problem solving activities for 2 year old

Discovery Play with Littles

2:01 pm ·

15 Powerful Problem Solving Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

I looked over to her table and she’s crying. Again. While everyone else is happily working away, she sat there, unable to move, just crying. 

Not asking for help.

Not trying to solve her problem.

Just crying.

I took a deep breath before heading over. We’ve already been at this for several months…isn’t it about time the problem-solving has kicked in yet?

One glance and I could tell what her problem was. She didn’t have her pencil.

Know how I knew?

It laid on the floor beside her. In plain sight.

As a kindergarten teacher, I don’t jump right in and solve problems for kids. It’s good for them to try to solve the problem themselves. This is something she struggled with. 

I reminded myself of the need for patience and empathy as I walked up to her. “What’s wrong, Amanda?” 

“I…can’t…find…my…pencil….” she sputtered out between sobs. 

“Ok, that’s a problem we can solve. What have you tried?” 

“I don’t know.” 

After a long time trying to first, calm her down, and second, come up with some strategies she could try, she finally found her pencil. At that point, everyone else had finished the project. 

What is Problem Solving?

Problem-solving is the process of finding a solution to your problem . This can be quite tricky for some young children, especially those with little experience in finding more than one way to solve a problem.

Why is Problem Solving Important? 

Problem-solving skills are used throughout childhood into adulthood. As adults, we solve problems on a daily basis. Some problems we solve without thinking much- I wanted to make tacos for dinner but forgot to buy the ground beef. What are we going to have for dinner now?

Other problems are significantly more complicated. 

Problems for kiddos can be problems with friendships, the inability to find something that’s needed, or even what to do when things don’t go your way. 

Kids who lack problem-solving skills struggle to maintain friendships or even begin to attempt to solve their own problems. 

Children who lack problem-solving skills are at a higher risk for depression as well.

What Are Problem-Solving Skills?

Problem-solving skills are:

• Breaking Down a Problem into Smaller Parts
• Communication
• Decision-making
• Logical Reasoning
• Perseverance

That’s a big list to teach toddlers and preschoolers. Where do you begin?

The Problem-Solving Steps

Sometimes kids are so overwhelmed with frustration that it affects their ability to solve problems.

Kids feel safe in routines, and routines help them learn and grow. After a few times of repeating this routine, you’ll find your kiddo starts to do this on their own. 

It’s important not to skip straight to solving the problem , because your kiddo needs to be in a calm state of mind to solve the problem, and also they need to know their feelings are valid. 

• The first thing to do when your kiddo is struggling with problem-solving is to validate their emotions.

In doing this, they will feel more understood and learn that their emotions are okay. There are no bad feelings, and we must learn how to manage our emotions. 

This might sound something like “Oh, I can see you are really frustrated that the block won’t fit on there right. Let’s take some deep breaths to help us calm down before we think about what to do next.”

• Next, work through your calm-down process . This may be taking some deep breaths together, hugging a stuffie, or giving your kiddo some quiet time to calm down their heart and mind.
• Identify the problem . This sounds like something you may have already done (before the meltdown) but it’s important to be very clear on the problem you’re solving. Have the child tell you their problem out loud.
• Move on to solution-finding . When your kiddo is ready, talk about what the problem is and three possible solutions. When possible, let your kiddo do all of the talking. This allows him to practice his problem-solving skills. It’s important to remind him that the first thing he tries may not work, and that’s ok. There’s always another way to solve the problem. If he’s prepared for this, solutions that don’t work won’t be such a frustrating experience. 
• After you’ve done that, test your solutions one by one. See what works. If you haven’t found a solution yet, go back and think of different ways you might be able to solve your problem and try again.

Are you tired of hearing “It’s TOO HARD!” followed by a meltdown?

Using this one simple phrase you’ll get in this powerful lesson, you’ll not only be able to help your kiddo not give up but you’ll:

>Activate their superpower of perseverance so that they can turn around a meltdown and keep trying

>Inspire them to use perseverance …even when it’s hard

>Teach them to recognize the warning signs of giving up , and how to turn it around by taking control of their choices.

Grab your powerful FREE video lesson to teach your kiddo one of the most powerful keys to perseverance.

Powerful Activities that Teach Problem-Solving Skills to Toddlers & Preschoolers

These activities below may look simple, but don’t let that deter you from trying them. A lot happens in little developing brains and these powerful activities help toddlers and preschoolers make connections and develop {many} essential skills-more than just problem-solving.

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Puzzles are fun and a great way to encourage cognitive development in children. They are great for spacial reasoning and strengthening problem-solving skills. They also develop memory skills, critical thinking, and the ability to plan and execute the plan. Toddlers will enjoy the simple puzzles, and preschoolers will do great with floor puzzles with larger puzzle pieces.

Doing Simple Chores

Doing simple chores is a great way to teach children problem-solving skills, and it strengthens responsibility and perseverance as well. 

During the toddler years , you may start with just picking up their toys, or helping you put their dirty clothes in the hamper. 

Preschoolers can take their dirty dishes to the sink (or load them in the dishwasher), collect the trash, dust, wipe baseboards, and do their own personal care items like making their bed, taking care of their dirty clothes, and putting clean clothes away.

Stacking Rings

When watching a toddler play with stacking rings it doesn’t look like much is happening, but playing with these toys is full of ways to encourage development. It helps with visual and spacial perception and planning ahead, but it also with balance control, crossing the midline, creative play, and gross motor skills. Not to mention it’s a great opportunity to practice problem-solving. 

Playing Hide-and-Seek

Hide and seek has many surprising benefits for kids. Playing hide and seek is like a treasure hunt that helps develop gross motor skills and encourages physical development, as well as problem-solving skills. It also helps young children develop visual tracking, working memory, and social-emotional skills.

Imaginative Play

Imaginative play (also called role-play) builds important skills. Through pretending to be in different situations, kids develop social skills, emotional skills, better communication, and problem-solving skills. Imaginative play is a great idea for young toddlers all the way to older children.

Free Play 

Many young children don’t have {enough} time for free play. Free play is important for healthy brain development , not only developing imagination, cooperation, physical skills, and independence but also providing a great opportunity to strengthen problem-solving skills. 

Playing with Wooden Blocks

Building blocks are a fun way for children to develop creative thinking, imagination, problem-solving, fine motor skills, and if working with others, cooperation, communication, and friendship.

Playing Memory

Memory games improve attention, focus, visual recognition, and concentration. It helps children recognize details and of course, strengthens problem-solving skills. 

Ask Questions

When I see my son struggling with something, my first instinct is to give him choices or at least lead him in the right direction. The better thing to do is to ask very open-ended questions that lead his process, not his thoughts.

Questions like “What’s one way to solve your problem?” are much more effective in teaching problem-solving skills than “Well, where did you last see your stuffy?” 

Read Books and Social Stories

Reading books is one of my favorite ways to teach any skill. It’s extremely effective at teaching, and it’s also an amazing bonding time with kids.

When we read stories, our brain reacts as if we’re living in the story. This is why reading books about skills such as problem-solving is so effective. 

Kids of all ages learn from the people they love . (Yes, even those older kids who you don’t think are paying attention.) Often as adults, we’re too busy going through our daily routine to think about talking about the way we solved the problem at work that day.

