Toddlers: Learning Through Play
It might look like just child's play, but toddlers are hard at work learning important physical skills. During the toddler years, children master basic skills as they gain muscle control, balance, and coordination.
Each new skill lets the child progress to the next one, building on a foundation that one day will enable him or her to perform more complicated physical tasks, such as jumping rope, kicking a ball on the run, or turning a cartwheel. Toddlers want to do more than they may be physically capable of doing. This can be a powerful motivator that drives them to keep trying until they acquire a new skill, no matter what it takes.
Take advantage of your toddler's natural desire to keep moving. Even at this early age, a child is establishing patterns of activity that set the stage for the rest of childhood. An inactive toddler is less likely to be active later in life.
Developing Skills
Playing and learning are completely enmeshed for toddlers, so acquiring the long list of skills below should be fun and games for them. Parents should give toddlers many opportunities to practice their developing skills - and provide a lot of supervision so they stay safe while they learn. In addition to these physical accomplishments, toddlers are developing in other ways. Provide opportunities for your child to explore, ask questions, use his or her imagination, and practice fine motor skills, such as stacking blocks or colouring.
Know which physical skills your child is working on now, and which ones will come later.
Early toddler skills (12-24 months)
- Walks independently
- Pulls/carries toys while walking
- Stoops and gets back up
- Begins to run
- Kicks a ball
- Holds railing up/down stairs
- Walks backward
Older toddler skills (24-36 months)
- Balances 1 to 2 seconds on one foot
- Climbs well
- Bends over easily without falling
- Runs and jumps well
- Kicks ball forward
- Alternates feet up and down stairs
- Pedals tricycle
- Throws ball overhand
How Much Activity Is Enough?
For children 12- to 36-months-old, current guidelines recommend this much daily activity:
- at least 30 minutes of structured physical activity (adult-led)
- at least 60 minutes unstructured physical activity (free play)
As a general rule, toddlers shouldn't be inactive for more than 1 hour at a time, except for sleeping. That's a lot of work for parents and caregivers, but a lot of much-needed activity for toddlers. Encourage your child to be active, and remember how much he or she is learning along the way.
