Between the ages of 2 and 3, your toddler will begin to enjoy imaginative and pretend play. They may begin to use objects imaginatively e.g. a block can become a car, or their toy car may become a pretend phone! As your toddler chooses what to play with, why not help to develop their imaginative play by making a few suggestions, if they are playing with a favourite toy bus, you might ask where it’s going, or if the bus is going to stop to pick up some people waiting at the bus stop.
You might notice your little one beginning to link their play to form a sequence e.g. feeding teddy, rocking teddy and then putting teddy to bed. This is great, as they are beginning to show that they understand that first we do something, then we do the next thing, then the next!
Your little one might even like sorting objects e.g. putting cars in one basket and balls in another. This is just one way that your toddler is solving problems and developing their thinking skills. You may also see them try one puzzle piece in different spaces, or turn it around to see if it fits.
Encourage your little one to use their hands and fingers to explore and create. Play-dough or dough is a great tool for this kind of play. Practice rolling the dough, poking holes in it, or making it into something else!
Haven’t got any dough? Here’s a recipe to make your own play dough:
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Plain Flour
- 3 Tablespoons of Oil (15ml TBSP)
- 1/2 cup of Water
- A few teaspoons of, food colouring, glitter, sparkles, herbs, lavender flowers, whatever your little one likes
Always consider allergies and child safety when following recipes.
Find more information in our play as we grow leaflet.