Talking about how you use skills such as problem-solving, perseverance, and integrity is a great way to set an example, and an expectation that this is how we do things, and it will provide encouragement for your kiddo to do the same.

Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are a great group activity that can strengthen your child’s logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

When Your Kiddo is Ready, Add These Activities

Preschoolers would benefit from all of the fun activities on the list above and when they’re ready, feel free to add in the following activities.   

Mazes are great for problem-solving and perseverance, but your kiddo will need to have decent fine motor skills to do these activities. Mazes are one of our favorite activities. We love to take our activity book of mazes in the car with us for road trips. 

Board Games  

Board games are a good way to strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, planning skills, patience, sportsmanship, and communication skills. They also strengthen family relationships by providing some intentional time of connection .

Any board game can also be turned into an academic game with just a deck of cards for whatever skill you’re working on. If you’re working on the alphabet, put one letter on each card. Before each player’s turn, they draw a letter card and say the letter’s name. (You may accidentally forget the name of a letter every now and then to see if your kiddo is really paying attention!) 

Allow Opportunities for Hands-On Investigations

Kids are tactile. They love to touch and explore things with their hands. This is a good activity for toddlers also, as long as they are out of the putting everything in their mouth stage. Hands-on exploration is great for language development, sensory exploration, and problem-solving.

Allowing kids to investigate with their hands allows them to see how the world works up close. It also gives them time and space to try to make things work…and problem-solve when it doesn’t go as they think it should.

The Most Difficult Way (and Most Important Way) To Strengthen Problem-Solving Skills

Watching our kids struggle is hard ! We don’t want to see them having a hard time…and most of the time we don’t want to deal with the impending meltdown. Standing back and giving our kids time and space to work through even simple problems is hard to do. It’s also the most important way to strengthen problem-solving skills. 

As parents, we’re like frogs in boiling water. When our kids are infants, they need us to recognize their needs and solve them immediately. As they get older, they can point to what they want, but we still have a lot of interpreting and problem-solving to do on our own. If we aren’t careful, we stay in this stage and don’t teach our kiddos the steps to problem-solving for themselves. 

The next most difficult thing? Allowing natural consequences to happen. (As long as your child is safe of course.) If your child saves their money for a long time to buy a new toy, but walks down the toy aisle and picks up something you know they’ll be disappointed with, let it happen. It will teach a valuable lesson that will last for years to come.

Another Essential Part of Problem-Solving

Perseverance is a big part of problem-solving. We are rarely able to solve problems the first time, and it’s essential that kids can find more than one solution to a problem. Studies have found that perseverance is actually the biggest predictor of success, even more than aptitude or raw talent. 

An entire module is dedicated to perseverance in our course for kids, Super Kid Adventures . Your kiddo will get 25 teacher-led lessons on character traits (perseverance, empathy, friendship, responsibility, and wellness) and activities that take their learning further. 

Want a free preview? Grab a FREE Perseverance video lesson that teaches your kiddo one of the most important secrets that help them use perseverance.

Want More? 

If you like this, you’ll love: 

The Ultimate List of Books that Teach Perseverance

7 Simple Ways to Encourage Independence in Young Children

How to Help Your Child Develop Self-Help Skills

Your Turn 

What are your favorite ways to teach problem-solving skills?

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a mama of two boys, a former teacher, and the founder of Discovery Play with Littles. Her mission is to make raising kids with character simple and fun. Join us for our best learning through play ideas, character growth activities, and family connection ideas so you can watch your child thrive.

Reader Interactions

As a SLP trying to guide parents as I work with their child. I would like to know what toys to recommend to my parents as I assist in guiding their child’s development in cognition and expressive language.

Perseverance is the biggest predictor of success, even more than raw talent or aptitude.

Grab a FREE lesson to teach your kiddo one of the keys to perseverance...which is how we talk to our brains.

They'll learn what to say when they encounter something difficult, and why it's so important.

PLAY is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. -Mr. Rogers

17 Fun Problem Solving Activities for Kids

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Last Updated on December 28, 2022 by Kristian Surban

As a child, I would spend hours putting together puzzles… whether it was 3-D puzzles or figuring out a crossword. I also loved it when teachers would give the class an open-ended question and we had to work in groups to figure out the answer in our own way.

Even something as simple as playing checkers with my brothers gave me the chance to use strategy as a way to win the game. I honestly believe that it’s so important for kids to solve problems at a young age, as it helps them think critically and outside the box.

Table of Contents

So, Why Is It Important To Teach Kids Problem Solving?

I think these kinds of activities are so important for kids to do because it helps them learn how to think analytically and solve problems on their own. It's a great way to get kids to use their imaginations and be creative.

Rote memorization simply does not have the same effect. This type of learning is great for learning facts like historical dates, but it’s not going to help kids figure out how events in history happened and the results.

We take these problem-solving skills into college, the workforce, and travel . My ability to problem solve since childhood has certainly got me through many sticky situations while in a new city or country.

Additionally, problem-solving helps children learn how to find creative solutions to challenges they may face both in and out of the classroom . These activities can also be fun and used in cohesion with school or playtime.

17 Fun Problem-Solving Activities for Kids

1. marble mazes.

This activity was selected because it requires them to think spatially. Spatial learning will benefit kids when they start driving, riding a bike, playing sports,etc.

To do this activity in its simplest form, you will need a piece of paper, a pencil, and some marbles. First, draw a maze on a piece of paper using a pencil.

Make sure to create a start and finish point. Then, place the marbles at the start of the maze. The goal is to get the marbles from the start to the finish by tilting the paper and using gravity to guide the marbles through the maze.

Another example of a marble maze can involve using toilet paper rolls taped together to create a three-dimensional maze. The larger the maze, the harder you can make it.

Check Price on Amazon!

If you are not into the DIY method, you can always buy a toy maze on Amazon. A good 48 piece puzzle is the Melissa & Doug Underwater Ocean Floor puzzle.

2. The Tower Challenge

Building a tower gives kids the chance to think about gravity, structure, and balance.

To do this activity, you will need some building materials like legos, blocks, or even toilet paper rolls. The challenge is to see how high they can stack the materials without the tower toppling over.

This can be done individually or in teams. An activity like this is good for younger kids and is the building block to learning about harder topics like engineering.

3. The Egg Drop Challenge

The egg drop challenge helps kids learn how to engineer a solution that prevents something from breaking. It requires them to think critically about which materials will best protect something fragile like an egg when dropped from a height.

To do this activity, you will need some eggs and various materials such as straws, cotton balls, bubble wrap, etc. The goal is to construct a device that will protect an egg from breaking upon impact.

This can be done individually or in teams . Teams can even have a competition for the best egg drop device.

As children begin handling, shopping for, and cooking their own food, activities like this will help them understand how to handle breakable items like bottles, eggs, delicate fruit,.etc. Ideally, this is best for age groups 8 and up.

4. The Penny Drop Challenge

This activity was selected because it requires kids to think about physics and how different materials affect sound.

To do this activity, you will need a penny ( or another coin), a cup, and various materials such as paper towels, cotton balls, etc.

The goal is to drop the penny into the cup without making any noise. Begin by placing different materials into the cup and then drop the penny into it. The children should also drop the penny from different heights into the same material to see if/how the impact from a higher drop affects sound.

