
Easier. Let them only put the stuffed animals back. Harder. Let them do their own bed with a simple duvet.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Put the Groceries AwayPractical life · 20 months to 4 years · 15 min
Unpacking the grocery bag is a real job toddlers love.
You need. A grocery bag with cans, boxes and fruit.
Set it up. Clear one low shelf or bin for things your child can put away.
- Hand over one item and point to where it goes.
- Name each item as it comes out of the bag.
- Save the heavy and the breakable things for you.
What is normal. Carrying one thing at a time, sometimes back and forth to the same spot.
Easier. Let them pass items to you instead. Harder. Ask them to sort cans on one side and boxes on the other.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Scrub the VegetablesPractical life · 18 months to 4 years · 15 min
Scrub potatoes or carrots for dinner with a small brush.
You need. Potatoes or carrots; A vegetable brush or a clean toothbrush; A bowl of water; A towel.
Set it up. Put the bowl of water on a towel at a low table or on a sturdy step stool at the sink.
- Show how to dip a potato and scrub it in small circles.
- Let your child scrub the rest.
- Lay the clean vegetables on the towel and cook them together for dinner.
What is normal. Splashing and very long scrubbing of one potato. Both are fine.
Easier. Scrub one large potato with your hand over theirs. Harder. Add a second bowl for rinsing and a towel to dry.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Socks Off, Socks OnPractical life · 18 months to 3 years · 15 min
Learning to take socks off and pull them back on.
You need. A pair of loose socks.
Set it up. Sit on the floor with your child at a calm time, not when you are in a rush.
- Show how to pull a sock off by the toe.
- Let them pull off their own.
- For putting on, roll the sock down to the heel and let them pull it up.
What is normal. Pulling off comes first. Putting on can take months.
Easier. Use an adult sock, which is easy to pull over the foot. Harder. Try shoes with a single strap after socks.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Unload the SpoonsPractical life · 18 months to 3 years · 5 min
Put the clean spoons away, a real job for small hands.
You need. The cutlery basket from the dishwasher, sharp knives removed first.
Set it up. Take out every knife and fork before you start. Leave only spoons.
- Show how to take one spoon and put it in the drawer tray.
- Let your child do the rest.
- Sort big spoons and small spoons if they want more.
What is normal. Spoons in every slot and some on the floor. They are helping, and it shows.
Easier. Hand them one spoon at a time. Harder. Add plastic cups to stack on a low shelf.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Wash a PumpkinPractical life · 18 months to 4 years · 15 min
Scrub a pumpkin with soapy water, a fall classic.
You need. A small pumpkin; A bowl of soapy water; A sponge or a brush; A towel.
Set it up. Set everything outside or in a big tray on the floor.
- Show how to dip the sponge and scrub the pumpkin.
- Let your child wash it all over, stem included.
- Dry it with the towel and put it by the front door.
What is normal. Most of the water ends up on the ground. That is why it happens outside.
Easier. Use a mini pumpkin and a cloth. Harder. Wash a row of gourds of different sizes, from smallest to biggest.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Water Pouring on a TrayPractical life · 18 months to 3½ years · 15 min
Pour water between cups on a tray, with a sponge for the spills.
You need. A small pitcher; 2 small cups; A tray; A small sponge.
Set it up. Put the pitcher with a little water, the cups and the sponge on the tray.
- Show how to hold the pitcher with two hands and pour slowly into one cup.
- Let your child pour, then pour back.
- When water spills, show how to press the sponge on it.
What is normal. Spills on almost every try at first. Cleaning up is part of the work.
Easier. Pour into one big bowl instead of a cup. Harder. Draw a line on the cup with a marker and pour to the line.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Ladle Water TransferSenses · 18 months to 3 years · 15 min
Move water from bowl to bowl with a ladle, one careful scoop at a time.
You need. 2 mixing bowls; A ladle or a big serving spoon; A towel.
Set it up. Fill one bowl halfway with water and put both bowls on a towel.
- Scoop slowly with the ladle and carry it to the empty bowl.
- Let your child move the water, one ladle at a time.
- Pour it all back with both hands at the end.
What is normal. Water dripping all the way across. Carrying a full ladle level takes many tries.
Easier. Do it in the bathtub or outside. Harder. Add a drop of food coloring and count the ladles.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Sponge SqueezeSenses · 18 months to 3½ years · 15 min
Moving water from bowl to bowl with a squeezed sponge.
You need. 2 bowls; A large sponge; Water; A towel.
Set it up. Put one bowl of water and one empty bowl on a towel.
- Soak the sponge, lift it over the empty bowl and squeeze.
- Hand the sponge to your child.
- Keep going until the water has moved bowls.
What is normal. Squeezing with two hands and a lot of water on the towel. Strong hands at work.
Easier. Use a small sponge that is easy to hold. Harder. Add a drop of food coloring to watch the water change bowls.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Animal Sounds BasketLanguage · 18 months to 3 years · 15 min
A basket of toy animals to name and make the sounds of.
You need. 4 or 5 toy animals too big to fit in a toilet paper tube; A basket.
Set it up. Put the animals in the basket.
- Take out one animal, name it and make its sound.
- Hand it to your child and wait for them to copy.
- Ask “Which one says moo?” when they know a few.
What is normal. Sounds come before names. “Moo” for the cow is a real word.
Easier. Use two animals only. Harder. Add a picture book and match each animal to its picture.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Copy My RhythmLanguage · 20 months to 4½ years · 5 min
Taking turns tapping a beat on a pot.
You need. 2 wooden spoons; A pot or a box.
Set it up. Sit facing each other with a spoon each and the pot between you.
- Tap a short beat, two or three taps.
- Stop and wait for your child to copy.
- Make it slower, faster, louder and softer.
What is normal. Lots of banging at first. Copying a beat appears slowly after 2.
Easier. Just take turns, any beat. Harder. Clap a pattern and let them lead the next one.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Story With Real ObjectsLanguage · 20 months to 3½ years · 15 min
Real objects that match the pictures in a favorite book.
You need. A simple picture book; 3 real objects from the book, like a ball, a cup and a hat.
Set it up. Find objects at home that appear in the book and put them in a basket.
- Read the book slowly.
- When a picture appears, hold up the real object.
- Let your child match the object to the picture.
What is normal. Pointing back and forth between object and picture. It links words, pictures and things.
Easier. Use one object and one page. Harder. Hide the objects in the room and find them as you read.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Teddy Bear PicnicLanguage · 20 months to 4 years · 15 min
A blanket picnic with stuffed animals and a real snack.
You need. A blanket; 2 stuffed animals; Real cups and plates; A snack.
Set it up. Spread the blanket and sit the stuffed animals around it.
- Set a plate for each guest together.
- Name everything, cup, plate, banana, and offer food to the bears.
- Eat the real snack together.
What is normal. Feeding the bears, pretending to drink, and lots of new words.
Easier. Use one bear and one cup. Harder. Let your child decide who sits where and what each guest eats.
Safety. Cut food into small, soft pieces and keep your child seated while eating. Skip whole grapes, nuts and popcorn under 4. AAP, choking prevention
Cereal Box PuzzleMath · 20 months to 3½ years · 15 min
The front of a food box cut into a homemade puzzle.
You need. The front of an empty food box; Scissors (adult only).
Set it up. Cut the front panel into 2 or 3 big pieces with straight lines.
- Put the puzzle together while your child watches.
- Take it apart and let them try.
- Make another one from a different box next week.
What is normal. Turning pieces around and pushing them together. Two pieces is a real puzzle at this age.
Easier. Cut in two pieces only. Harder. Cut in 4 to 6 pieces with wavy lines.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Color Sorting BowlsMath · 22 months to 3½ years · 15 min
Two bowls and a few toys to sort by color.
You need. 2 bowls of different colors; 6 objects in those two colors, bigger than your child’s fist.
Set it up. Put the bowls side by side and the objects in a basket.
- Pick one object, look at it and drop it in the bowl of the same color.
- Hand the next one to your child.
- Say the color each time.
What is normal. Mixing colors at first. Color names usually come after 2.
Easier. Use two very different colors, like red and blue. Harder. Add a third color, or sort socks by color.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Match the ShoesMath · 20 months to 3½ years · 15 min
A pile of family shoes to sort into pairs.
You need. 3 pairs of family shoes.
Set it up. Mix the shoes in a pile on the floor.
- Pick one shoe and look for its twin. Put them side by side.
- Hand your child a shoe and ask “Where is the other one?”
- Line up the pairs at the door when you finish.
What is normal. Matching by size first. Telling left from right comes much later.
Easier. Use two pairs that look very different. Harder. Add a third pair that looks almost the same as another.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Which Cup?Math · 18 months to 3 years · 5 min
Hide a toy under a cup and find it again.
You need. 2 plastic cups; A small toy too big to swallow.
Set it up. Sit at a table facing your child.
- Hide the toy under one cup while your child watches.
- Ask “Where is it?” and let them lift a cup.
- Switch the cups slowly and play again.
What is normal. Lifting both cups at first. Following a slow switch comes after 2.
Easier. Use one cup only. Harder. Use three cups and switch them twice.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Dance and FreezeMovement · 18 months and up · 15 min
Dance, freeze when the music stops, dance again.
You need. Music on any device.
Set it up. Clear a space on the floor.
- Play music and dance together.
- Pause the music and freeze like statues.
- Start the music again. Let your child press pause too.
What is normal. Toddlers rarely freeze for long and often keep dancing. That is part of the fun.
Easier. Freeze for one second only, holding hands. Harder. Freeze in a shape, like a tree or a cat.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Tape Road for CarsMovement · 18 months to 4 years · 20 min
A road of painter’s tape on the floor keeps cars busy for ages.
You need. Painter’s tape; 2 or 3 toy cars too big to fit in a toilet paper tube.
Set it up. Tape a long road on the floor with a few turns, one stop and a parking spot.
- Drive one car along the road while your child watches.
- Let them drive. Narrate, slow down, turn, stop.
