1 year, 8 months old
Little Hands on the Move
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 20 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
4 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello there, amazing parent!
Welcome to another month filled with curiosity, exploration, and of course... those busy little hands. Can you feel the energy shift as your little one becomes more and more adventurous? Perhaps you're finding tiny treasures in unexpected places or noticing how the world around you has become one giant playground in their eyes.
It's a lively time, full of so much excitement, movement and big surprises. It can also feel like getting any jobs done is impossible and it can also be very exhausting. (Especially if your nights are as busy as your days...all 3 of my girls woke a lot every night for their first couple years. (They are all still in bed with us) coffee, sunshine and exercise are brilliant companions!
But remember every one of those patient moments you spend opening and closing boxes or watching chalk dances on the pavement adds up to something wonderful. The jobs will always be there, even when you get them done!
This newsletter is here with a few ideas, for when you're in the mood for a bit of fun. Remember, it's not about getting it right or doing it all... being present and playful is already enough.
Activity 1: Open-Close Play
How: Gather a variety of containers with lids, boxes with flaps, or simple doors that swing open and shut. Let your little one explore opening and closing them at their pace.
Why: This might seem simple, but it strengthens those little fingers and builds persistence. Each open or close is a tiny achievement and boosts confidence one movement at a time.
Extend: You may want to add some little bits and pieces, like little blocks, milk lids, pom poms, figurines, etc that they might put in and take out.
Activity 2: Chalk Scribble Outside
How: Head outside with chunky sidewalk chalk. Let your child make big arm movements, scribbling freely across the pavement. Join in "lets make a BIIIIG line....can your line follow mine?
There's no rules, no right way… just movement, colour, and fun.
Those big scribbles are doing some serious behind-the-scenes work:
💪 Building arm and shoulder strength (future writing muscles!)
👀 Developing coordination
🎨 Encouraging creativity and confidence
And the best part?
You can wash it all away and start again tomorrow… which toddlers think is just as fun as the drawing 😉
Extend: Draw a big circle or create a path using different lines and shapes with chalk on the ground. Your little one will love following you along the path in a game of “follow the leader,” or taking their turn as the leader and showing you where to go. It can easily turn into a giggly game of chase or a tickly “catch me if you can!” moment.
Want to make your own chalk board? I picked up a big piece of wood from the offcuts scrap pile at our local hard wear store and then painted it with chalk paint. It just stays standing up against the fence outside and the girls use it loads, for vertical chalk drawing, laying down and tracing bodies, a ramp for car races, water painting, the uses are endless!
Action song: Open, Shut them.
Open, shut them, open, shut them,
Give a little clap.
Open, shut them, open, shut them,
Put them in your lap.
Creep them, creep them; creep them, creep them,
Right up to your chin, chin, chin.
Open wide your little mouth,
But do not let them in!
Shake them, shake them, shake them, shake them,
shake them just like this
Roll them, roll them, roll them, roll them
blow a great big kiss
Your little toddler will love following along with the actions, remember the song doesn't need to flow quickly, take your time and let your little one follow along. They will also love the playful anticipation at the end of the song!
Book of the Month: Press Here
A delightful book by Hervé Tullet, where simple dots take you on a colorful adventure just by pressing, tilting, or shaking the pages. It’s no ordinary book... It’s a dance of colors and actions that brings undeniable giggles. The magic here is all about interaction and the wonder of turning a page.
Did You Know?
Big arm movements, like scribbling or reaching up high, build the muscle control one day needed for writing, along with balance, body and spatial awareness. It's like a fun secret workout for their little shoulders and core... and all part of letting them experience the world their way!
Social & Emotional Skill Building
This month, let's notice how your little one experiences feelings, without rushing to fix things. When they’re upset, try saying, “You’re feeling sad right now,” or “That made you so happy!” Your acknowledgment is comforting, letting them know they’re understood. It's the beginning of emotional awareness and letting them know feelings are okay to have. It is also very normal to experience, happiness, frustration, anger and then happiness again all in under 5 minutes!
✨ Remember You’re not just playing... you’re building and bonding at every step with your little one. Your love and laughter are the best gifts you give them... along with the time you spend together exploring, smiling, and wondering aloud.
You're doing wonderfully just by being you.