Group kids into teams or let them try it on their own.

Kids should make note of what type of sounds are made when the penny hits different materials. This is a great activity for kids who are interested in science and physics.

5. The Balloon Race Challenge

This activity was selected because it helps kids learn about aerodynamics and Bernoulli’s principle . It also requires them to think creatively about how to design a balloon-powered vehicle.

To do this activity, you will need balloons, straws, masking tape, and markers. The goal is to design a balloon-powered vehicle that can travel a distance of at least 10 feet. Kids can begin this activity by sketching out their designs on paper.

After they have a basic design, they can begin building their vehicle from various materials. Then kids can explain why they think the balloon traveled or did not travel as far as it did.

6. The Marshmallow Challenge

Marshmallows are not only delicious, but they are also soft and malleable. So kids can have fun using it for some construction projects.

This activity was selected because it requires kids to think creatively about how to build a structure using limited materials. It also helps them learn about engineering and work as a team.

To do this activity, you will need marshmallows and spaghetti noodles. The goal is to build the tallest free-standing structure possible using only marshmallows and spaghetti noodles. If you don't have spaghetti noodles, use something similar like pretzel sticks.

You may even want to establish certain rules like each team can only use a certain number of marshmallows or noodles. A time limit can also make it more fun and challenging.

For more fun activities, check out our post on problem solving exercises for team building .

7. The Balloon Pop Challenge

If you remember your childhood, you probably remember popping balloons for fun at times. But this activity is different because it requires kids to use strategy and critical thinking.

This activity was selected because it helps kids learn about patterns and problem-solving. It is also a lot of fun for kids who like popping balloons. The goal is to create a device that will allow them to pop a balloon without using their hands.

To do this activity, you will need balloons and various materials such as straws, string, paper clips, etc.

8. Picture Pieces Puzzle Game

As mentioned earlier, puzzles are a great pastime – especially in childhood. Kids must think critically about how to put the pieces together to create a certain picture. It also helps them learn about shapes, colors, and other concepts.

You can take a medium to large picture and cut it into pieces. If you have younger kids, you may want to make the pieces larger. However, if you have kids closer to the 8-11 age range, you should be able to provide a challenge and make the pieces smaller.

9. Copy the Block Model

For this challenge, you can build a model out of blocks for the kids to copy. Put kids into groups and make sure each group has the same number of blocks you used for your model.

Make your model block as simple or complex as needed for your child's age group.

Set a time limit and make sure each group starts at the same time.

10. Team Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is great for kids because they have to search for items and use investigative skills. It is also a lot of fun and can be done both indoors and outdoors .

To do this activity, you will need to create a list of items for the kids to find. The items can be anything from common household items to things you would find outside.

These types of activities can also revolve around a theme like a holiday, movie, or book. For example, if the kids are fans of “Harry Potter” you can make a list of items to find that are related to the movie.

11. Obstacle Course

This activity requires kids to think creatively about how to get from one point to another while maneuvering around obstacles. If you have outdoor space, this can be done with common objects such as hula hoops, cones, etc.

If you don't have access to an outdoor space, you can use common household items to create an indoor obstacle course. For example, you can use chairs, blankets, pillows, etc.

Begin by setting up the course and then timing each child as they complete it. You can also have them race against each other to make it more fun.

Obstacle courses are also great because kids get to be physically active while they are thinking critically.

12. Reading Storybooks

There are many great benefits for kids that read storybooks.  One of the excellent benefits is the ability to problem-solve.  When they read the stories in the books, they see scenarios that cause them to be attached to the various characters they read about. 

So, when they encounter a real-life problem, it is often productive to ask a child how their favorite character would solve that problem.  Your kids can also be encouraged to come up with various options and possible outcomes for some of the situations they may encounter. 

This not only helps kids solve various problems but become more independent as well. 

13. Ask Them Open-Ended Questions

A good way to improve a child's ability to think critically and creatively and improve their ability to solve problems is by asking open-ended questions.  It also helps them to develop healthy personalities .

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions.  In addition, the solution requires more than a simple “yes” or “no” answer.  Furthermore, it allows kids to put some extra thought into their responses. 

Here are some examples of open-ended questions you may want to ask. 

• What did this experience teach you?
• Was this easy?  What was easy about it?
• What this difficult?  What is complicated about it?
• What may happen next in this situation?
• How did you come to this solution?
• What, if anything, would you do differently next time?
• What can we do to make things more fun next time?

14. Build Various Structures with Toys

Whether wooden blocks, LEGO blocks, or engineering blocks… giving your kid blocks to build whatever their minds can dream up is fun.  In addition, it requires them to think about how they will make a structure, put the pieces together, and creatively ensure the building's function and design. 

You may also want to challenge them to build something more complicated and watch them use their brain power to make it happen. 

15. Acting Out Skits

Impromptu activities like acting out skits help kids identify problems, develop solutions, and execute them.  This process works with multiple kids being divided into teams. 

First, you will want to write down different situations, such as resolving a disagreement between siblings or dealing with bullying on the playground on a piece of paper.  Second, you will fold the paper and place it in a hat or bowl.  

Third, each team will pick a scenario out of the hat.  Finally, you can give the kids a few minutes to discuss their solution and act out. 

16. Solving Moral Dilemmas   

In this simple game, you will help your kids solve simple dilemmas they may find themselves in.  You could write down a situation your child may find themselves in and help them learn the moral way to solve the problem.   

For instance, “The cashier gave them an additional $5 change back on my purchase.  What should they do?”  Another scenario could be, “I saw my friend cheating on a test.  Should I tell on them or let it go?”  A third one could be, “I caught my friends stealing some gum from the store.  What should I do?” 

After writing down the dilemmas and placing them in a bowl, get each child to select one and read it aloud.  Finally, you will help them devise morally correct solutions to the moral dilemma. 

17. Animal Pairing Game  

This is a fun and creative game to help your kids with focus, critical thinking, and team building skills .  In addition, this activity requires an even number of players to participate (4, 6, 8, etc.) 

Before starting the game, you will want to write the names of different animals twice, each on a separate slip of paper.  Then pass out the slips of paper to each individual or team member, instructing them not to share with anyone the name of the animal they received. 

Then the children will perform activities the animals might do without talking or making sounds.  Some of these activities might include:

• The way the animal cleans or grooms itself
• The way the animal sleeps
• The way the animal fights
• The way the animal eats or drinks
• The way the animal walks or runs

The goal is for each child to successfully pair up with the other child who has selected the same animal.

How Problem Solving in Childhood Helps in Adulthood

Children are not born with problem-solving skills. It is something that needs to be learned and developed over time .

From babies who learn how to communicate their needs to toddlers who figure out how to get what they want, to children who are starting to understand the consequences of their actions – problem-solving is a process that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood.

Some of the benefits of teaching problem-solving skills to children include:

• Improved critical thinking skills
• Better decision-making skills
• Enhanced creativity
• Improved communication and collaboration skills
• Increased confidence

There are many ways to teach problem-solving skills to children. The activities mentioned above are just a few examples. It is important to find activities that are appropriate for the age and abilities of the child.