- Add a bridge made of a book or a tunnel made of a box.
What is normal. Cars off the road and crashes. Following the line comes with practice.
Easier. Make one straight road only. Harder. Add a parking lot with numbered spots for older kids.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Walk the LineMovement · 18 months to 4½ years · 15 min
A tape line on the floor for slow, careful walking.
You need. Painter’s tape.
Set it up. Tape a long line or a big oval on the floor.
- Walk on the line slowly, one foot in front of the other.
- Invite your child to follow you.
- When it is easy, carry a cup or a soft toy while walking.
What is normal. Wobbly steps that go off the line. Focus and slow walking are the goal.
Easier. Make the tape line wide, two strips side by side. Harder. Walk heel to toe, or carry a cup of water on a tray.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Leaf Pile JumpNature · 18 months and up · 20 min
Rake a pile, jump in, rake again.
You need. A rake; Dry leaves.
Set it up. Rake leaves into a soft pile away from sticks and stones.
- Jump in first, or toss a handful in the air.
- Let your child jump, roll and throw.
- Rake it back up and go again.
What is normal. Running in and out, throwing leaves overhead and many restarts.
Easier. Toss leaves gently over them while they sit. Harder. Let them use a small rake to build the pile.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Two-Year-Olds
Feed the PetPractical life · 2 to 5 years · 5 min
A daily feeding job for the family pet.
You need. A scoop; The pet’s food and bowl.
Set it up. Choose one daily feeding that your child can do with you.
- Show how to fill the scoop and pour it in the bowl.
- Let your child do it, with you holding the bag.
- Wash hands after.
What is normal. Spills and proud faces. A real animal makes the job feel important.
Easier. Let them carry the full bowl to its spot. Harder. Make a simple picture chart and let them check off each feeding.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Flower ArrangingPractical life · 2½ years and up · 15 min
A small vase, a pitcher and a few flowers to arrange.
You need. A small vase or a jar; A small pitcher of water; A few flowers or leafy stems; Child-safe scissors.
Set it up. Lay a towel on a low table and put out the vase, the pitcher and the flowers.
- Fill the vase halfway with the pitcher.
- Show how to put one stem in the vase.
- Let your child add the others and choose where the vase goes.
What is normal. Slow, careful work and proud carrying of the vase to the table.
Easier. Use stems you already trimmed to length. Harder. Let them trim the stems with child scissors and change the water each day.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Peel a ClementinePractical life · 2½ to 5 years · 15 min
A clementine to peel and share.
You need. A clementine; A small plate.
Set it up. Make a small starting tear in the peel for your child.
- Show how to pull the peel off in big pieces.
- Let your child peel the rest.
- Separate the pieces and share them on the plate.
What is normal. Short bits of peel and juice everywhere, and proud eating.
Easier. Peel half and leave the rest for them. Harder. Let them start the peel with their own thumb.
Safety. Cut food into small, soft pieces and keep your child seated while eating. Skip whole grapes, nuts and popcorn under 4. AAP, choking prevention
Peel and Slice a BananaPractical life · 2 to 4½ years · 5 min
Peel and slice a banana for snack, with a butter knife.
You need. A banana; A butter knife; A small cutting board.
Set it up. Snap the top of the banana so the peel starts to open.
- Let your child peel it, strip by strip.
- Show how to slice it with the butter knife on the board, slowly.
- Let them cut slices for the family snack.
What is normal. Squashed slices and uneven sizes. The pride is the same.
Easier. Peel only, you slice. Harder. Cut a pear or a strawberry too, soft fruits only.
Safety. Cut food into small, soft pieces and keep your child seated while eating. Skip whole grapes, nuts and popcorn under 4. AAP, choking prevention
Sock Mitt DustingPractical life · 2 to 4½ years · 15 min
An old sock on the hand turns into a duster.
You need. An old sock.
Set it up. Put the sock on your child’s hand like a mitten.
- Show how to wipe a low shelf in long strokes.
- Let them dust shelves, chair legs and baseboards.
- Shake the sock outside at the end.
What is normal. Wiping the same spot a long time, and dusting things that do not need it.
Easier. Dust one shelf together. Harder. Give a list of three things to dust and let them check them off.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Sort the SilverwarePractical life · 2 to 4 years · 15 min
Sorting clean forks and spoons into the drawer tray.
You need. Clean forks and spoons; A silverware tray.
Set it up. Take the clean forks and spoons out of the dishwasher and put them on a towel. Keep knives for you.
- Put one fork in its slot and one spoon in its slot.
- Let your child sort the rest.
- Put the tray back in the drawer together.
What is normal. Mixing at first, then careful sorting. It is a real job with a clear finish.
Easier. Use only forks and big spoons. Harder. Add teaspoons as a third group.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Spread Butter on ToastPractical life · 2 to 5 years · 15 min
Your child spreads their own toast with a butter knife.
You need. Toast, cooled; Soft butter or a spread your child can eat; A butter knife; A small plate.
Set it up. Put the toast on the plate and a little soft butter in a small dish.
- Show how to scoop a little butter with the flat side of the knife.
- Spread slowly from the middle to the edges.
- Let your child spread their own and eat it.
What is normal. Holes in the toast and big lumps of butter. Softer butter helps.
Easier. Use a spoon and very soft spread. Harder. Make toast for everyone at the table.
Safety. Cut food into small, soft pieces and keep your child seated while eating. Skip whole grapes, nuts and popcorn under 4. AAP, choking prevention
Sweep Into the SquarePractical life · 2 to 4½ years · 15 min
Sweep paper balls into a tape square, then into the dustpan.
You need. A small broom or hand brush; A dustpan; Painter’s tape; Crumpled paper balls.
Set it up. Tape a square on the floor and scatter a few paper balls around it.
- Show how to sweep one ball into the square.
- Let your child sweep the rest in.
- Show how to hold the dustpan and brush the pile in.
What is normal. Wild sweeping in every direction. The square gives them a target.
Easier. Use a big square and three balls. Harder. Sweep real crumbs under the table after a meal.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Tong TransferPractical life · 2½ to 4½ years · 15 min
Moving sock balls from bowl to bowl with kitchen tongs.
You need. Kitchen tongs; 2 bowls; 5 sock balls or small soft toys.
Set it up. Put the sock balls in one bowl and the empty bowl beside it.
- Pick up one ball with the tongs slowly and drop it in the other bowl.
- Hand the tongs to your child.
- Move them all back to start again.
What is normal. Using two hands on the tongs at first. Steady squeezing comes with practice.
Easier. Use salad tongs that are easy to grip. Harder. Use smaller tongs and smaller soft objects.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Wash the WindowsPractical life · 2½ to 5½ years · 15 min
A spray bottle of water and a cloth for real window washing.
You need. A small spray bottle with water; A squeegee or a dry cloth.
Set it up. Pick a glass door or a low window and lay a towel on the floor below.
- Spray once and wipe from top to bottom.
- Hand over the bottle and the cloth.
- Look through the clean glass together.
What is normal. Lots of spraying, some wiping. Squeezing the trigger is great hand work.
Easier. Let them only spray while you wipe. Harder. Show how to use a squeegee in straight lines.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Clothespins on a BoxSenses · 2½ to 4 years · 15 min
Squeezing clothespins onto a box edge for strong fingers.
You need. 6 wooden clothespins; A shoebox or a paper plate.
Set it up. Clip one clothespin on the box edge while your child watches.
- Show how to squeeze with the thumb and fingers.
- Let your child clip the rest around the edge.
- Take them off and drop them in the box.
What is normal. Squeezing is hard and often takes both hands at first.
Easier. Clip them on yourself and let your child pull them off. Harder. Color the box edge in sections and match clothespins to colors.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Color Hunt Around the HouseSenses · 2 to 4½ years · 15 min
Collect things of one color from around the house.
You need. A colored bowl or box (red, blue or yellow).
Set it up. Pick one color and show the bowl.
- Say “Let’s find red things” and find the first one together.
- Let your child bring anything red to the bowl.
- Line up the finds and name them before putting them back.
What is normal. Orange in the red bowl, or a favorite toy whatever its color. Keep it light.
Easier. Hunt in one room only. Harder. Use two bowls and sort two colors at once.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Kitchen Shadow MatchSenses · 2½ to 4½ years · 15 min
Match kitchen objects to their traced outlines.
You need. 4 or 5 kitchen objects, such as a spoon, a cup, a whisk and a spatula; A large sheet of paper; A marker.
Set it up. Trace around each object on the paper to make its outline.
- Put the objects in a basket next to the sheet.
- Show how to lay one object on its matching outline.
- Let your child match the rest.
What is normal. Turning and rotating objects to fit. That is spatial thinking at work.
Easier. Use three very different shapes. Harder. Trace objects that look alike, like two spoons of different sizes.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Pasta ThreadingSenses · 2½ to 5 years · 15 min
Threading big pasta onto a shoelace.
You need. Large tube pasta like rigatoni; A shoelace with a knot at one end.
Set it up. Wrap tape around the end of the shoelace if the tip is soft.
- Thread one piece slowly while your child watches.
- Hand over the lace and a few pieces.
- Hang the finished necklace on a hook to admire.
What is normal. One or two pieces with lots of focus. Holding the lace and the pasta at once is the challenge.
Easier. Use a paper towel tube cut in rings and a stiff pipe cleaner. Harder. Paint the pasta first and make a color pattern.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Soap Foam Truck WashSenses · 2 to 5 years · 20 min
A bin of soap foam for driving toy trucks through.
You need. A bin; Water and dish soap; A whisk; Toy cars and trucks.
Set it up. Pour a little water and a squirt of dish soap in the bin and whisk until it foams.
- Drive one truck through the foam.
- Let your child drive, scoop and bury the cars.
- Rinse them at the end in clean water.
What is normal. Hands deep in foam, cars buried and dug out, a very happy mess.
