Toddlers learn by playing and they learn a lot between ages 1 and 3. Games to play with toddlers 1, a child may be working on a wobbly walk and just starting to use words. But by 3, most can balance briefly on one foot and speak in short sentences. During these important years, toddlers will enjoy playing simple games with their parents and other caregivers. But they also can start enjoying group games with other young children, though they'll need adult assistance. Group games offer a chance for kids to be social, though toddlers will more often play alongside their friends rather than with them. They enjoy being around other kids, but will focus more on the leader or parent. Later, kids progress from side-by-side play parallel play to a kind of play that allows more give and take between them. Along the way, toddlers will enjoy group games and can begin learning important lessons from them, such as how to take turns. Getting Started Expect a little chaos at first. They're full of energy and want to explore, so don't be surprised if they can't focus for long or follow rules to the letter. With that in mind, try the group games below if you're having a party or hosting a playgroup. Circle games are a mainstay for toddlers. It's an easy format — just gather your toddlers in a circle. Make sure all the children can see the adult leader and that everyone has room to move. games to play with toddlers Game: Two Little Blackbirds Number of kids: Any. How the game is played: With singing and hand motions, the adult leads the children in a song about opposites. Put the hand and finger representing Jack behind your back. You can make up additional verses, such as the ones below. Then games to play with toddlers a pair of opposites and make the second of the words rhyme with the spot where the birds are sitting snow and slow. Tips for adults: Act out the words you're singing to emphasize games to play with toddlers opposite pairs. What the game teaches: Opposites and imitation. Game: Walking, Walking Number of kids: Any, though a smaller number will probably be easier. They walk when singing about walking, hop when they sing about hopping, etc. Walking, walking, Walking, walking, Hop, hop, hop. Running, running, running, Running, running, running, Now we stop. Tips for adults: Keep the circle of motion the right size for your group: large enough not to create traffic jams but small enough to keep the kids in the circle. What the game teaches: Different types of gross motor movement, including how to be still. Game: The Hokey-Pokey Number of kids: Any. How the game is played: An oldie but goodie. Everybody stands in a circle and does the motions to the corresponding words of the song. Toddlers won't know right from left at this point, but they'll understand the body part and can follow your lead. Other body parts: other foot, hands, head, backside, whole self. Tips for adults: Choose body parts that toddlers know, and throw in a new one now and then. Make sure to sing slowly enough that the kids can follow along. What the game teaches: Names of body parts, following directions. Game: Over the Water Number of kids: Any. Point at self or let the child chase you. Tips for adults: Sometimes kids will need help with choosing an animal. Keep momentum going by encouraging swift decision-making. Giving the child a choice between two animals he or she knows is a good strategy. What the game teaches: Listening, waiting, and taking turns. Parachute Games Play parachutes are often used in childcare centers and child gym programs. They work well because they float down and create a dome effect underneath. If you don't have one, try a large bedsheet. Game: Parachute Number of kids: Enough to maneuver the parachute or sheet. A few adults will help. How the game is played: Have the children and your adult helpers encircle the parachute or sheet. What the game teaches: Gross motor movement, waiting, and listening. Game: Umbrella Number of kids: Enough to maneuver the parachute or sheet. A few adults will help. How the game is played: Have the children hold the edges of the parachute or sheet. I think it's going to rain. Lift the parachute or sheet high and let it fall, while calling the kids, one at a time, to run under the parachute or sheet. This time, have everyone get under the umbrella at once. Tips for adults: Some kids just don't like having things put over their heads or faces, so watch to make sure that all kids are feeling safe and happy. He's going to help hold our umbrella. Games can be lots of fun for toddlers, but watch for signs of weariness. In other words, know when to stop if kids are getting tired, hungry, or bored. Maybe the next group activity needs to be having a snack or taking a nap!.