With practice, children will develop these skills and be better prepared to face challenges in both childhood and adulthood.

Final Thoughts About Fun Problem Solving Activities For Kids

These are just a few ideas to get you started on teaching your child crucial problem solving skills. Perhaps they’ve inspired to come with some of your own, or seek out others? The important thing is to make sure the activity is age-appropriate and challenging enough to engage the kids.

Problem-solving skills are important for kids to learn because they can be applied to various situations in life. These skills also promote critical thinking, which is an important life skill.

There are many other problem-solving activities for kids out there. In time, you’ll find the ones that work best for your child.  And be sure not to forget about your own needs and self-improvement, both of which will make you a better parent and mentor. Here are some useful activities for adults to get your started.

Finally, if you want to level up your parenting skills, then check out this resource that will show you how to get your kids to listen WITHOUT yelling, nagging, or losing control .

A Blog About Parenting: Coping Skills, Behavior Management and Special Needs

25 Fun Problem Solving Activities for Kids

Problem-solving activities for kids : Explore 24 fun problem-solving games and activities, and learn effective tips and strategies to teach kids problem-solving skills. If you want to explore problem-solving strategies more in-depth, you can also grab our workbook “ Problem-Solving for Kids ” (printable resource).

Problem-solving is the cognitive process of finding solutions to challenges or complex situations.

A systematic approach to problem-solving tends to include defining the problem, gathering information and data, generating potential solutions, evaluating the pros and cons of each solution, making a decision, and implementing the chosen solution.

Effective problem-solving often requires critical thinking, a good dose of creativity, and the ability to consider multiple perspectives. It may also involve identifying patterns, breaking down a problem into manageable chunks, and applying our logic to develop solutions.

Problem-solving is present in everyday situations and across all fields: business, science, personal life, and education. There is not one single aspect in our lives where we don’t need to apply our problem-solving skills.

Table of Contents

• Problem-solving steps
• Development of problem-solving in childhood
• Benefits of developing problem-solving skills
• 10 Tips to teach kids problem-solving skills
• 10 Examples of problem-solving strategies
• 25 Problem-solving activities and games for kids

Problem-Solving Steps

Some key components of problem-solving include:

• Identifying the problem Recognizing and defining the issue or challenge that needs to be addressed.
• Analyzing the problem Investigating and understanding the underlying causes, factors, and relationships related to the problem.
• Generating solutions Generating potential solutions or strategies to address the problem.
• Evaluating all possible solutions (Pros and Cons Analysis) Assessing the feasibility, effectiveness, and potential consequences of each solution. Considering the positive and negative aspects of each solution.
• Decision-making Selecting the best solution based on our analysis and judgment.
• Implementing the best solution Actioning our chosen solution
• Monitoring progress and results
• Reflecting on the outcomes Reviewing and evaluating the outcomes of the implemented solution, learning from the experience, and making adjustments if necessary.

Development of Problem-Solving Skills in Childhood

Children begin to develop problem-solving skills from a very early age, and these skills continue to develop and refine throughout childhood and adolescence.

Babies soon learn about action and reaction. And, as early as eight months, they begin to acquire an understanding of cause and effect (they shake a rattle, it makes a sound; they push a toy, it falls)

Between 13 and 24 months, they start solving simple problems through trial and error and engage in symbolic play using their imagination.

As children progress into middle childhood (ages 7-11), they develop more advanced problem-solving skills. They become capable of understanding multiple perspectives and can consider multiple factors when solving problems. They start using logic and reasoning to solve increasingly complex problems.

During adolescence (ages 12 and up), problem-solving skills continue to develop. Teenagers can generate and test hypotheses and use deductive and inductive reasoning to arrive at solutions.

Each child will develop their problem-solving skills at their own pace. Some children may show advanced problem-solving abilities at an earlier age. Others may require more time and experience to develop these skills fully.

Benefits of Developing Problem-Solving Skills in Children

Problem-solving skills in children are crucial for children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. It equips them to approach challenges, think critically, make informed decisions, and find creative solutions. 

The benefits of good problem-solving skills in children include:

• Positive impact on self-esteem and confidence Identifying, analyzing, and solving their problems contributes to our kids’ sense of competence .
• Fosters Independence and Autonomy When our kids are able to problem-solve on their own, they take one more step toward independence
• Academic Success Problem-solving skills contribute to academic achievement, as they help students analyze and solve complex problems across various subjects.
• Cognitive Development Problem-solving fosters cognitive skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and abstract reasoning.
• Critical Thinking Problem-solving enhances critical thinking abilities, enabling children to evaluate information, identify biases, and make informed judgments.
• Creativity Problem-solving promotes creativity by encouraging children to think outside the box, generate innovative ideas, and explore multiple solutions.
• Emotional Resilience Problem-solving skills enhance emotional resilience by enabling children to manage and cope with challenges effectively, reducing stress and promoting well-being.
• Improved Social Interactions/Relationships Problem-solving abilities contribute to better social interactions, conflict resolution , and peer collaboration, promoting healthy relationships.
• Future career success Problem-solving skills are highly valued in the workplace and can positively influence future career success.

10+ Helpful Tips to Teach Kids Problem-Solving Skills

Teaching problem-solving skills to kids is an important part of their cognitive development. It helps them develop critical thinking, creativity, and resilience.

But how can we help our kids and students to develop this essential skill?

We can help our kids and students develop and improve their problem-solving skills in many ways.  These are some helpful tips that you could consider:

• Model problem-solving behavior When you see yourself in a problem-solving situation, verbalize your thought process: “I wonder how I should address this issue. I guess my alternatives could be… They all have positives and negatives….”
• Let them participate in the problem-solving situation “Could you help me solve this puzzle?”
• Provide real-life problem-solving situations Real-life scenarios make problem-solving more meaningful for kids. For example, discuss how to resolve a conflict with a sibling or how to make the morning routine smoother.
• Teach them how to break down problems Show them how to break down complex problems into manageable sub-problems.
• Practice brainstorming Create brainstorming situations where all the family (or the classroom) can contribute to solving a problem
• Teach the value of perseverance Sometimes, we must stick to a situation and persevere before finding a solution. Encourage kids to persevere through challenges and setbacks, emphasizing that mistakes and failures are opportunities for learning.
• Encourage critical thinking Encourage kids to analyze situations, consider different perspectives, and evaluate possible outcomes.
• How could we make your school lunch healthier but still yummy?
• How could we reuse/recycle all this paper?
• What could we do to help you remember all the steps in your night routine?
• Encourage reflection When they can find a solution for a problem, don’t jump to solve it for them. Encourage them to reflect on the problem and find and evaluate alternatives. And after a problem is solved, think about the whole process and the learnings. “How did this work?” “What did you learn” “Do you need to change anything?”
• Foster creativity Provide them with opportunities for imaginative play, creative projects, and brainstorming sessions.
• Teach the value of teamwork Teach kids the importance of working together to solve problems. Engage them in group activities or projects that require teamwork and collaboration. This helps kids learn the value of different perspectives and work together towards an objective while they practice their communication skills.
• Teach decision-making skills Teach kids how to approach problems systematically by going through the steps we have mentioned in our first section.
• Encourage both structured and free play. Structured play can help you create good problem-solving situations, while free play will foster creativity.

