All caught up – skills needed to catch a ball
Catching a ball is a great skill for your toddler to learn as it’s used in many different games and sports. There are numerous times when catching comes into daily life too; think about when someone throws a chocolate to you, or maybe some keys. It is one of those things that will come into play at spontaneous times. But did you know that catching involves a wide range of skills?
Before they can catch a ball, your toddler needs to know what's coming!
I’m putting my foot down – it feels more natural
Earlier in your toddler's journey, we delved into releasing their inner flamingo by being able to stand on one leg. Yet while flamingos rest when they stand in this way,[1] as humans we often struggle to retain balance while one leg is lifted, even for a short while. This is largely to do with the number of different things our bodies control while achieving balance on only one leg and foot. So for your learning toddler, this outwardly simple action is all the more remarkable.
Strong muscles and joints in their body help to keep them balanced and upright.
Caring for your toddler’s eyes
Our eyes are incredibly special. Your toddler's eyesight has been developing continuously since birth[1] and is now becoming able to adjust to near and far vision and focus on shapes and objects.[2] Their vision will resemble that of an adult within the next few years[3] as more anatomical changes take place.
Here are a few tips to help keep your toddler on a healthy eye development journey:
Fantastic fingers – why crayons and pencils can wait!
When you think of your toddler learning to write, you probably think about them using a crayon or pencil – not their finger! But using their finger to make a few squiggles is great for their fine motor development and will help them as they begin to understand how moving in different ways makes new marks.
Why might a finger be better than a pencil or crayon at the moment?
Holding, turning, positioning and pushing – interlocking bricks and fine motor skills
Many of us have happy memories of building with LEGO® or the larger DUPLO® blocks, or other sets that need pushing together such as, mobilo®, Stickle Bricks and more. You might have already added something like this to your toddler's toy box, but if not, what do you need to look for and why might now be a good time for this type of toy?
Why interlocking blocks?
Show me, tell me, let me have a go – what’s the best way for your toddler to learn?
You might think a lot about how your toddler learns new words and be conscious of the things you say to them (you might even have been tempted by flashcards, word books or tech that promises to teach new vocabulary). But how often do you think about how your toddler learns actions – do they learn from being shown, told, practising, or maybe a bit of all of those?
You teach your toddler without even thinking about it
Do you know what pre-counting skills your toddler is learning, and why maths is really all about play?
When it comes to maths, we probably think of sitting in classrooms learning facts about numbers – and the dread they could inspire. But the good news is that there is a lot more to maths than just numbers, and your toddler is already learning about big mathematical concepts every day as they play. Here’s why playing is so important for early maths skills, and some ways you can ensure you and your toddler make the most of mathematical moments.
Pre-counting experiences and why they’re so important
Can children multitask? – Yes, they can!
Have you ever thought about your child multitasking? Probably not, and it isn’t something we typically bring up when talking about young children. Yet, when they play, multitasking can happen coincidentally. One example of where this is true is when they walk backwards while pulling a toy!
Walking backwards demands more physical effort than walking forwards which makes the action more challenging:
Oooh, this is cosy – how your toddler processes the feeling of clothes
Our skin is the largest organ we have, literally covering us from head to toe.[1] It is a fascinating organ, one that protects and provides us with information about our environment.[1,2] Skin gives us the ability to feel, and it is around now that children can start to become more aware of whether things feel good to touch, or not! The way touch is processed is quite complex; here we delve deeper into this intricate process.
Let's explore skin: everything felt externally is through this amazing organ
Playing independently could help your toddler build their self-regulation skills
A recent study has highlighted the value of making sure your toddler has time to play freely, without an adult directing or planning the activity for them. It suggests there might be a link between how much time children spend playing like this before the age of five, and their self-regulation skills as they get older.
One of the areas scientists, educators and parents are becoming increasingly aware of as important is the ability for people to self-regulate. This means being able to control your response to events and emotions you experience.
