4 years, 8 months old
Stepping Stones and Sunny Days
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 56 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
4 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hello, dear parent!
Here we are, breezing through month 56. The days seem to be stretching longer, with more energy, curiosity and excitement to do more! Your little ones are playing longer, harder, bigger and stronger. There are masterpieces or block towers, paintings or toy set ups. There's special treasure collecting, bags being packed with all the essentials, and dens that can not be moved! There's bike or scooter rides, lots of running, climbing, swinging, jumping, and crashing and maybe lots and lots of dancing; and you wonder how they have so much energy! (until you get in the car to drive home at 4:30! Through it all, you’re creating moments that are building blocks for learning, and life. And as always, what you’re doing is plenty.
Here is some extra inspiration for when your feeling like doing a little more!
Layered Cardboard Art
How: Cut up some old cardboard into simple shapes-circles, squares, triangles, long strips, or even random squiggles. Lay them out with some paint, glue, and a big piece of paper or cardboard as a base.
Let your child explore however they like:
Stacking and layering shapes to build pictures
Making faces, people, or “creatures”
Painting each piece before or after placing it
Moving things around again and again before sticking.
They may be able to cut their own shapes, or reshape the ones your made, so make sure to leave the scissors for them.
Like all art and play, there is no right or wrong way to do it. They may make something recognisable, or they may enjoy the process or arranging, painting and re-arranging.
Why: This kind of open-ended play is full of rich learning: Building creativity and imagination, strengthens fine motor skills, introduces problem solving skills, and explores shapes, space and design in a hands on way. It also gives them freedom to create something that feels theirs, which builds confidence and self identity.
*It’s a great activity for mixed ages too, especially with siblings. It might look a little different for each child, and that’s the beauty of it. My eldest will settle in and really engage, creating and layering for quite a while. My middle will explore for a bit, stick on a few pieces, paint it all one colour… and probably end up painting herself too. And my 18-month-old is busy picking up pieces, carrying them around, adding a bit of paint, and yes, occasionally tasting the glue.
It can feel a little chaotic, but there’s so much learning happening. Younger ones are constantly watching, observing, and copying their older siblings. I’ve noticed my youngest trying things earlier than my first ever did, just from being part of it all. Not better, just different 💛
Activity 2: 🪢 Skipping Rope Fun
How: Grab a skipping rope and explore all the different ways you can play with it. Start by having two people hold each end and slowly turn the rope, helping your child practise jumping by saying “ready… jump!” as the rope comes around. If you don’t have two people, tie one end securely to a stable object like a chair and move the other end yourself.
Once they’ve had a turn practising, use the rope for imaginative games; wiggle it along the ground like a snake they have to jump over, see if they can escape without getting “bitten,” make a river they need to leap across, or balance along the rope like a circus tight rope walker.
Why: Skipping rope play builds balance, coordination, timing and body awareness as children learn to watch, predict and move their bodies at the right moment. It also encourages persistence and confidence as they practise a tricky new skill. Adding imaginative games brings in creativity, problem-solving and lots of active, joyful movement. 🐍🌈
Book of the Month: Guess How Much I Love You
This gentle story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare will tug at your heartstrings with its simple, warm expressions of love. The soothing repetition and affectionate theme make it a comforting bedtime favorite. But truly, any book shared together is special, whether it's this classic or anything else you have on hand.
Did You Know?
Did you know that when children play with shapes; stacking, layering, turning, and moving them around, they’re actually doing maths?
They’re learning about size, space, and position… noticing things like “on top,” “next to,” “under,” “bigger,” and “smaller.” Even figuring out how pieces fit together is early problem-solving and spatial awareness.
It might be play, but they’re building the foundations for things like geometry and design, just by playing and creating in their own way 💛
Social & Emotional Skill Building: Focus on Effort
In these energetic days, it’s easy to forget that it’s the effort, not just the outcome, that counts. When they try something new or persist through a challenge, talk about that effort.
“You worked so hard on that drawing!”
“Look how far your ball went!”
These simple acknowledgments help build their confidence and teach them to value persistence.
✨ Remember Your everyday acts of love, patience, and presence are shaping your child’s world in meaningful ways. Your building strong foundations for your child to trust, so they can go out strongly into the world, and come back to be scooped up when they fall. You’re not just getting through the day; you’re nurturing a little person with your warmth and presence. You’re doing beautifully.