Easier. Use less foam and one truck. Harder. Let your child whisk the foam themselves.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Sticker LinesSenses · 2½ to 4½ years · 15 min
Peel and stick dot stickers along lines on a page.
You need. A sheet of dot stickers; Paper; A marker.
Set it up. Draw 3 or 4 thick lines on the paper, straight, wavy and zigzag.
- Peel one sticker and place it at the start of a line.
- Let your child peel and stick along the lines.
- Peel the edge of the sticker sheet for them if needed.
What is normal. Stickers that land near the line, and a lot of focus on peeling.
Easier. Use big stickers and one straight line. Harder. Draw the first letter of their name and follow it with stickers.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Feelings Faces in the MirrorLanguage · 2½ to 5½ years · 5 min
Making and naming feelings faces in the mirror.
You need. A mirror.
Set it up. Sit in front of a mirror together at a calm moment.
- Make a happy face and say “Happy.”
- Try sad, surprised and angry faces, one at a time.
- Ask your child to make one, and guess which it is.
What is normal. Big laughs and exaggerated faces. Naming feelings comes slowly.
Easier. Use happy and sad only. Harder. Talk about a time each feeling happened today.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Teddy Bear Check-UpLanguage · 2½ to 5 years · 15 min
Pretend doctor visits with a teddy bear.
You need. A stuffed animal; A dish towel for a bandage; A spoon for a thermometer.
Set it up. Lay the stuffed animal on a pillow like a doctor’s table.
- Say “Teddy feels sick. Can you help?”
- Let your child check the ears, the tummy and the paws.
- Name each body part and each tool.
What is normal. Lots of bandaging and new words. Many children replay their own doctor visits.
Easier. Do it together with one tool. Harder. Before a real doctor visit, play out each step that will happen.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Big and Small SortMath · 2½ to 4 years · 15 min
Sorting spoons into big and small.
You need. 2 bowls; Big and small spoons, or big and small balls.
Set it up. Mix the spoons on a tray and set out the two bowls.
- Hold up a big spoon and a small spoon. Say “big” and “small.”
- Put each one in its bowl.
- Let your child sort the rest.
What is normal. Mix-ups at first. Comparing two things side by side helps.
Easier. Use only one big and one small object. Harder. Add a medium size and a third bowl.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Match the LidsMath · 2 to 3½ years · 15 min
A pile of containers and lids to match.
You need. 3 or 4 plastic containers with their lids.
Set it up. Take the lids off and put them in a pile next to the containers.
- Pick a lid, try it on a container and say “Too big” or “It fits.”
- Hand the lids to your child.
- Close each one at the end.
What is normal. Trying every lid on every box. Pressing a lid shut is hard and good practice.
Easier. Use two containers of very different sizes. Harder. Use containers that are close in size.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Sock MatchingMath · 2 to 4½ years · 15 min
Find the pairs in a pile of socks, a real chore and a matching game.
You need. 5 to 10 pairs of clean socks, mixed up.
Set it up. Dump the socks on the bed or the floor.
- Pick one sock and look for its twin together.
- Lay the pair side by side. Let your child find the next pair.
- Fold or roll each pair and put them in the drawer.
What is normal. Close matches mixed up, like two gray socks. Talk about the difference, not the mistake.
Easier. Use three very different pairs. Harder. Add family members’ socks and sort by owner too.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Indoor BowlingMovement · 2 to 5 years · 15 min
Plastic bottles and a soft ball make a hallway bowling lane.
You need. 6 empty plastic bottles or paper cups; A soft ball.
Set it up. Set up the bottles in a triangle at the end of a hallway.
- Roll the ball and knock down the pins.
- Let your child roll from close by.
- Count how many fell, then set them up again together.
What is normal. Throwing instead of rolling, and walking up to knock them down by hand.
Easier. Stand very close to the pins. Harder. Step back and keep score with tally marks.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Sock Ball TossMovement · 2 to 5 years · 15 min
Throwing rolled socks into the laundry basket.
You need. Rolled socks; A laundry basket.
Set it up. Roll socks into balls and put the basket a few steps away.
- Toss one sock ball into the basket.
- Let your child throw the rest.
- Collect them together and step back a little.
What is normal. Many misses and a lot of running to pick them up. That is good exercise too.
Easier. Stand right next to the basket. Harder. Count the balls that land in and try to beat the score.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Ice RescueNature · 2½ to 5½ years · 20 min
Animals frozen in ice, rescued with warm water and a spoon.
You need. A plastic container; Water; 3 toy animals; A cup of warm water; A spoon.
Set it up. The day before, freeze the animals in the container of water.
- Pop the ice block into a tray.
- Let your child pour warm water and scrape with a spoon.
- Cheer as each animal comes free.
What is normal. Long focus, lots of pouring and guessing which part will melt first.
Easier. Freeze them in a thin layer of ice. Harder. Add salt and compare which side melts faster.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Mud KitchenNature · 2 years and up · 30 min
Old pots, dirt and water for outdoor pretend cooking.
You need. Old pots and spoons; Dirt; A bucket of water; Leaves and petals.
Set it up. Set up the pots on a low crate or the ground in a corner of the yard.
- Show how to mix dirt and water into a soup.
- Let your child cook, stir and decorate with leaves.
- Hose off hands and pots at the end.
What is normal. Pouring, stirring and serving pretend food to you. Lots of mud.
Easier. Use only dirt and a spoon, no water. Harder. Make a menu together and take orders.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Nature Basket WalkNature · 2 years and up · 30 min
A slow walk with a basket, then sort the treasures at home.
You need. A basket or a paper bag.
Set it up. Head out for a slow walk in a park, the yard or the block.
- Let your child collect what they like, leaves, sticks, a flower that has fallen.
- At home, lay the finds on a tray.
- Sort them together, by size, color or kind.
What is normal. Pockets full of rocks and a walk that covers fifty feet. Slow is the point.
Easier. Collect leaves only. Harder. Glue the finds on cardboard to make a nature collage.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Nature Color MatchNature · 2½ to 5½ years · 20 min
Paint sample cards to match with leaves, petals and stones.
You need. 4 paint sample cards or colored paper squares; A bag.
Set it up. Pick colors that are easy to find outside, like green, brown, yellow and red.
- Show one card and look for something outside of the same color.
- Let your child search for the others.
- Lay the finds next to their cards at home.
What is normal. Excited finds that are close but not exact. Close is perfect.
Easier. Use one color only. Harder. Use two shades of the same color and find light and dark.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Snow in a Bin IndoorsNature · 2 years and up · 15 min
Bring the snow inside for scooping and melting in a bin.
You need. A storage bin; Fresh snow; Cups, spoons and mittens; A towel.
Set it up. Fill the bin with snow and set it on a towel at a low table.
- Put on mittens and dig, scoop and pack.
- Watch the snow melt together and talk about why.
- Pour the water down the sink at the end.
What is normal. Cold hands quickly. Mittens help, and short sessions are fine.
Easier. Just let them touch and scoop with a cup. Harder. Add a few drops of food coloring in squeeze bottles to paint the snow.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Ice PaintingArt · 2 to 5½ years · 15 min
Frozen color cubes on a stick for painting.
You need. An ice cube tray; Water and food coloring; Craft sticks; Thick paper.
Set it up. The day before, fill the tray with colored water, add a craft stick to each cube and freeze.
- Pull out the ice paints and lay them on a plate.
- Show how to slide one across the paper.
- Let your child paint until the colors melt away.
What is normal. Fascination with melting and colors mixing, and cold, colorful hands.
Easier. Do it in the bath or outside where the mess does not matter. Harder. Sprinkle a little salt on the paper and watch the colors spread.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Make No-Cook PlaydoughArt · 2½ years and up · 20 min
Mix your own playdough with flour, salt, oil and water.
You need. 2 cups flour; Half a cup of salt; 1 tablespoon oil; About 1 cup warm water; Food coloring.
Set it up. Put the bowl, cups and spoons on a tray where your child can reach.
- Let your child pour the flour and salt into the bowl and stir.
- Add the oil, then the water a little at a time while you knead together.
- Add a few drops of color and knead it in.
What is normal. Sticky hands and a lot of stirring. Kneading takes adult help at first.
Easier. Mix it yourself and let them add the color. Harder. Let them measure each ingredient alone with the cups.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Painting With WaterArt · 2 to 5 years · 20 min
Paint the fence or the sidewalk with water and watch it vanish.
You need. A cup of water; A large paintbrush or a sponge.
Set it up. Go outside to a fence, a wall, the sidewalk or the steps.
- Dip the brush and paint a big stroke on the wall.
- Let your child paint. Watch the marks disappear in the sun.
- Refill the cup as many times as they want.
What is normal. Lots of dipping and very wet brushes. The disappearing paint is the magic.
Easier. Use a sponge, easier to hold. Harder. Paint shapes or letters and guess them before they dry.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Paper Tearing CollageArt · 2 to 4½ years · 15 min
Tear colored paper and glue it into a collage.
You need. Colored paper or old magazines; A glue stick; A sheet of paper.
Set it up. Tear one strip to show the start, and cut small notches on the paper edges to make tearing easier.
- Let your child tear the paper into pieces.
- Show how to rub glue on the sheet and press a piece on.
- Hang the collage on the wall.
What is normal. Tearing is the main event. The gluing part is short at first.
Easier. Use tissue paper, which tears easily. Harder. Tear shapes on purpose, like long strips for grass and round pieces for a sun.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Playdough With a Rolling PinArt · 2 years and up · 20 min
Homemade playdough, a rolling pin and cutters.
You need. 1 cup flour; 1/2 cup salt; 1/2 cup water; 1 tablespoon oil; A small rolling pin and cookie cutters.
Set it up. Mix the flour, salt, water and oil in a bowl and knead until smooth. Add flour if it sticks.
- Give your child a ball of dough and the rolling pin.
- Show how to roll it flat, then press a cutter in.
- Let them squeeze, poke and roll. Store the dough in a bag.
What is normal. More squishing than shapes at this age. Squeezing is great for hand strength.
