2 years, 3 months old
Little Explorer, Big Adventures
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 27 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
4 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello there, wonderful parent!
The days and weeks are just flying by as we step into month 27. It's quite something to watch as they wander, investigate, and get into everything they can! Their curiosity is a beautiful thing, even if it feels like you can't keep up with it!
At this age, it’s important to remember that young children are not meant to hold attention for long periods. If it feels like they move on to the next activity just as you’ve gotten started, or even before you’ve fully prepared something, that’s completely normal. They are busy little people with busy minds, meant to explore, move, and be active as part of their natural learning process.
In this stage, which sometimes feels like a whirlwind, the little routines and familiar voices you bring offer them the most comfort and learning. So, as you tackle yet another couch-diving expedition or an impromptu kitchen concert, know that those moments matter more than any planned activity ever could.
This month's newsletter is a cozy collection of ideas to sprinkle into your days, if and when it feels right. You're doing the heart work already, just by being there.
Remember, these next bits are just ideas. The everyday moments you're already sharing, are where the magic happens.
Activity 1: Water Painting
How: Grab a bucket of water and a brush (or just use fingers!), and let them 'paint' outside. Sidewalks, fences, and flowerpots are perfect canvases. No cleanup, the sun will take care of that!
Why: This is art and science wrapped in one. They get to explore movement and cause-and-effect (water-dark turns sidewalk-gray again), and you might just enjoy a few sips of coffee. No pressure to create a masterpiece, the process itself is the magic.
Activity 2:✨ Sticker Story
How: Give your child a sheet of stickers and a piece of paper or notebook. Encourage them to peel and stick the stickers wherever they like, then help them tell a story about what they’ve created. You can ask simple prompts like, “Who’s this?” or “What’s happening here?” Let them guide the story, they may want to add drawing in, so give them some pencils to extend as they please.
Why: Sticker stories support fine motor skills as toddlers practice peeling and placing stickers. They also spark creativity, imagination, and storytelling, and encourage early language development as children describe their creations. Plus, it’s a gentle way to practise turn-taking, focus, and decision-making, all while having fun and feeling proud of their work.
🦆 Nursery Rhyme: Five Little Ducks
Five little ducks went out one day,
Over the hill and far away.
Mother duck said, 'Quack, quack, quack, quack.'
But only four little ducks came back.
(Repeat, counting down...)
One little duck went out one day,
Over the hill and far away.
Mother duck said, 'Quack, quack, quack, quack.'
But none of the five little dicks came back.
Mother duck went out one day,
Over the hill and far away.
Mother duck said, "Quack, quack, quack, quack,"
And all the little ducks came back! 🦆
Book of the Month: Mr. McGee by Pamela Allen
All of Pamela Allen’s books are wonderful for this age and beyond. I never pass up a Pamela Allen story. They are beautifully written, full of fun vocabulary, and perfect for animating the story. The simplicity and repetition make them great for early readers, and I can’t wait for the day my oldest picks one up and reads it aloud to us!
Did You Know?
When toddlers paint with water, they’re not just having fun; they’re doing science without even knowing it! Watching water soak, spread, and evaporate helps them explore cause-and-effect, observation, and problem-solving. Every splash, brushstroke, and puddle is a tiny experiment in how the world works. 🖌️💧
Social & Emotional Tip
Toddlers are constantly learning about feelings, sharing, and taking turns. Encourage them by naming emotions as they play: “I can see you’re excited to jump!” or “It looks like you’re a little frustrated with that puzzle.” This simple practice helps them develop empathy, self-awareness, and emotional vocabulary; skills that matter just as much as learning numbers or letters.
💛 Remember
Month 27 is full of curiosity, energy, and wonder. The little moments, pouring water, peeling stickers, giggling through songs, are the heart of learning. You don’t need perfect activities or long sessions; your presence, attention, and shared joy are what truly matter. So take a deep breath, follow their lead, and enjoy these big adventures in small bodies!