1 year, 11 months old
Little Explorers on the Move
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 23 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
4 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello, wonderful parent!
As you step into this new month, you might find that your little one is increasingly on the go. There's a newfound curiosity in those tiny steps and an eagerness to test the boundaries. Every small task takes on epic proportions when you're discovering the world for the first time.
You’re there to watch them explore, hold out your hand for balance, or just be a soft place to land when things get wobbly. Through it all, remember: your presence is the greatest gift of all.
Remember everything your doing is already enough. Everyday play and routines hold plenty of learning opportunities. When you’re ready, here are some fun, simple ideas to spark joy.
Activity 1: Threading Rings
How: Gather large beads, or rings, and show your little one how to thread them onto a string or stick. Give them time; respect their concentration and encourage with gentle words.
If beading onto string, they may need more support, hold the string for them, as they put the bead on encourage them to grab the end of the string, and watch the bead as it slides down. There a quite a few steps with beading with string, so supporting them with some of those steps will get that success, encouraging them to keep trying and coming back for more.
Why: This simple activity strengthens coordination and patience. Plus, it’s like a little preview of dressing skills they’ll use later. You may find a couple of beads in unexpected places afterward… all part of the fun!
DIY - Try some easy homemade threading fun! Cut up toilet rolls and let your little one thread them onto wool, ribbon, or string. Or stick some sticks upright in playdough and thread pasta onto them, like making colorful towers!
Activity 2: Nature climbing
Safe low logs, small hills, or playground steps are perfect for climbing and balancing.
How: Give them space, supervise closely, and let them experiment with climbing up, down, and around natural obstacles. Celebrate their successes and offer gentle guidance when needed.
Why: Nature climbing builds strength, balance, and coordination, while boosting confidence and problem-solving skills. Feeling bark, grass, or dirt under their hands and feet also supports sensory development, and exploring outdoors nurtures curiosity and independence.
Nursery Rhyme: The Wheels on the Bus
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
Round and round, round and round.
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
All through the town.
The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish,
Swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish.
The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish,
All through the town.
The horn on the bus goes beep, beep, beep,
Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.
The horn on the bus goes beep, beep, beep,
All through the town.
It’s the ultimate multitasking song. Who knew a playful rendition of honking and swishing could also teach cause and effect?
Book of the Month: Where’s Spot?
Join in the fun of searching for Spot under flaps, behind doors, and in every nook and cranny of your home (or book). Each turn of a flap brings anticipation and joy, and every page offers a chance to share the magic of discovery. Truly, any book you read together is a treasure, be it a classic like Spot or a favorite cereal box on the counter.
Did You Know?
Threading beads may look like just a game, but it’s actually building skills that contribute significantly to tasks like buttoning, fastening, and even tying shoelaces later on. Small activities now lay groundwork for bigger milestones down the road!
Social & Emotional Skill Building
Let your little one try solving their puzzles and play in their unique way first. Watching them engage creatively or overcome a small hurdle on their own builds confidence and independence. Gently voice observations:
'You turned the block to make it fit!'
or 'I see you tried another way. You’re figuring it out.'
Your trust tells them they can depend on themselves, as well as you.
✨ Remember
The perfect parent doesn’t exist, but your caring presence is what truly matters. In every giggle, stumble, and snuggle, you’re crafting a beautiful bond. You are guiding them in their earliest steps toward understanding the world.
Take a deep breath and let the joy of your journey settle in. You’re doing beautifully.