Easier. Skip the tools, hands only. Harder. Add a garlic press for “spaghetti” or press leaves in for prints.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Potato StampsArt · 2½ to 5½ years · 15 min
Stamping with a potato cut into a shape.
You need. A potato cut in half (adult only); Paint on a plate; Paper.
Set it up. Cut the potato in half and carve a simple shape into the flat side, like a circle or a heart.
- Dip the potato in paint and press it on the paper.
- Let your child stamp.
- Try a second shape in another color.
What is normal. Smudged prints and a lot of paint. Pressing and lifting is the fun part.
Easier. Use the plain flat half with no shape. Harder. Stamp a pattern, circle, heart, circle, heart.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Three-Year-Olds
Crack an EggPractical life · 3 years and up · 15 min
Cracking eggs for a real recipe.
You need. Eggs; A small bowl; A fork for fishing out shell; A recipe that needs eggs.
Set it up. Put the bowl on a tray. Cracking is easier on a flat surface than on the bowl rim.
- Tap the egg on the counter once, firmly, to make a crack.
- Put both thumbs in the crack and pull the shell open over the bowl.
- Let your child try with the next egg. Fish out any shell together.
What is normal. Squashed eggs and shell in the bowl at first. That is why the fork is there.
Easier. Crack it for them and let them pull it open. Harder. Let them crack all the eggs for the recipe and whisk them.
Safety. Cut food into small, soft pieces and keep your child seated while eating. Skip whole grapes, nuts and popcorn under 4. AAP, choking prevention
Fold the WashclothsPractical life · 3 to 5 years · 15 min
Fold washcloths into a neat pile, then put them away.
You need. 5 or 6 clean washcloths or napkins.
Set it up. Lay one washcloth flat on the table.
- Fold it in half slowly, corners together, and smooth it.
- Fold it in half again.
- Let your child fold the rest and carry the pile to the cupboard.
What is normal. Lumpy folds and corners that do not meet. Smoothing with flat hands helps.
Easier. One fold only, in half. Harder. Fold small towels and T-shirts too.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Load the Washing MachinePractical life · 3 to 5½ years · 15 min
Loading the washer and pushing the button.
You need. A laundry basket; The washing machine.
Set it up. Bring the basket to the machine. Measure the soap yourself and keep it out of reach.
- Let your child put the clothes in one at a time.
- Name each piece of clothing as it goes in.
- Let them close the door and push the start button.
What is normal. Pride at the button. Loading is a great job for a child who loves machines.
Easier. Let them push the start button only. Harder. Let them move the wet clothes to the dryer or the rack.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Make Your Own SandwichPractical life · 3½ years and up · 15 min
Spreading, filling and cutting a real lunch.
You need. Bread; A spread like hummus or cream cheese; A butter knife; Sliced cheese or cucumber.
Set it up. Set out the ingredients on a cutting board at your child’s height.
- Show how to spread from the middle to the edges.
- Let your child add the filling and close the sandwich.
- Cut it in half together with the butter knife.
What is normal. Thick spreading in the middle and holes in the bread. It still tastes great.
Easier. Spread it for them and let them add the toppings. Harder. Let them make one for someone else in the family.
Safety. Cut food into small, soft pieces and keep your child seated while eating. Skip whole grapes, nuts and popcorn under 4. AAP, choking prevention
Pour Drinks for EveryonePractical life · 3½ years and up · 5 min
Your child pours the drinks at the family table.
You need. A small pitcher with water or milk; Cups for the family; A sponge.
Set it up. At dinner, put the small pitcher where your child can reach it.
- Ask them to pour a drink for each person.
- Remind them to stop when the cup is half full.
- Keep the sponge close for spills.
What is normal. Full cups and a few spills. Pride when everyone says thank you.
Easier. Pour only their own cup. Harder. Ask each person how much they want, a little or a lot.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Set the Table With a Placemat MapPractical life · 3 to 5 years · 15 min
A traced placemat shows where everything goes.
You need. A paper placemat; A marker; A plate, a cup, a fork and a spoon.
Set it up. Trace the outline of the plate, cup, fork and spoon on the paper placemat.
- Show how each object goes on its outline.
- Let your child set their own place.
- Make placemats for everyone and let them set the whole table.
What is normal. Forks on the wrong side for a while. The outline fixes it without words.
Easier. Trace only the plate and the cup. Harder. Set the table without the map, then check with it.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Spoon the BeansPractical life · 3 to 5 years · 15 min
A classic Montessori transfer, spooning beans from bowl to bowl.
You need. Dry beans; 2 small bowls; A spoon; A tray.
Set it up. Put the beans in the left bowl on the tray and the empty bowl on the right.
- Spoon the beans one spoonful at a time, slowly, from left to right.
- Pick up any dropped beans with your fingers.
- Let your child do it, then move them back.
What is normal. Spills on the tray and careful picking up, which is part of the work.
Easier. Use a big spoon and big beans. Harder. Use a teaspoon or a small scoop.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Wrap a PresentPractical life · 3½ years and up · 15 min
Wrapping a real present with paper and tape.
You need. A small box; Paper or newspaper; Tape; Child-safe scissors.
Set it up. Cut the paper to size so it fits the box with a little extra.
- Put the box in the middle and fold one side over.
- Let your child fold the other side and tape it.
- Fold the ends together and add a drawing as a tag.
What is normal. Lots of tape. A lumpy present that your child is very proud of.
Easier. Use a gift bag and tissue paper instead. Harder. Let them measure and cut the paper alone.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Mystery BagSenses · 3 years and up · 15 min
Guess everyday objects by touch inside a bag.
You need. A cloth bag or a pillowcase; 4 familiar objects, like a spoon, a ball, a brush and a block.
Set it up. Put the objects in the bag without your child seeing.
- Reach in, feel one object and describe it. “It is long and smooth.”
- Let your child reach in and guess before pulling it out.
- Take turns.
What is normal. Peeking is very tempting. Guesses get better as they slow down and feel.
Easier. Show the objects first, then hide them in the bag. Harder. Ask them to find a specific object by touch only.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Smell JarsSenses · 3 years and up · 15 min
Pairs of jars to match by smell.
You need. 6 small jars or cups with foil on top; 3 smells, like cinnamon, lemon peel and coffee.
Set it up. Put each smell in two jars, cover with foil and poke a few holes.
- Smell one jar and describe it.
- Let your child find the jar that smells the same.
- Peek inside to check.
What is normal. Lots of sniffing and some strong opinions about which smells are nice.
Easier. Use two smells that are very different. Harder. Add a fourth smell and ask your child to name each one.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Act Out the Three BearsLanguage · 3½ years and up · 20 min
Acting out a classic story with real bowls and chairs.
You need. 3 bowls of different sizes; 3 chairs or cushions; 3 stuffed animals.
Set it up. Set out the bowls, chairs and bears in order of size.
- Tell the story slowly while you move the bears.
- Let your child be Goldilocks and try each bowl and chair.
- Tell it again and let them be the storyteller.
What is normal. Favorite lines repeated many times, and big, medium and small said with gusto.
Easier. Tell only the porridge part. Harder. Change the ending together.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
I Spy With SoundsLanguage · 3 years and up · 5 min
I spy, played with sounds, the best pre-reading game there is.
You need. Nothing.
Set it up. Sit together anywhere, at the table, in the car or in a waiting room.
- Say “I spy something that starts with mmm” using the sound, not the letter name.
- Give a hint if needed, “It is on the table and you drink from it.”
- Let your child find it, then take a turn.
What is normal. Hearing the first sound of a word comes before knowing letter names, so play with sounds first.
Easier. Spy by color or shape instead of sound. Harder. Spy by the last sound, or by words that rhyme.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Rhyme BasketLanguage · 3 to 5½ years · 15 min
Pairs of household objects whose names rhyme.
You need. A basket; Pairs of objects that rhyme, like a sock and a rock, a cat toy and a hat, a spoon and a toy moon.
Set it up. Put the objects in the basket, mixed up.
- Pull out the sock and say “sock.” Then find the rock and say “rock. Sock, rock. They rhyme.”
- Pull out the next object and help your child find its rhyming partner.
- Line up the pairs on the table.
What is normal. Matching by meaning at first, like sock with shoe. Hearing rhymes takes practice.
Easier. Use two pairs only. Harder. Say a word and let your child invent a silly rhyme, real or not.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Sock Puppet ShowLanguage · 3 years and up · 20 min
Old socks turned into puppets for a show.
You need. 2 old socks; Markers; The back of the couch as a stage.
Set it up. Draw faces on the socks together.
- Put on a puppet and say hello to your child’s puppet.
- Let the puppets talk about their day.
- Take turns being the audience.
What is normal. Shy puppets at first, then silly voices and long stories.
Easier. Let your child just watch your puppet first. Harder. Act out a favorite book with the puppets.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Tell the Day BackwardsLanguage · 3 years and up · 5 min
Remember the day together, from bedtime back to breakfast.
You need. Nothing.
Set it up. At bedtime, lights low, sit or lie next to your child.
- Ask “What did we do just before bath?”
- Go back one step at a time to the morning.
- Share one good thing and one hard thing from your own day.
What is normal. Mixed-up order and long detours. Retelling builds memory and language.
Easier. Ask about one moment only. Harder. Ask them to tell it forward, like a story, with first, then, last.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Coin SortMath · 3½ years and up · 15 min
Sorting coins into a muffin tin and naming them.
You need. A handful of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters; A muffin tin.
Set it up. Mix the coins on a tray and set out the muffin tin.
- Pick a penny and put it in one cup.
- Look for coins that match and add them.
- Let your child sort the rest and name each coin.
What is normal. Sorting by color first, which works for the penny. The others take a closer look.
Easier. Sort pennies from all the rest. Harder. Count the pennies, then trade five for a nickel.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Egg Carton CountingMath · 3 to 5 years · 15 min
Fill each egg carton cup with the right number of objects.