Developing problem-solving skills is an ongoing process that will also continue in adulthood. Provide your kids with guidance and support, and celebrate their efforts and achievements along the way.

10 Examples of Problem-Solving Strategies

There are different strategies that can help us solve a wide range of problems. Here are some commonly recognized problem-solving strategies:

1 . Trial and Error : This is the first problem strategy that we ever learn. We start using trial and error strategies in infancy, and it continues serving its purpose in many situations. This strategy involves trying different solutions or approaches and learning from the errors or failures until a successful solution is found.

2. Algorithm: An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or a set of rules that guarantees a solution to a specific problem. It is a systematic approach to problem-solving that follows a predetermined set of instructions.

3. Heuristics: Heuristics are mental shortcuts or rules of thumb that help simplify problem-solving by providing quick and efficient strategies. While heuristics can be effective in many situations, they may also lead to biases and errors.

4. Divide and Conquer: This strategy involves breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable chunks or steps that make the overall problem easier to tackle.

5. Working Backwards: This strategy involves starting from the desired outcome and working backward to determine the steps or actions needed to reach that outcome. We often use this problem-solving strategy when we set goals.

6. Analogical Reasoning: Analogical reasoning involves drawing parallels between the current problem and a similar problem that has been solved in the past. By applying the solution from the previous problem to the current one, individuals can find a solution more efficiently.

7. Brainstorming: Brainstorming gets lots of brains working on the same problem. It is a great collaborative problem-solving strategy that can bring different perspectives and experiences to the table and may result in lots of creative ideas and solutions. 

8. Decision Matrix: A decision matrix is a systematic approach to evaluating and comparing different options or solutions. It involves creating a matrix that lists alternatives and the criteria for evaluation. It assigns weights or scores to each criterion to come up with the optimal alternative.

9. Root Cause Analysis: Sometimes, we need to understand what is causing a problem before we can attempt to solve it, as different causes may require different approaches (for example, when you are sick, your doctor may need to understand what is causing the problem before prescribing a medicine)

10. Simulation and Modeling: Simulation involves creating a simplified representation or model of a problem situation to gain insights and test different scenarios.

Our choice of strategy will depend on the problem, available resources, and our own personal preferences and circumstances. We may also need to combine strategies or apply different ones to different aspects of a complex problem.

(Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. You can also read our Disclosure & Disclaimer policy  here )

Best Problem-Solving Activities for Kids

Play-based activities are centered around play and are designed to engage children in active learning and exploration. And fun problem-solving activities are a great way to develop children’s critical thinking, creativity, and decision-making skills.

In this section, we will review some problem-solving games and activities that will engage your kids’ critical-thinking skills and creativity.

1. Puzzle Games Puzzles are a fun activity for children of all ages. Young children will enjoy simple puzzles, while older children (and adults!) can have fun with more complex ones. Encourage them to use logical thinking and problem-solving strategies to complete the puzzles.

2. Crosswords A crossword is another fun type of puzzle and a good source of mental stimulation.

3. Sudoku Sudoku is a popular logic-based puzzle that involves filling a grid with numbers.

It can be extremely easy or very challenging, adaptable even for young learners.

Let’s go now for a couple of building challenges!

4. Build the Tallest Tower Give the child a set of materials (Legos, building blocks, wooden blocks, or other construction materials) and ask them to build the tallest tower they can. This simple game will encourage them to problem-solve as they build and figure out how to make the tower stable.

5. Build Towers with Different Materials Ask your child to build three different towers with different materials. Then assess how stable they are and how much weight they can hold. Analyze the pros and cons of using each type of material.

6. Treasure Hunt Set up a treasure hunt with clues leading to hidden objects or rewards. Children will have to follow the clues and solve puzzles to find the ultimate prize. This activity encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.

7. Scavenger Hunt Playing Scavenger Hunt can be a fun way for our kids to put their creative problem-solving skills to good use. Provide them with clues and puzzles that they must solve in order to find the next clue.

8. Mystery Bag Fill a bag with random objects and ask children to come up with creative uses for each item. Encourage them to think outside the box and find innovative solutions.

9. Memory Game While memory games primarily focus on memory retention and recall, they can indirectly contribute to problem-solving skills by developing cognitive abilities such as attention, information processing, and adjusting their strategies.

10. Role-Playing Scenarios Create role-playing scenarios where children have to solve a problem or make decisions. For example, pretend to be stranded on a desert island and ask them to decide what items they will take and how they will survive.

11. Role-Play Social Situations Work in developing social skills with social problem-solving situations.

12. Brainstorming Sessions Choose a topic or problem and hold brainstorming sessions where children can generate as many ideas as possible. Encourage them not to limit themselves (even if alternatives feel unfeasible!)

13. Team Building Activities and Games Engage children in team-building games like building a balloon tower. Each team member will need to collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve together to complete the project.

14. Escape Rooms An escape room is a super fun team problem-solving activity.

In an escape room, participants are locked inside a themed room and must work together to solve puzzles, find clues, and accomplish tasks within a given time limit in order to “escape” from the room.

15. Science Experiments Conduct simple science experiments that involve problem-solving. For example, in the classic “sink or float” experiment, children predict and test which objects will sink or float in water.

Problem-Solving Board Games

There are many board games that will test our kids problems solving activities. These are just a few examples:

16. Cluedo Players must solve a murder mystery by deducing the murderer, the weapon used, and the location of the crime. Players collect and examine clues to eliminate possibilities and make logical deductions.

17. Codenames Another classic game where players are split into two teams and must guess words based on clues from their teammates.

There are many codenames games available, including themes like Disney or Harry Potter.

18. Mastermind Game In this strategy game players take turns setting and solving secret codes

19. Scrabble Scrabble is a classic word game where players form words on a game board using letter tiles.

Kids must use their problem-solving skills to analyze the available letters, consider the best word combination and strategically place those words to score the highest points.

Learning Problem-Solving with Card Games

Card games provide opportunities for kids to develop problem-solving skills such as strategy, memory, pattern recognition, decision-making, and observation.

Just a couple of examples:

20. Uno Uno is a classic card game where kids match cards based on color or number. They need to assess their cards, strategize and make decisions about which cards to play to get rid of their cards while also considering the cards in their opponents’ hands.

21. Go Fish Go Fish is a classic card game where players try to collect sets of cards by asking other players if they have specific cards. Players need to remember which cards they have and make decisions about who to ask and what sets to pursue.

22. Coding Challenges Introduce children to coding activities using platforms like Scratch (or ScratchJr for younger kids), Code.org, or Tynker. Coding involves problem-solving and logical thinking, and children can create interactive stories, games, or animations.

23. Outdoor Problem Solving Take children outside and present them with challenges that require problem-solving, such as building a shelter using natural materials or finding their way through an obstacle course.

24. Problem-Solving Worksheets Help your child follow a systematic approach to problem-solving with these helpful worksheets

25. Goal-Setting Activities for Kids Learning to set goals and make plans to achieve them is also a problem-solving activity. I have several resources to teach kids about goal-setting that I will list below:

• Goal-Setting Activities for Kids
• SMART Goals for Kids
• Goal Tracker Thermometer

Remember to provide guidance and support during these activities while encouraging children to think independently and come up with their own solutions.

