1 year, 7 months old
Little Explorer in Action!
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 19 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
4 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello, wonderful parent!
As you venture further into the toddler years, life is getting busier and a bit more unpredictable, isn’t it? Your little one’s curiosity is at full throttle, and with that comes a beautiful sense of discovery...and chaos! Their enthusiasm is boundless, and it’s a joy to watch them eagerly explore the world around them. You're doing an amazing job keeping up with all that energy!
This newsletter is here to remind you that what you’re already doing with your toddler is truly meaningful.
Here's your simple activities for the month to support that amazingly fast paced toddler development! As always, there’s no rush to do it all.
Activity 1: Sticker Pull-Off
How: Provide your toddler with a sheet of stickers and let them peel them off and stick them onto a piece of paper. They might need a helping hand initially, but they’ll soon delight in the challenge.
Why: This strengthens those tiny fingers, laying the foundation for future skills like holding a pencil. Plus, the focus and joy it brings... pure gold.
Activity 2: Climb & Crawl
How: Create a little obstacle course with cushions, soft furniture, and a low stepping stool. Encourage your toddler to climb over and crawl under with you cheering them on from the side. Build it for success at first and then adapt it as their confidence, skills and risk taking builds.
Why: Not only does this build physical strength and coordination, but it also boosts their confidence. Climbing their little mountains and navigating spaces… what an adventure!
Nursery Rhyme: Itsy Bitsy Spider
The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the waterspout.
Down came the rain and washed the spider out.
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain.
And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.
This timeless rhyme is always a favorite, your little one will really start watching those fingers as they climb up the "spout" and they might start trying to move their own fingers like that. I always like this during nappy change time, or lying on the bed together with climbing fingers up their tummy; inevitably ending in lots of giggles!
The power of music
Children naturally respond to rhythm and sound, you have probably noticed your little one stopping and listening to, or bopping along whenever they hear music; and it is so wonderful for their development. Music helps support language development, memory, coordination, and emotional expression, while also encouraging creativity and confidence as children move their bodies and explore different sounds.
When it feels right try putting on your favourite tunes during everyday moments like at lunch or an after dinner dance party. These simple moments often turn into beautiful opportunities for connection, laughter, and shared joy, and the music boosts feel-good endorphins for you too.
So whether it’s kids’ songs, 90s bangers, or a bit of heavy metal, enjoy it together as a family and let the music bring everyone together.
Book of the Month: Dear Zoo
This classic lift-the-flap book intrigues your little one with its fun, simple narrative and interactive pages. They will be taking over at this point, pulling down all the flaps, probably quicker than you can read the words, and loving making the animal sounds with you! They love the repetition and the surprises of what animal comes next. Remember sharing any book at any time of the day is always a wonderful moment, no matter what the book is.
Did You Know?
During this time your little ones language is about to explode! Many toddlers may only say a handful of words, but they often understand 50+ words, or more, and are rapidly building language skills! Those nursery rhymes are like rocket fuel for their language!
Remember: All children develop in their own time, my eldest didn't say a word until after her 2nd birthday, but was communicating non-verbally in her own way, whereas my second was saying full sentences around 18months. Our third, well, she is definitely making herself heard at 14 months!
Social & Emotional Skill Building
Encourage safe risk-taking by offering opportunities for your toddler to test their abilities, like gentle climbing or new words. When they achieve these tiny triumphs, it strengthens their trust and independence. You might say, 'Look at you, climbing all by yourself! You’re really figuring it out.' These moments plant seeds for resilience and self-assurance as they grow.
🌟 Remember
Your presence and encouragement are incredible gifts to your toddler. Watching them explore the world, stumble, and get back up is all part of the adventure. You’re doing beautifully, guiding and cheering them on every step of the way.