You need. An empty egg carton; A marker; 20 small objects, such as dry pasta shells or toy cars.
Set it up. Write the numbers 1 to 6 in the cups of the egg carton.
- Point to the 1 and put one object in that cup.
- Let your child fill each cup with the right number.
- Count the cups out loud together at the end.
What is normal. Counting faster than pointing. Slow down and touch each object as you count.
Easier. Use numbers 1 to 3 only. Harder. Use the full carton, 1 to 12.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Shape HuntMath · 3 to 5 years · 15 min
Searching for circles, squares and triangles around you.
You need. Nothing, or a paper and pencil.
Set it up. Name one shape to look for, like a circle.
- Look around the room or the street together.
- Point to each circle you find. A clock, a plate, a wheel.
- Switch to squares, then triangles.
What is normal. Lots of circles, then excitement over rarer triangles.
Easier. Hunt for circles only. Harder. Draw each find on paper and count them.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Spoon and Fork PatternsMath · 3½ to 5½ years · 15 min
Building patterns with spoons and forks.
You need. Spoons and forks, or two colors of blocks.
Set it up. Lay a short pattern on the table, spoon, fork, spoon, fork.
- Say the pattern out loud.
- Ask “What comes next?”
- Let your child continue the line.
What is normal. Copying the last piece at first. Saying the pattern out loud helps.
Easier. Build the pattern together, one piece each. Harder. Try a harder one, spoon, spoon, fork.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Animal WalksMovement · 3 years and up · 15 min
Bear, frog and crab across the living room.
You need. Some floor space.
Set it up. Clear a path across the room.
- Call out an animal, bear walk on hands and feet, frog jump, crab walk.
- Do it with your child across the room.
- Let them choose the next animal.
What is normal. Giggles and collapses. Crab walk is hard, even for adults.
Easier. Stick to two easy ones, bear and bunny hop. Harder. Make a course with cushions to cross as each animal.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Design an Obstacle CourseMovement · 3½ years and up · 20 min
Cushions, chairs and a blanket built into a course your child designs.
You need. Cushions; Chairs; A blanket; Painter’s tape.
Set it up. Ask your child to plan the course with you, over, under and through.
- Build it together, a chair to crawl under, cushions to step on.
- Let them try it, then time a run.
- Change one part and go again.
What is normal. Running the course many times, often with new rules added.
Easier. Use three obstacles only. Harder. Let them draw the course on paper first, then build it.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Scarf Toss and CatchMovement · 3 to 5½ years · 15 min
Floating scarves are the easiest first catch.
You need. 2 light scarves or plastic grocery bags.
Set it up. Clear a space with nothing breakable around.
- Toss a scarf up and catch it as it floats down.
- Let your child try with one scarf.
- Count how many catches in a row.
What is normal. Grabbing too early, then waiting and catching. Scarves fall slowly, which helps.
Easier. Toss it gently to them from close by. Harder. Toss two scarves and catch both.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Bean in a JarNature · 3 years and up · 15 min
Watch a bean sprout through the glass of a jar.
You need. A clear jar; Paper towels; 2 dry beans; Water.
Set it up. Fold the wet paper towel inside the jar against the glass.
- Push two beans between the towel and the glass.
- Keep the towel damp and put the jar in the light.
- Look every morning and talk about what changed.
What is normal. Impatience the first days, then excitement when the root shows.
Easier. Draw the bean every two days to see the change. Harder. Measure the stem with a ruler each week.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Morning Weather WatchNature · 3 years and up · 5 min
A daily look out the window and a weather chart.
You need. A sheet of paper with a grid of days; Crayons.
Set it up. Tape the chart near a window.
- Each morning, look outside together.
- Ask “Sunny, cloudy, rainy or windy?”
- Let your child draw the weather symbol for the day.
What is normal. Very creative weather symbols. The daily habit is what counts.
Easier. Use stickers instead of drawing. Harder. Count the sunny days at the end of the month.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Nature Sorting TrayNature · 3 years and up · 15 min
Sorting finds from a walk into the cups of an egg carton.
You need. An egg carton or a muffin tin; Things from a walk, like sticks, leaves, stones and seed pods.
Set it up. Empty the walk bag on a tray next to the egg carton.
- Pick a leaf and put it in one cup. Pick a stone and put it in another.
- Let your child sort the rest any way they like.
- Ask “Why did you put these together?”
What is normal. Sorts by color, size or type. Every reason is a good one.
Easier. Sort into two groups only, leaves and not leaves. Harder. Count each group and line them up from small to big.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Plant Seeds in a CupNature · 3 years and up · 15 min
Plant a bean against a clear cup and watch the root grow.
You need. Clear plastic cups; Potting soil; Bean or sunflower seeds; Water.
Set it up. Spread newspaper on the table.
- Let your child fill the cup with soil.
- Push a seed against the side of the cup so you can see it, then cover it.
- Water a little and check every day for the root.
What is normal. Too much water and lots of digging up to check. Remind them roots need time.
Easier. Plant one bean only. Harder. Measure the plant every day and draw it.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Sink or FloatNature · 3 years and up · 15 min
Guess, drop and sort objects into sinkers and floaters.
You need. A big bowl or a bin of water; 8 objects, such as a spoon, a cork, a leaf, a rock, a plastic lid, an apple, a key and a crayon; A towel.
Set it up. Put the water on a towel and the objects in a basket.
- Pick an object and ask “Will it sink or float?”
- Drop it in and see together.
- Make two piles, sinkers and floaters.
What is normal. Wrong guesses are the best part. Ask “Why do you think it floated?”
Easier. Use four objects, two of each. Harder. Draw a chart with two columns and let them mark each guess.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Build a Blanket FortArt · 3½ years and up · 30 min
Sheets, chairs and clips become a fort for reading.
You need. 2 or 3 sheets or blankets; Chairs; Clothespins or chip clips; Pillows.
Set it up. Push two chairs back to back with space in between.
- Drape the sheet over the chairs and clip it.
- Let your child plan the inside, pillows, books, a flashlight.
- Read or have a snack inside together.
What is normal. Collapses and rebuilds. Fixing the roof is the real project.
Easier. Use one sheet over a table. Harder. Let them design and build it alone, you only help clip.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Cardboard Lacing CardArt · 3 to 5 years · 15 min
A homemade lacing card from cardboard and a shoelace.
You need. A piece of cardboard; A hole punch; A shoelace.
Set it up. Draw a shape on the cardboard, cut it out and punch holes around the edge.
- Knot one end of the lace in the first hole.
- Show how to go down one hole and up the next.
- Let your child lace around the shape.
What is normal. Skipped holes and loops on the same side. All good practice.
Easier. Use big holes and a stiff lace. Harder. Lace a picture they drew themselves.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Leaf RubbingArt · 3 years and up · 15 min
Rub a crayon over paper and watch the leaf veins appear.
You need. A few leaves with clear veins; Thin paper; Crayons with the paper peeled off.
Set it up. Lay the leaves vein side up and place the paper over them.
- Show how to rub the side of a crayon over the paper, gently.
- Watch the leaf appear.
- Let your child try with different leaves and colors.
What is normal. Pressing too hard at first. Lighter strokes show more detail.
Easier. Tape the paper down so it stays still. Harder. Match each rubbing to its leaf, or to a tree outside.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Shadow PuppetsArt · 3 years and up · 15 min
A flashlight and hands make shadow animals on the wall.
You need. A flashlight; A blank wall.
Set it up. Turn off the lights and shine the flashlight on the wall.
- Make a dog or a bird with your hands in the beam.
- Let your child try shapes.
- Take turns holding the flashlight.
What is normal. Big shadows, small shadows and a lot of laughing.
Easier. Use toys in the beam instead of hands. Harder. Cut animal shapes from cardboard, tape them to sticks and tell a story.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Snip the Playdough SnakesArt · 3 to 5 years · 15 min
First scissor practice on soft playdough snakes.
You need. Playdough; Child-safe scissors.
Set it up. Roll a few long playdough snakes on the table.
- Show how to hold the scissors, thumb on top.
- Snip one snake into pieces.
- Let your child snip the rest.
What is normal. Squeezing with the whole hand and twisted wrists. Playdough is easier to cut than paper.
Easier. Hold the snake for them while they snip. Harder. Move on to cutting thin paper strips.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Four-Year-Olds
First Sewing on FeltPractical life · 4½ years and up · 20 min
Big-needle sewing on felt along a line of dots.
You need. A piece of felt; A large plastic needle; Thick yarn; A marker.
Set it up. Draw dots on the felt in a line or a simple shape. Thread and knot the needle.
- Push the needle down through one dot and up through the next.
- Let your child sew the line.
- Knot the end together.
What is normal. Stitches that loop around the edge, and the needle coming unthreaded. Normal.
Easier. Use a paper plate with punched holes instead of felt. Harder. Sew a large button onto the felt.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Five-Minute Tidy RacePractical life · 4 years and up · 5 min
A timer turns tidying into a race against the clock.
You need. A kitchen timer.
Set it up. Pick one room and set the timer for five minutes.
- Say “Let us see how much we can tidy before it rings.”
- Tidy side by side.
- Stop when it rings, even if you are not done.
What is normal. Speedy tidying and a lot of pride. A clear end helps children start.
Easier. Tidy one corner only. Harder. Let your child set the timer and choose the room.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Make LemonadePractical life · 4 years and up · 15 min
Squeezing lemons and stirring a pitcher of lemonade.
You need. 2 lemons cut in half (adult only); A hand juicer; Water; A spoon of honey or sugar; A pitcher.
Set it up. Put everything on a tray at your child’s height.
- Show how to press and twist a lemon half on the juicer.
- Let your child juice the rest and pour it into the pitcher.
- Add water and sweetener, stir and taste.
What is normal. Sticky hands and very sour first tastes. Adjusting the taste is the fun part.
Easier. Squeeze for them and let them pour and stir. Harder. Double the recipe with measuring cups.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Make Pizza FacesPractical life · 4 years and up · 20 min
Little pizzas with vegetable faces.