Problem-Solving Worksheets

Looking for kid-friendly examples of problem-solving strategies ?

This workbook explores the following  problem-solving strategies  (with child-friendly examples and activities):

• Trial and Error
• Heuristics (Clever shortcuts)
• Divide and Conquer
• Working Backwards
• Brainstorming
• Decision Matrix
• Root Cause Analysis
• Systematic problem-solving

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I always look forward to your articles with active interventions. Thank you!

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Some skills gained from the problem-solving activities include lateral thinking, analytical thinking, creativity, persistence, logical reasoning, communication skills, and decision-making skills. 

The Importance of Problem-Solving Activities for Toddlers

In almost every stage of growth, children are likely to encounter some difficulties. How they handle these challenges depends on the skills they have built over time.

That’s why every parent should invest in quality problem-solving activities for their child. The skills mentioned above are critical for toddlers, and it can be challenging to develop them.

Early ages are the best time for children to learn how to solve different problems in a fun way. 

In many cases, many young mothers are students who dream of spending as much time as possible with their children, but they are held up with advancing their knowledge in their areas of specialization.

To have more time for toddlers as young mothers, you can use the online essay writer service EduBirdie to have your research papers written by top writers. EduBirdie has great writers, and you will receive quality work at the right time. This automatically translates to excellent scores.

If you have more time with your child, you are likely to notice the challenges they are going through and choose the best problem-solving activities for them.

The more problem-solving activities they perform, the more likely the child will develop excellent skills that will enable them to navigate most of the challenges in their lifetime. Here are some simple problem-solving activities for toddlers:

1. Building a maze

Building a maze is fun outside and one of the best activities for 2-year-old toddlers. Since toddlers can’t yet do a maze in an activity book, this is a great way to use their problem solving and navigation skills.

Draw a big maze on the pavement with sidewalk chalk . Then, make passages, including a few that end in a dead-end. Teach your toddler how to walk through and find their way out.

Allow them to try it on their own. The more trials, the better the child gets at figuring out the best way out. If the child gets used to the simple maze, you can draw a more complex one, adding more dead-end passages to make finding their way out more complicated.

This way, you will enhance their cognitive skills, which are vital for success in their life.

Puzzles are some of the best sensory activities for toddlers. They help a lot in enhancing the thinking capabilities of toddlers.

A puzzle is a big set of muddled-up things that must be sorted out and put back together.

The best type of puzzle for children is wooden puzzles , as they last longer, and the frame provides a structure to guide the child while playing. Inset puzzles are perfect for toddlers, especially ones with familiar objects (transportation, animals, colors, and shapes).

So, make an effort to sit with your child and help them play different puzzles. It’s even better than leaving your toddler to play with fancy toys with flashing lights and music.

Solving puzzles is real learning and allows the students to build their skills at their own pace. It’s ok to let them get a little frustrated! The more you leave them to independently figure it out, the quicker they will gain the skill.

3. Following patterns

Following patterns is just a simple activity that can be played with colored blocks, counters, or shapes. In this case, the child should simply make a pattern with the blocks and vary it by changing the patterns’ colors, shapes, or sizes.

At first, you can demonstrate how to make simple patterns to your child and then make the patterns more complex as they get used to the simple ones. Following patterns train the toddler to analyze given information, make sense of it, recognize the pattern it should follow, and then recreate it.

For the complex patterns, carry out the first few steps and then ask your child to continue.

4. Board games

Playing board games is an excellent way to develop your problem-solving skills, and your child can quickly start with simple games. This could be CandyLand ( a huge hit with little ones) or Chutes and Ladders .

Board games teach toddlers the skill of following rules and moving logically.

With time, you can introduce games that require deeper thinking and planning, like Monopoly Junior. This game will require you to explain a lot, and sometimes you will have to play with the child.

You can also let your child play Go Fish to teach them how to think ahead and solve the problems they will encounter in the future.

Related Post: Perfect Board Games for 2 Year Olds

5. Storytime questions

Stories are a great way of teaching children moral values and the problem-solving skills they require for their lifetime. During storytelling, develop a habit of asking questions to help the child develop higher-order thinking skills like comprehension.

It’s simple: pause for a few minutes and pose questions about the story. Start with simple questions, like “What did the boy say?” or “Where did the family go?.”

Then move onto more abstract thinking, problem solving questions, like “what will the boy do now that his pet died?” or “what can the girl do to find her lost toy?”

You can also pose an unexpected question to make the child more attentive. Storytime questions teach toddlers to pay attention to details and concentrate on one activity at a time.

It also reinforces the message you were trying to pass to the toddler. As a result, the toddler will easily remember the story’s moral lessons and apply them when faced with challenges in their lifetime.

6. Building with construction toys

Construction toys could be engineering blocks, Legos, or a proper set of wooden blocks that can be used to construct simple structures.

Everything the toddler will build is challenging as it requires critical thinking in brainstorming what to build and how to put the different pieces together.

The design built should be functional and work as expected. So, let the child construct freely and occasionally set for them a challenge to be completed within the set time with specific conditions.

This could be building two towers with a bridge joining them or building a creature with three arms standing on its own. Let the kids exercise their brains until they find a way to make the structure work.

7. Classifying and grouping activities

Classifying and grouping activities are among the best sensory activities for toddlers. You can easily do this with a tin of buttons or by unpacking the dishwasher. The idea behind classifying and grouping activities is to teach the skill of categorizing information.

There are several button activities for your kids that you can adopt, and they include a messy play tray, making a nameplate, sorting buttons, ordering buttons, or making a button necklace.

Each activity will teach the child an important skill they need to solve problems in the future.

When was the last time you engaged in any of the activities discussed above with your child? Start young with these problem-solving activities that help them navigate most of the challenges in their lifetime.

Take time and choose one of the activities discussed above for your toddler. 

Author’s Bio

Helen Birk is a magnificent writer who creates beautiful stories that leave her readers asking for more. She’s been a wonderful storyteller and her years of experience help her do even better every time she takes up a new book to write. She’s currently planning a book that talks about the role of AI in the development of school education.

Related posts:

WELL BEINGS WITH ALYSIA

15 Brain Development Activities 2-Year-Olds Will Love

Parents and educators can provide 2-year-olds with fun activities that help them reach cognitive milestones. These activities are fantastic for 1-year-olds, 2-year-olds, and even 3-year-olds. I’m sharing fifteen favorite brain development activities you can do with your toddler at home or in the classroom.

A 2-year-old is developing the following cognitive skills, according to the  HSELOF :

• Exploration and discovery
• Reasoning and problem-solving
• Emergent mathematical thinking
• Imitation and symbolic representation

Brain Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Puzzles help 2-year-olds develop problem-solving, reasoning, exploration, and spatial awareness skills.

Jigsaw puzzles are too advanced for most toddlers. Instead, look for chunky puzzles, puzzles with easy-to-hold knobs, and frame puzzles. Toddlers can advance to big floor puzzles or inset puzzles (similar to jigsaw puzzles, but the pieces don’t interlock).

Obstacle Courses

Design an at-home obstacle course to challenge and entertain your two-year-old. Remember, the brain connects to the rest of the body through the nervous system. So encourage your 2-year-old to test their agility, balance, and coordination!

