1 year, 3 months old
**Month 15: Tiny Steps and Big Scribbles**
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 15 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
4 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello, wonderful parent!
If you find yourself smiling at your little one’s newfound independence, you’re not alone. Maybe you’re noticing your toddler stepping with purpose or leaving colorful scribbles on the wall again, or all the shoes being tried on, walked in and left in the middle of the house. There’s just so much to explore, and they’re ready to dive into every inch of it.
Remember, every dribble of paint on their hands (and sometimes on your furniture) is a step in their discovering journey, not just one more thing to clean up. Your presence and encouragement during these times mean the world to them.
Here is a few simple ideas for playful learning, at this stage toddlers love short, repeated play bursts. Activities don't need to be long and complicated, its repetition, autonomy and exploration that matter most.
Activity 1: Scribble Time
How: Tape a big sheet of paper to the floor or wall and offer a few chunky crayons. Let them scribble away.
Why: Scribbling builds those tiny pre-writing muscles and explores creativity. Your toddler expresses their ideas and lays groundwork for future writing—all while having fun!
Extra tip: Drawing on a vertical surface like an easel, wall or fridge, is fantastic for toddlers, bodies and brains. Strengthening muscles, controlling movement, spatial awareness and reaching and movement all get the brain firing.
🚶 Activity 2: Balance walk
How: Lay out a row of cushions, a sturdy plank or even a line of tape on the floor, demonstrate and support your toddler as they walk along the path, let them try independently if they want to and encourage their efforts. If your out on a walk, let them balance along the curb holding your hand, or along small longs or stones on nature walks.
Why: This activity helps strengthen leg muscles, improve coordination, and develop core stability, all essential for confident walking and early gross motor skills. It also encourages concentration and body awareness in a fun, low-pressure way.
Letting children be barefoot as much as possible, especially when balancing or climbing, helps them strengthen their feet, improve grip, and develop better balance and coordination naturally.
Nursery Rhyme: Teddy bear, Teddy bear
Teddy bear teddy turn around
teddy bear teddy bear touch the ground
teddy bear teddy bear touch your nose
teddy bear teddy bear dance on your toes
teddy teddy bear teddy bear pat your head
teddy bear teddy bear go to bed
teddy bear teddy bear wake up now
teddy bear teddy bear take a bow
Like a lot of children's action songs, there are many different variants of the song, its just about finding one that works, for you and having a mix of your voice and the sound track. Its the connection between you and your little one that matter most with these fun song.
I’m always amazed at how early toddlers can understand simple instructions, I often catch myself thinking, “Wow, they understood that…baby genius!” It makes songs and games so much fun, and it’s more than just play: following instructions helps them develop listening skills, attention, memory, and confidence in trying new things.
Book of the Month: Brown Bear, Brown Bear
This classic book is a vibrant delight with its repetitive, rhythmic language and captivating illustrations. It invites your child to anticipate what happens next, and nothing beats the sound of your voice narrating these colorful pages. Any book, much like this one, brings you closer together.
Did You Know?
Scribblingnow? wires the brain for writing long before letters come along. Each little stroke your toddler puts on paper is building the foundation for future writing. Pretty incredible, isn’t it?
Social & Emotional Skill Building
When you see a scribbled masterpiece, resist the urge to redirect those tiny hands. Every free movement builds their confidence. Celebrate what they've created because it’s theirs. This freedom encourages self-expression and trust in their own abilities, laying the groundwork for healthy self-esteem.
✨ You may notice that some of our activity ideas, songs, and book suggestions repeat over the months, and that’s completely intentional!
Children don’t need new toys, activities, or stories all the time. Repetition is actually really important for their learning and development. Each time they read a favourite book, sing a song, or play a familiar game, they notice something new, strengthen their skills, and gain confidence.
The great thing about repeating activities is that you can easily adapt and add new twists to match their growing bodies and minds. For example, a simple ball roll can turn into a ramp challenge, a favorite song can include new actions. Or something I've noticed from my 3 year old this week; very well loved stories, which we have read a million times over, is now sparking a whole lot of new questions and curiosities; as she notices things differently on the page. This way, repetition becomes a springboard for creativity, exploration, and continuous learning.
You’re doing beautifully 💛
(If you’d like a few more new activity ideas, feel free to click here; only when you’re ready, no pressure!)