You need. English muffins or flatbread; Tomato sauce; Shredded cheese; Sliced vegetables.
Set it up. Set out the toppings in bowls. The adult handles the oven.
- Spread the sauce on the base with a spoon.
- Let your child make a face with the cheese and vegetables.
- Bake it together and eat.
What is normal. Very creative faces and a lot of cheese tasting along the way.
Easier. Let them put on the cheese only. Harder. Let them slice soft vegetables with a butter knife.
Safety. Cut food into small, soft pieces and keep your child seated while eating. Skip whole grapes, nuts and popcorn under 4. AAP, choking prevention
Make a Fruit SaladPractical life · 4 years and up · 15 min
Your child cuts soft fruits and makes the family’s fruit salad.
You need. Soft fruits, such as bananas, strawberries, kiwis and melon; A butter knife or a crinkle cutter; A cutting board; A bowl.
Set it up. Wash the fruit together and cut the melon into strips first.
- Show how to hold the fruit flat on the board and cut slowly.
- Let your child cut each fruit into pieces.
- Mix gently with a spoon and serve everyone.
What is normal. Uneven pieces and lots of tasting. That is the reward.
Easier. Cut only the banana. Harder. Write a recipe card with drawings and make it again alone.
Safety. Cut food into small, soft pieces and keep your child seated while eating. Skip whole grapes, nuts and popcorn under 4. AAP, choking prevention
Recycling SortPractical life · 4 years and up · 15 min
Sorting clean recycling into paper, metal and plastic.
You need. Clean recycling like paper, cans and plastic bottles; 2 or 3 bins or bags.
Set it up. Rinse the recycling and check for sharp lids before you start.
- Hold up a can and put it in the metal bin.
- Let your child sort the rest.
- Talk about what each thing was made from.
What is normal. Questions about every item. Paper with plastic is a good puzzle.
Easier. Sort paper from everything else. Harder. Take the bins to the curb together on pickup day.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Wash the BikePractical life · 4½ years and up · 20 min
Soap, sponge and rinse their own bike.
You need. A bucket of soapy water; Sponges; A hose or a watering can; Old towels.
Set it up. Park the bike on the grass or the driveway on a warm day.
- Sponge the frame, then the wheels.
- Rinse with the hose or watering can.
- Dry it with old towels and check the tires together.
What is normal. Soaked clothes and a very clean seat. Plan for both.
Easier. Wash the scooter or a plastic toy. Harder. Wash the family car with you, one side each.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Taste TestSenses · 4 years and up · 15 min
Tasting sweet, sour, salty and bitter foods.
You need. Small tastes of 4 foods, like lemon, honey, a pretzel and a pickle; A spoon for each.
Set it up. Put a small taste of each food on a plate.
- Taste one together and name it, sour, sweet, salty or bitter.
- Let your child taste the next one and guess the word.
- Try it with eyes closed.
What is normal. Big faces for the lemon. Words for tastes come quickly.
Easier. Use two tastes only, sweet and salty. Harder. Add foods your child has never tried.
Safety. Cut food into small, soft pieces and keep your child seated while eating. Skip whole grapes, nuts and popcorn under 4. AAP, choking prevention
Grocery List HelperLanguage · 4 years and up · 20 min
Your child draws the shopping list and checks it off at the store.
You need. Paper; A pencil; A clipboard or a book to lean on.
Set it up. Before shopping, sit together and make a short list of 4 or 5 items.
- Let your child draw each item, or copy the first letter.
- At the store, they find each item and check it off.
- At home, they put those items away.
What is normal. Drawings only you can read. The checking off is the fun part.
Easier. Use 3 items they know well. Harder. Ask them to count items or compare prices on two boxes.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Letter to GrandmaLanguage · 4½ years and up · 20 min
Write and mail a real letter.
You need. Paper; Pencils or crayons; An envelope and a stamp.
Set it up. Sit together at the table with paper and pencils.
- Ask your child what they want to tell grandma or a friend.
- Let them draw and write what they can. Write the rest as they dictate.
- Address the envelope together and mail it.
What is normal. Invented spelling, like “I LV U.” It is real writing, so keep it.
Easier. Draw a picture and sign their name. Harder. Write two sentences alone, sounding out each word.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Opposites GameLanguage · 4 to 5½ years · 5 min
Acting out opposites like big and small.
You need. Nothing.
Set it up. Stand facing each other with room to move.
- Say “big” and stretch tall. Say “small” and curl up.
- Call out a word and let your child act out its opposite.
- Try fast and slow, up and down, loud and quiet.
What is normal. Mixing up which word is which, then laughing and trying again.
Easier. Do the moves together with each word. Harder. Let your child call out words for you to act.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Picture Clue Treasure HuntLanguage · 4 to 5½ years · 15 min
Drawn picture clues that lead to a hidden treasure.
You need. Paper; A pencil; A small treat or a toy as the treasure.
Set it up. Draw 4 clues, each a picture of a place in the house. Hide each clue at the place before.
- Give your child the first clue.
- Let them find each spot and the next clue.
- The last clue leads to the treasure.
What is normal. Running from clue to clue and wanting to play again right away.
Easier. Use two clues only. Harder. Let your child draw the clues and hide them for you.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Silly Same-Sound SentencesLanguage · 4½ years and up · 15 min
Inventing silly sentences with words that start the same.
You need. Paper and crayons, if you want to draw.
Set it up. Pick a sound, like the sound at the start of your child’s name.
- Say a silly sentence where most words start with that sound. “Big bears bake bread.”
- Let your child make one up.
- Draw the silliest one.
What is normal. Lots of laughing and some words that do not fit. Hearing first sounds is the skill.
Easier. Help with the first word and let them add one more. Harder. Try a harder sound, like sh or ch.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Sound Out the ObjectsLanguage · 4½ years and up · 15 min
Matching written words to real objects by sounding them out.
You need. 4 objects with short names like cup, pen, hat and mug; Paper slips with each word written.
Set it up. Put the objects in a row and the word slips in a pile.
- Pick a slip and sound out each letter slowly, c, u, p.
- Blend the sounds and find the object.
- Let your child read the next slip and place it by its object.
What is normal. Sounding out each letter but struggling to blend. Blending comes with time.
Easier. Say the first sound and let them find the object. Harder. Add objects with four-letter names like lamp and frog.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Sound Treasure HuntLanguage · 4 years and up · 15 min
Find three things in the house that start with one sound.
You need. A basket.
Set it up. Pick one sound, like “b.”
- Ask your child to find 3 things in the house that start with “b.”
- Check each one together, saying the word slowly, b-all.
- Pick a new sound and race again.
What is normal. Things that start with the letter name instead of the sound. Say both and compare.
Easier. Use sounds they hear clearly, like “m” or “s.” Harder. Find things that end with the sound.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Sticky Note Letter TossLanguage · 4 years and up · 15 min
Toss a sock onto letters and say their sounds.
You need. Sticky notes; A marker; A rolled sock.
Set it up. Write one letter on each of 6 sticky notes and stick them on the floor.
- Toss the sock and see which note it lands on.
- Say the sound of that letter, not the name.
- Let your child toss and find a word that starts with that sound.
What is normal. Mixing letter names and sounds at first. Sounds come with practice.
Easier. Use the letters of their name only. Harder. Say a word and let them toss the sock onto its first letter.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Story StonesLanguage · 4½ years and up · 15 min
Picture stones pulled from a bag to build a story.
You need. 8 flat stones; Markers or paint.
Set it up. Draw a simple picture on each stone, a sun, a house, a dog, a tree, a boat.
- Put the stones in a bag.
- Pull three and start a story using them.
- Let your child pull the next stone and continue.
What is normal. Wild stories and new endings every time.
Easier. Pull two stones and tell a very short story. Harder. Let your child draw new stones and tell a story alone.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Bean Bag Toss and CountMath · 4 years and up · 15 min
Tossing bean bags into bowls and adding the points.
You need. 3 bean bags or rolled socks; 3 bowls; Sticky notes.
Set it up. Put the bowls in a line on the floor and label them 1, 2 and 3.
- Toss a bean bag into a bowl and say the number it is worth.
- Let your child toss all three.
- Add up the points together.
What is normal. Big throws and counting on fingers. Adding up is the hard part.
Easier. Use one bowl and count every throw that lands in. Harder. Label the bowls 5, 10 and 20.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Measure With FeetMath · 4½ years and up · 15 min
Measure the hallway in footsteps, yours and theirs.
You need. Nothing, or a tape measure.
Set it up. Pick something to measure, the hallway, the rug, the couch.
- Walk heel to toe along it while your child counts the steps.
- Now they walk and count their own steps.
- Compare, why did they need more steps than you?
What is normal. Skipped numbers and big steps. Counting out loud keeps it honest.
Easier. Measure a towel with hands. Harder. Measure the same thing with a tape measure and compare.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Measure and Mix MuffinsMath · 4½ years and up · 30 min
Your child measures, pours and stirs. You do the oven.
You need. A simple muffin recipe; Measuring cups and spoons; A bowl and a spoon; A muffin tin.
Set it up. Lay out the ingredients and the measuring cups in order.
- Read the recipe out loud, one line at a time.
- Let your child measure and level each dry ingredient and pour it in.
- They stir, you handle the oven.
What is normal. Flour everywhere and very proud faces. Level the cups with a butter knife.
Easier. Use a pancake mix that only needs water. Harder. Double the recipe and figure out the new amounts together.
Safety. Cut food into small, soft pieces and keep your child seated while eating. Skip whole grapes, nuts and popcorn under 4. AAP, choking prevention
Memory Card GameMath · 4 years and up · 15 min
A classic memory game with a deck of cards.
You need. A deck of cards, using 6 pairs.
Set it up. Lay the 12 cards face down in rows.
- Turn over two cards. If they match, keep them.
- If not, turn them back. Your child plays next.
- Play until all pairs are found.