Here are some toddler-approved obstacle course ideas:

• A line of pillows or cushions
• Table or chair to crawl under
• Low stepstool to jump off
• Pop-up tunnel to crawl through
• Small slide
• Yarn “laser maze”
• Hula hoop hop
• Low balance beam
• Tape line “balance beams”
• Balance stepping stones

Shape Sorters

Shape sorters are the perfect activity for toddlers learning about different shapes. Shape-sorting activities help toddler brain development by improving emergent math, problem-solving, and exploration skills.

Show your 2-year-old how the toy works (if needed), then let them try to match the shapes themselves. Shape sorters are hard work, so praise your toddler’s effort. Even without successfully sorting, toddlers can build problem-solving skills and learn shape names.

Magnet Toys

Magnet toys are an incredible way to introduce science and engineering to 2-year-olds. Toddlers develop exploration and discovery skills while experimenting with how magnets attract and repel. Magnet toys promote skills in emergent math, reasoning, problem-solving, and symbolic representation.

Using magnet blocks to sort, stack, and build structures. Here are some of my favorite magnet play materials:

• Magnetic wooden blocks
• Ball & rod magnet toys
• Magnet boards
• Refrigerator magnets

Always inspect magnet toys and supervise your 2-year-old around magnets.

Block play provides toddlers with hands-on experience in problem-solving, spatial awareness, and symbolic representation. If possible, toddlers should have opportunities to play with regular blocks (wooden unit blocks) and interlocking blocks (Duplos, Mega-Bloks, etc.).

Blocks are also an opportunity for toddlers to explore stacking, dumping, falling, lining up, and more. Some 2-year-olds may be ready to construct buildings or use blocks in imaginary play.

Musical Instruments

Parents and caregivers can foster their creativity and promote their cognitive development by introducing 2-year-olds to musical play.

Exploring musical instruments to build toddler imitation and discovery skills. Playing musical instruments is a lifelong practice; toddlers can develop musical memory and problem-solving skills early.

If you don’t have access to toy musical instruments, you can create your rattles from bottles, drums from buckets, or a whole band from kitchen pots and utensils. 

Search & Find

When toddlers search for objects, they use problem-solving, spatial awareness, reasoning, and memory skills. Search-and-find activities also encourage 2-year-olds to explore and learn about their environment.

Try some of these fun and easy search-and-find activities:

• Find the toy
• Hide and seek
• Scavenger hunts
• Find the picture in books

I have already reviewed the  benefits of playing with play dough . But play dough activities are fantastic for supporting 2-year-olds’ brain development. 

Younger toddlers will develop cognitive skills in exploration, discovery, and imitation. Older toddlers can use play dough for creative play, which develops problem-solving and symbolic representation skills.

Check out some of our  favorite play dough ideas for toddlers .

Matching Games

Toddlers improve emergent mathematical thinking skills by matching objects and understanding similarities and differences. While playing, your 2-year-olds will also develop memory and attention skills while focusing on the details. Matching skills are closely related to sorting and classifying play .

Matching activities for 2-year-olds can be super easy. While playing together, point out when toys match in shape, color, texture, or pattern. Talk about matching during meals, while getting dressed, or at storytime.

You can purchase toddler sorting toys or collect household items to match and sort. Get more ideas on the loose parts material list .

Color Mixing

Toddlers are still learning colors, so color-mixing activities are perfect for hands-on learning. During color mixing activities, 2-year-olds build the cognitive skills of exploration, discovery, matching, and reasoning.

Try these fun color-mixing activities:

• Melting different colored ice cubes
• Mixing fingerpaint colors (on paper or in a ziploc bag)
• Combining play dough colors
• Securing colored cellophane paper over a flashlight
• Mixing dyed water (using food dye or liquid watercolor) in a water table

Nature Walk

Along with many other benefits, time outside helps children develop spatial awareness, memory, discovery, and exploration skills. 

While on a nature walk, you and your 2-year-old can complete a  nature scavenger hunt , collect loose parts, or talk about what you see, smell, hear, and feel.

Contact Paper Collage

All open-ended art activities are great for toddler brain development. A sticky contact paper collage adds a sensory-rich experience.

Tape a sheet of contact paper to the table, sticky side up. Then offer your 2-year-old pieces of ribbon, yarn, and scrap paper to stick and peel. Then you can seal the collage by placing another sheet of contact paper on top.

This activity helps toddlers develop problem-solving and spatial awareness skills while exploring new materials.

Stacking & Nesting Cups

A set of stacking/nesting cups is a pretty simple toy, but it creates many opportunities for brain-boosting play. These toys target cognitive skills such as exploration and discovery, problem-solving, and emergent mathematical thinking.

While playing with stacking/nesting cups, 2-year-olds explore graduating sizes and different ways to stack or combine cups. Use the cups for a pretend meal to build imitation and symbolic representation skills!

Tip : Measuring cups are low-cost substitutes for stacking/nesting cups!

Reading to your 2-year-old daily will support their brain development. Storytime together promotes your toddler’s literacy, memory, and symbolic representation skills.

Sound books and sensory books are perfect for targeting your curious 2-year-old’s exploration and discovery skills too!

Sink & Float

Your toddler can do a sink and float activity during bathtime, in a  kiddie pool , or in a water table (or water-filled plastic tote!).

Start by collecting about a dozen objects, some that sink and some that float. Encourage your 2-year-old to drop these items into the water one at a time. Discuss how each item sinks to the bottom or floats on the water’s surface. 

This activity targets the brain development skills of reasoning, problem-solving, exploration, and discovery. Your toddler gets to actively explore the properties of each object alongside splashing in the water.

Popular Questions about Toddler Brain Development

All  interactive activities  will boost your toddler’s brain development. Find an activity your child is interested in, and that also makes them think and problem-solve.

Play-based and age-appropriate activities in nurturing environments will help your child’s brain get strong. Children must also have their physical needs met, including plenty of sleep, hydration, and regular, nutritious meals.

You can stimulate your 2-year-old’s brain by stimulating their senses.  Sensory ,  language ,  nature ,  play dough , and  vestibular and proprioceptive  activities will all support your child’s brain development.

Explore the post above for activities designed to stimulate your 2-year-old’s brain and support cognitive skills.

Parents and educators should teach 2-year-olds about their world through play. Teach your 2-year-old how to ask for help, explore the environment safely, and express themselves creatively.

Discover more  play and learning activities for toddlers .

Around age two, children discover the toys and activities that interest them the most. Some typical activities a 2-year-old would do is look at books, stack blocks, scribble with crayons, sing nursery rhymes, fill and dump objects, climb and jump, and play with toy cars or toy figures.

You can learn more about this  stage of play development here .

When 2-year-olds are playing and engaged, they are learning!

Limit  screen time  for your 2-year-old and focus on interactive activities such as,  sensory play ,  backyard activities , and  household loose parts .

