2 years, 11 months old
Building Little Worlds Together
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 35 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
4 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello, wonderful parent!
Your most used phrase at the moment is I cant believe they are almost 3! What an exciting and bustling time this is! With seemingly endless curiosity, new discoveries and growing imagination at every turn. You're probably noticing how their play becomes more intricate, their joy in discovering new possibilities, and their delight when they figure something out all on their own. It feels a bit like you're managing an ever-expanding world, and every little and big discovery your making is so important.
I’m always amazed at how it can feel like children have all of a sudden skipped steps; suddenly their heads are above the “crash zone” of the counter, or they’re doing something with a confidence that seemed out of reach just yesterday. With my third, it really feels like this in particular.
However you choose to celebrate these changes; whether it’s a quiet moment of appreciation or a big “you did it!” with a punch in the air; it’s all beautiful, important, and unique, because it’s your little one experiencing it for the very first time.
This newsletter is here to remind you: in every block tower built, every toy hidden, and every nursery rhyme sung, you are sharing moments that matter, all leading to big successes. It's not about doing more, but about cherishing what you're already doing. Here are some simple ideas for play and connection when you’re ready.
Activity 1: Block Towers
How: Invite your child to stack blocks in a tower. Watch as they experiment with height and balance, they may pay attention to symmetry or patterns, or they may add a little story to their creation. Encourage them to build and knock down, again and again.
Why: Building towers brings together creativity, math, problem solving, and fine motor skills. Your child is learning about cause and effect each time the tower tumbles down, all the while growing their understanding through play.
Activity 2: Hide Small Toys
How: In any room, hide a few favorite small toys and let your child find them. Offer hints, or work as a team to 'discover' the hidden treasures.
Why: This simple game boosts memory and attention, while nurturing a sense of teamwork and collaboration. Plus, it turns the ordinary into adventure, all part of their (and your) joyful learning journey.
Action song: 🐒 Five Little Monkeys
Five little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell off and bumped their head.
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
“No more monkeys jumping on the bed!
continue with 4, 3, 2, and 1
A fun, interactive rhyme that children love to join in with again and again. The repetitive counting and silly story encourage participation, listening, and anticipation as the “monkeys” jump one by one. It’s a great way to build early counting skills while also enjoying lots of movement, laughter, and shared play.
Book of the Month: The Gruffalo
'The Gruffalo' is a delightful tale full of whimsy and rhythm. This engaging story creates a wonderful shared experience, using imaginative storytelling that captivates both big and little minds alike. You will or maybe already have found the beautiful collection from Julia Donaldson. Any of her books are an investment, and will be a family favorite for many years! They are also such an ease to read, making it easy to read over and over!
Of course, if this one's not on your bookshelf right now, any story time together holds worlds of wonder, no matter the book.
Did You Know?
Engineering starts young. Every block tower, every bridge made of chair cushions, is a tiny engineering project in disguise. As children build their play scenarios, they're also constructing cognitive bridges to problem-solving and persistence.
Social & Emotional Skill Building
We all love when things go smoothly, but sometimes our little ones hit a challenge. If you notice your child persisting with a tricky puzzle piece or attempting that block tower one more time, share a gentle word of encouragement like "I see you’re working so hard!" Recognizing their perseverance helps them understand that effort is valuable and that trying again is part of the fun.
✨ Remember In these everyday interactions, you’re not just passing time (even if sometimes it does feel that way), you’re building foundation blocks of character, emotion, and understanding. Your presence, your encouragement, and your shared moments are the true highlights of this time. You’re crafting a world where your little one feels loved, supported, and inspired to try again.
You’re doing wonderfully. 💛