What is normal. Children this age are often better at memory games than adults.
Easier. Use 4 pairs and leave them face up first. Harder. Use 10 pairs.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Number HopscotchMath · 4 years and up · 15 min
A tape or chalk hopscotch grid for jumping and counting.
You need. Painter’s tape or sidewalk chalk; A beanbag or a rolled sock.
Set it up. Make a hopscotch grid with numbers 1 to 8, inside with tape or outside with chalk.
- Throw the sock on a number and say it out loud.
- Hop to it, pick it up and hop back.
- Let your child throw and hop, counting each square.
What is normal. Two feet instead of one and wobbly turns. Hop the way they can.
Easier. Numbers 1 to 4, two-foot jumps. Harder. Say a sum, “two plus one,” and hop to the answer.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Play Grocery StoreMath · 4 years and up · 20 min
A pretend shop with pantry items and pennies.
You need. Cans and boxes from the pantry; Sticky notes for prices; Pennies or paper money; A bag.
Set it up. Put a price from 1 to 5 cents on each item and set up a shop on a table.
- Be the shopper first and pay with pennies.
- Let your child count the coins and give you the item.
- Switch roles.
What is normal. Generous discounts and lots of counting out loud.
Easier. Make everything cost 1 cent. Harder. Give a budget of 10 cents and plan what to buy.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Top It Card GameMath · 4½ years and up · 15 min
A simple card game where the bigger number wins.
You need. A deck of cards with face cards removed.
Set it up. Deal the cards face down between two players.
- Each player flips one card at the same time.
- The bigger number wins both cards.
- If they match, flip again.
What is normal. Counting the symbols on the card instead of reading the number. Both work.
Easier. Use cards 1 to 5 only. Harder. Flip two cards each and add them.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Toy Car GraphMath · 4½ years and up · 15 min
Sort toys by color and turn them into a graph.
You need. A pile of toy cars or blocks; Paper; A marker.
Set it up. Draw a line at the bottom of the paper with a box for each color.
- Sort the cars by color into lines above each box.
- Count each line and write the number.
- Ask “Which color has the most?”
What is normal. Lines that are hard to compare until they are straight. Lining up is the key idea.
Easier. Use two colors only. Harder. Color one square per car to make a real bar graph.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Feather Breathing RaceMovement · 4 years and up · 5 min
Blowing a feather across the table teaches calm breathing.
You need. A feather or a scrap of tissue paper; A table.
Set it up. Put the feather at one end of the table.
- Breathe in through the nose, then blow slowly to move the feather.
- Let your child blow it to the other end.
- Try one long slow breath versus short puffs.
What is normal. Big puffs at first. Slow breathing out is a calming skill to use later.
Easier. Blow a cotton ball off the edge of the table. Harder. Use a straw and make a tape course on the table.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Backyard Bug HuntNature · 4 years and up · 20 min
Lift stones, look closely, draw what you found.
You need. A magnifying glass if you have one; Paper and a pencil.
Set it up. Go to the yard or a park in the morning.
- Lift a stone or a log together and look underneath.
- Look closely, then put everything back the way it was.
- Draw one bug you found when you get home.
What is normal. Squeals and questions. Watching, not catching, keeps bugs and kids safe.
Easier. Look for ants on the sidewalk. Harder. Count the legs and look up the bug in a library book.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Baking Soda FizzNature · 4 years and up · 15 min
Vinegar on baking soda for a colorful fizz.
You need. Baking soda; Vinegar; A tray or baking dish; Small cups; Food coloring.
Set it up. Spread a layer of baking soda in the tray. Put vinegar with a drop of color in small cups.
- Drip a little vinegar onto the baking soda with a spoon.
- Watch and listen to the fizz.
- Let your child drip the colors and mix.
What is normal. Gasps at the first fizz and a lot of repeat pouring. Expect a puddle.
Easier. Pour from one cup for them to watch. Harder. Use a dropper and make fizz drawings, one drop at a time.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Cloud WatchingNature · 4 years and up · 15 min
Lie on a blanket and find shapes in the clouds.
You need. A blanket.
Set it up. On a day with puffy clouds, lie on the blanket in the yard or a park.
- Look up and describe a cloud you see.
- Ask “What does that one look like?”
- Watch how the clouds move and change.
What is normal. Very creative cloud animals. A calm few minutes together.
Easier. Look from a window if it is cold. Harder. Learn two cloud names, like cumulus and cirrus, and spot them.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Nature JournalNature · 4 years and up · 15 min
A small notebook for drawing one thing found outside.
You need. A small notebook; Colored pencils.
Set it up. Take the notebook on a walk or to the backyard.
- Find one thing to look at closely, a flower, a bug or a cloud.
- Draw it together. Write the date and what it was.
- Look back at old pages now and then.
What is normal. Quick drawings and long looks. The looking matters more than the drawing.
Easier. Tape a found leaf on the page instead of drawing. Harder. Draw the same tree each month and compare the pages.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Pinecone Bird FeederNature · 4½ years and up · 15 min
A pinecone covered in seed to feed the birds.
You need. A pinecone; Sunflower seed butter or vegetable shortening; Birdseed; String.
Set it up. Tie the string to the top of the pinecone.
- Spread the shortening over the pinecone with a butter knife.
- Roll it in birdseed on a plate.
- Hang it outside a window and watch for visitors.
What is normal. Sticky hands and a lot of checking the window afterwards.
Easier. Spread it for them and let them roll it in seed. Harder. Keep a list of the birds that come.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Ramp RaceNature · 4 years and up · 15 min
Testing which objects roll farthest down a ramp.
You need. A board or a large book; A stack of books; A ball, a toy car, a block and a spoon.
Set it up. Lean the board on the stack of books to make a ramp.
- Ask “Which one will go farthest?”
- Let each object go from the top, one at a time.
- Mark where each one stops with tape, then add a book to the stack and try again.
What is normal. Surprise when the block does not roll. Guessing before testing is real science.
Easier. Race two objects only. Harder. Measure each distance with feet or a ruler and write it down.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Repot a PlantNature · 4 years and up · 20 min
Moving a plant to a bigger pot, roots and all.
You need. A plant; A slightly bigger pot; Potting soil; A small trowel or spoon.
Set it up. Work outside or on newspaper. Put soil in the bottom of the new pot.
- Turn the old pot over and ease the plant out.
- Let your child set it in the new pot and fill around it with soil.
- Water it together.
What is normal. Soil everywhere and gentle care for the roots.
Easier. Let them fill the pot with soil only. Harder. Let them take care of watering it every few days.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Salt and Ice ColorsNature · 4 years and up · 15 min
Salt makes tunnels in ice that fill with color.
You need. A big block of ice (freeze water in a bowl overnight); Salt; Food coloring in cups of water; A spoon.
Set it up. Turn the ice block onto a tray.
- Sprinkle salt on the top and watch for cracks and holes.
- Drip colored water into the cracks.
- Let your child salt and color the rest.
What is normal. Amazement at the tunnels the salt makes. Colorful, cold, messy hands.
Easier. Let them only add the colors. Harder. Compare one side with salt and one without.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Water Glass MusicNature · 4 years and up · 15 min
Jars with different water levels make different notes.
You need. 4 jars or glasses; Water; Food coloring; A metal spoon.
Set it up. Fill the jars with different amounts of water and add a drop of color to each.
- Tap each jar gently with the spoon and listen.
- Ask which one is the highest sound.
- Line them up from low to high and play a tune.
What is normal. Surprise that more water makes a lower sound. Lots of tapping.
Easier. Use two jars only, one full and one almost empty. Harder. Try to play a simple song like Twinkle Twinkle.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Chalk Maze for Toy CarsArt · 4 years and up · 20 min
A chalk road maze for driving toy cars.
You need. Sidewalk chalk; A toy car.
Set it up. Draw a winding road with a start and a finish on the driveway or sidewalk.
- Drive the car from start to finish without leaving the road.
- Add a dead end or two.
- Let your child draw a maze for you.
What is normal. Very long roads and many shortcuts across the lines.
Easier. Draw a single curvy road. Harder. Add numbered stops to drive to in order.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Painted RocksArt · 4½ years and up · 20 min
Painting smooth rocks for the garden.
You need. Smooth rocks; Paint; Brushes; Newspaper.
Set it up. Wash and dry the rocks. Cover the table with newspaper.
- Paint one rock with a simple design.
- Let your child paint as many as they like.
- Place them in the garden or by the door when dry.
What is normal. Bold colors and fingerprints. Painting a 3D object is a new challenge.
Easier. Use markers instead of paint. Harder. Paint a set of rocks for a game, like tic-tac-toe.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Paper Plane Flight TestArt · 4½ years and up · 20 min
Folding paper planes and testing how far they fly.
You need. Sheets of paper; Painter’s tape.
Set it up. Fold a simple plane while your child watches each step.
- Let your child fold their own with your help.
- Throw from a tape line and mark where each one lands.
- Change one fold and see if it flies farther.
What is normal. Crumpled planes and nose dives. Trying again is the fun part.
Easier. Fold the plane for them and let them decorate it. Harder. Measure the flights in feet and keep a record.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Shadow Tracing in the SunArt · 4 years and up · 20 min
Trace toy shadows in the morning and again after lunch.
You need. Paper and a marker; Or sidewalk chalk; 3 or 4 toy animals or figures.
Set it up. On a sunny morning, stand the toys on paper in the sun.
- Trace the shadow of one toy together.
- Let your child trace the others.
- Come back after lunch and see how the shadows moved.
What is normal. Shaky lines and toys that fall over. The moving shadow is the surprise.
Easier. Trace your child’s own shadow with chalk on the sidewalk. Harder. Color the shadows and talk about why they changed.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Five-Year-Olds
Cook Scrambled EggsPractical life · 5 years and up · 15 min
Cooking a real breakfast at the stove, side by side.
You need. 2 eggs; A bowl and fork; A pan; A spatula; A sturdy step stool.
Set it up. Crack and whisk the eggs together. The adult stays at the stove the whole time.
- Pour the eggs in the warm pan.
- Let your child stir slowly with the spatula while you hold the pan handle.
- Turn off the heat together and serve.
What is normal. Big pride and very careful stirring. It is a first real hot meal.
Easier. Let them whisk only. Harder. Let them make toast too and plate the meal.
Safety. Cut food into small, soft pieces and keep your child seated while eating. Skip whole grapes, nuts and popcorn under 4. AAP, choking prevention
Fold the T-ShirtsPractical life · 5 years and up · 15 min
Learning a simple three-step T-shirt fold.
You need. A basket of clean T-shirts.
Set it up. Lay one shirt flat on a table, front side down.
- Fold one side in, then the other, then fold in half from the bottom.
- Let your child fold the next shirt.
- Stack them and put them away together.
What is normal. Lumpy folds. Smoothing with flat hands helps a lot.
Easier. Fold the sides and let them do the last fold. Harder. Let them fold and put away their own drawer.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Shoelace Practice BoardPractical life · 5 years and up · 15 min
A cardboard board for practicing bows.
You need. A piece of cardboard; Two shoelaces of different colors; A hole punch.
Set it up. Punch four holes in two rows and lace the two colors so one is on each side.
- Show one bow very slowly, saying each step.
- Let your child try with the board on their lap.
- Practice a few minutes at a time.
What is normal. Loose bows and frustration. Short practice on many days works best.
Easier. Practice only the first cross and pull. Harder. Move to their own shoes, on their feet.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Make a Book About MeLanguage · 5 years and up · 30 min
A small homemade book of drawings about your child.
You need. 4 sheets of paper folded and stapled; Crayons.
Set it up. Write a title on the cover, like “All About Me.”
- On each page, write a start like “My family” or “I like.”
- Let your child draw each page.
- Write their words under the drawings, or let them write.
What is normal. Long pauses over each page and very detailed drawings of favorite things.
Easier. Make a two-page book. Harder. Let them write the words using the sounds they hear.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Rhyming ChainLanguage · 5 years and up · 5 min
A rhyming game for car rides and waiting rooms.
You need. Nothing.
Set it up. Play in the car, in line or at the table.
- Say a word, like “cat.”
- Your child says a word that rhymes, like “hat.”
- Keep going until no one can think of another. Then pick a new word.
What is normal. Made-up words that rhyme. Those count too.
Easier. Give two choices and ask which one rhymes. Harder. Try two-syllable words like “funny.”
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Family Height ChartMath · 5 years and up · 15 min
Measuring the whole family on a paper height chart.
You need. A long strip of paper; Tape; A tape measure; A pencil.
Set it up. Tape the paper on a wall with the bottom on the floor.
- Stand each family member against the paper and mark their height.
- Measure each mark with the tape measure and write the number.
- Ask who is tallest and by how much.
What is normal. Excited measuring of everyone, including stuffed animals.
Easier. Compare marks without numbers. Harder. Measure again in three months and see how much your child grew.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Make a Board GameMath · 5 years and up · 30 min
Drawing and playing your own path board game.
You need. A large sheet of paper; Markers; A die; Two small toys as pieces.
Set it up. Draw a winding path of 30 squares from start to finish together.
- Let your child add some special squares, like go back 2 or jump ahead 3.
- Roll the die and count the squares as you move.
- Play a full game.
What is normal. Lots of rule changes in the middle of the game. Counting squares is the real practice.
Easier. Use a path of 15 squares. Harder. Use two dice and add them up.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
Number Line HopMath · 5 years and up · 15 min
A taped number line for hopping out addition.
You need. Painter’s tape; Sticky notes numbered 0 to 20.
Set it up. Make a long tape line on the floor and stick the numbers along it.
- Stand on 3 and hop forward 2. Where did you land?
- Let your child try a few.
- Hop backward to take away.
What is normal. Counting the starting square by mistake. Hopping makes it clear.
Easier. Use numbers 0 to 10. Harder. Ask a story problem, like 4 birds and 3 more come.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Paper Plate ClockMath · 5 years and up · 15 min
A paper plate clock linked to the times of your day.
You need. A paper plate; A marker; Two paper hands and a brad fastener.
Set it up. Write the numbers 1 to 12 around the plate and fix the hands in the middle.
- Set the clock to a time from your day, like 7 for breakfast.
- Let your child set the time for dinner or bedtime.
- Check the real clock together during the day.
What is normal. Interest in hours, little in minutes. Linking times to routines helps.
Easier. Use only the short hand and whole hours. Harder. Add half past with the long hand.
Safety. Under 3, offer only objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube, and put everything away after play. CPSC, small parts rule
One-Foot Hop ChallengeMovement · 5 years and up · 5 min
Count hops on one foot and try to beat the score.
You need. Nothing.
Set it up. Find a clear spot.
- Hop on one foot and count out loud together.
- Let your child try on each foot.
- Try to beat the score tomorrow.
What is normal. One foot is often much stronger than the other.
Easier. Hold your hand while hopping. Harder. Hop forward along a line, or hop to a beat.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Draw a Map of My RoomNature · 5 years and up · 20 min
Draw a map of their room, then find a hidden toy with it.
You need. Paper; Pencils.
Set it up. Stand at the door of their room together.
- Draw the room from above as a big rectangle.
- Let your child add the bed, the shelf and the window.
- Hide a toy and give them the map with an X.
What is normal. Things drawn from the side, like a bed with legs. That is fine at this age.
Easier. Draw it together, you hold the pencil. Harder. Map the whole house or the backyard.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Foil Boat ChallengeNature · 5 years and up · 20 min
Foil boats loaded with pennies until they sink.
You need. Aluminum foil; A tub of water; Pennies.
Set it up. Cut two squares of foil the same size.
- Each of you folds a boat.
- Float them and add pennies one at a time.
- Count how many each boat holds before it sinks.
What is normal. Rebuilding boats again and again to hold more. That is engineering.
Easier. Fold the boat together and just float it. Harder. Try a new shape and predict how many pennies it will hold.
Safety. Stay within arm’s reach the whole time and empty every container of water as soon as you finish. AAP, water safety for young children
Leaf DetectiveNature · 5 years and up · 20 min
Comparing leaves from different trees and naming one.
You need. A bag; A tree guide book or app.
Set it up. Walk in a park with different trees.
- Collect leaves from 4 different trees.
- Compare edges, smooth or jagged, and shapes, one point or many.
- Look up one tree’s name together.
What is normal. Strong opinions on which leaf is the best. Comparing is the skill.
Easier. Compare two very different leaves. Harder. Press the leaves in a heavy book and label them.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
Cardboard WeavingArt · 5 years and up · 30 min
A cardboard loom for a first weaving.
You need. A piece of cardboard; Scissors (adult only); Yarn.
Set it up. Cut small notches along the top and bottom of the cardboard and wrap yarn top to bottom through the notches.
- Tie a second color of yarn at one side.
- Show how to go over one strand and under the next.
- Let your child weave row after row.
What is normal. Skipped strands and tight rows that pull in. It still looks beautiful.
Easier. Weave strips of paper through wide yarn rows. Harder. Change colors to make stripes.
Safety. Stay close and watch. Stop as soon as your child seems tired or upset.
For longer lists by age, see our guides to Montessori activities for 2 year olds and five-minute Montessori activities, and the practical life guide for real jobs at every age.
What Makes an Activity Montessori
A Montessori activity is something your child does with their own hands, from start to finish, with a real purpose. You show it once, slowly and with few words, then step back. The child repeats it as many times as they want, and the activity often has its own way of showing a mistake, like water on the tray or a sock without a twin.
That is why so many activities here are household jobs. Wiping a table, pouring a drink or folding washcloths builds concentration and independence, and children can tell the difference between a pretend task and a real one. You do not need special materials. You need a few minutes, a low surface and patience while they practice.
Safety Rules Behind Every Card
Every activity was checked against the same rules. If an idea needed small pieces, a cord or a balloon for a child under 3, it was changed or left out.
- Small parts. Under 3, we only use objects too big to fit inside a toilet paper tube. This is a simple home check, stricter than the federal small parts test (CPSC).
- Water. Young children can drown in a few inches of water, so every water activity says to stay within arm’s reach and to empty the water right after (AAP).
- Food. Kitchen activities use soft foods cut small, with your child seated to eat. No whole grapes, nuts or popcorn under 4 (AAP).
- Babies. Tummy time only when your baby is awake and you are there. Nothing hangs over the crib (AAP).
Make an Activity Last Longer
Most children use an activity for a few minutes, walk away and come back later. That is normal. Leave it out on a low shelf for a few days instead of putting it away after one try, and change only one thing at a time. When interest drops for good, rotate it out. Our toy rotation guide shows how to keep a shelf small and fresh.
Questions Parents Ask
What are Montessori activities?
They are hands-on tasks a child does alone after a short demonstration, often real jobs from daily life, like pouring, wiping, sorting or preparing food. They build concentration, coordination and independence.
Do I need Montessori materials to do these activities?
No. Every activity in the finder uses everyday things, like cups, socks, pots, tape and paper. A few need a craft knife or scissors, for the adult only.
How many activities should my child do in a day?
One or two new activities a day is plenty. Children learn by repeating, so the same activity on several days is better than a new one every hour.
My child loses interest after two minutes. Is that normal?
Yes, especially under 3. Attention grows with age and with repetition. Leave the activity out and let your child come back to it. Make it a little easier if they seem frustrated, or a little harder if they seem bored.
The Everyday Montessori series
Three short books with activities, sample days and what to say, from birth to 6. Baby, Toddler and Preschooler, each with a free sample.
Launch price $6.99$4.99 Kindle · $14.99$12.99 paperback
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Small Parts for Toys and Children’s Products.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org, Water Safety and Young Children.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org, Choking Prevention.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Milestones and what you can do at each age.
- Montessori, M. The Montessori Method (1912), Project Gutenberg.