More play ideas

Heavy Work Play: Easy Calming Activities for Young Kids

The Magic of Container Play: Boost Baby & Toddler Learning

Literacy Ideas for Babies: Easy Activities from My Infant Classroom 

The Best Block Play Activities & Environments for Young Children

Developmental Therapist

Hello, I'm Alysia (uh-lee-shuh), a developmental therapist for infants and toddlers with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Special Education. As the founder of Well Beings with Alysia, I'm demystifying child development for parents and early educators. Learn how to introduce the play-based activities, books, nature materials, and toys I use in classrooms and early intervention. Contact me: [email protected]

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17 Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds: Teaching Toddlers Through Play

Play-based learning is the best way for your toddler to learn about themselves and their world.

The world of your 2-year-old is full of exciting possibilities. They are developing quickly, and you will find them ready to dive into learning experiences. They are actively looking for ways to assert their independence and test their boundaries (and yours!).

Learning activities for 2-year-olds should look at their development holistically and engage them in new ways of thinking. Toddler learning activities are a fun way for you to connect with your child as you learn and grow together.

Play-Based Learning for Toddler Development

When your 2-year-old is playing, they are learning how the world works. Play ignites their curiosity and gets them to think creatively about simple tasks.

“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning” – Diane Ackerman.

Here are some other ways that play is beneficial for development:

• Practice life skills
• Improves communication
• Develops empathy
• Encourages imagination
• Allows for independence and autonomy
• Fosters problem-solving skills

17 Learning Activities for Your 2-Year-Old

When it comes to educational activities for toddlers, you want to make them hands-on and fun. Learning should be joyful and creative. Fun activities can teach your child and keep them happily immersed in play.

Activities for Gross Motor Skills Development

1. Play Silks and Dancing

There is something magical about watching a child lost in their own world. Play silks are a great way to encourage imaginative movement in little kids. 

Put on some music and let your little one move to the rhythm. This unstructured activity allows them to use any movements they want. The play silks help them move their bodies, become aware of themselves within a space, and embody different characters. 

Fun Tip: Try music that evokes different moods. Watch as your child adjusts their movements to the music.

Benefits: 

• Imagination
• Free movement
• Express emotion

2. Animal Imitation

What toddler doesn’t love pretend play? 

You can use animal cards, toy animals, or even recorded animal sounds for this activity. Help your child think about how each animal moves and then watch as they try to imitate that movement. They can include the sound the animal makes to really get into character.

Fun Tip: Do this activity with your child. Yes, it may seem silly, but they will love it. Play is how our kids communicate with us, and something special happens when we join them in their world.

• Crossing the midline and gross motor skills
• Builds core strength
• Improves focus and attention

3. Mud Monster

Getting dirty is a great way to learn and a fun activity. Not only is mud a fantastic sensory experience, but it contains friendly bacteria that stimulate the release of serotonin . 

To create your mud monster, draw one on a wall with mud or build one around a hula hoop placed on the ground. Your toddler will then make mud balls and have to throw them into the mud monster’s mouth. Your 2-year-old is learning to throw overhand at this stage, and this is a fun activity to practice.

Fun Tip: Let your toddler help you make the mud. The process of mixing sand and water is a valuable learning opportunity.

• Develops tactile skills
• Strengthens throwing motion
• It helps them identify their dominant arm

Activities that Develop Fine Motor Skills

4. Building Blocks

Building blocks are a classic toddler activity that has a multitude of benefits. Simply place a bag of blocks on the floor and watch as your little one begins to create. At this age, your 2-year-old will be able to build a tower of 4-7 blocks, opening up a world of possibilities for them.

Fun Tip: Add other elements such as cars, animals, and wood planks. This will help your toddler play with the blocks in new and imaginative ways.

• Problem-solving
• Early math skills

5. Simple Tracing

Your 2-year-old might not be holding a pencil confidently, but they will enjoy simple tracing activities. They will help them develop tensile strength in their fingers and work on their fine motor skills.

Use simple shapes and lines with an easy-to-follow dot-to-dot pattern. A chunky pencil or marker will work best for your child’s inexperienced fingers.

Fun Tip: Start with sidewalk chalk to encourage large, free-flowing movements. Before starting with a pencil, try a Q-tip and paint to follow a series of dot patterns.

• Hand-eye coordination
• Concentration
• Crossing the midline

6. Paper Washing Line

Reaching the washing line outside might be tricky, but you can create a mini version indoors. All you need is a cardboard box, some twine, and two pieces of dowel rod. You can cut out clothing from cardboard and let your 2-year-old peg them onto the line.

Fun Tip: You can use clothes pegs to hang up art, count, color sort, and paint with. They are a versatile option for 2-year-old development activities. 

• Improve pincer grasp
• Motor accuracy
• Hand preference

7. Playdough Jars

Play dough is fantastic for sensory play and fine motor skills development. Put playdough and loose parts into different jars with the lids on. Then let your toddler open the jars and empty the contents. Opening the jars is good fine motor practice and your toddler is also at a stage where they love to empty containers.

Fun Tip: Ask your toddler to sort the items and place them back into the jars at the end of the activity. 

• Strengthens fingers, hands, and wrists
• Improves concentration

Activities for Language Development

8. Picture Books

Picture books are essential in child development, particularly for emergent language. Reading picture books allows you to foster connection with your toddler while demonstrating a love of reading. Your 2-year-old will also learn to connect the words to the pictures. This will help them understand their meaning better.

Fun Tip: Play a game of ‘spot the x.’ You can help your child learn new words as they associate them with a picture.

• Listening skills
• Strengthen visual thinking skills
• Encourage conversations

9. Mystery Bag

This is a versatile game that you can play with almost any object. Put a selection of things into a bag. Ask your toddler to reach into the bag and try and name an object they feel before pulling it out. This is a fun way to introduce new words to your child’s vocabulary.

Fun Tip: For an interesting variation of this game, draw the outline of your toddler’s body on a large piece of paper. Then ask them to point to and name their different body parts. 

• New vocabulary
• Improved tactile sense

10. Story Cubes

Story cubes have scenes/characters/objects depicted on them. Your toddler can choose the order of the cubes, and you can create a story together. This activity is excellent for teaching toddlers about creative thinking and future scenarios.

Fun Tip: Incorporate tower building into the process. Then start the story from the top of the tower and reverse it. This is a fun way to introduce the concepts of top and bottom while helping your toddler use their imagination.

• Imaginative play

11. Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes are great for teaching 2-year-olds about phonics and help with language development. Keep your rhymes simple and choose ones with repetitive verses.

Some great nursery rhymes for 2-year-olds are Incy Wincy Spider, Old MacDonald, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Humpty Dumpty, and Hickory Dickory Dock.

Try to incorporate rhymes that have corresponding movements. The car is also great for practicing nursery rhymes with your toddler.

• Develop motor skills
• Teach grammar
• Introduce counting, colors, and shapes

Activities for Social/Emotional Development

12. Emotion Cards

2-year-olds are learning about themselves in relation to other children so talking about emotions is vital. Emotion cards work well as they show the picture that relates to a feeling. Start your day with the emotion cards and regularly bring them out. 

Fun Tip: Take a ‘sportscasting’ approach to toddler behavior. That means you observe and repeat the facts of the situation. This allows your toddler to feel and deal with the emotion for themselves.

• Builds empathy
• It helps them learn self-regulation and self-control
• Emotional vocabulary development

13. Simon Says

2-year-olds are starting to copy the behavior they see around them. That makes Simon Says a fun and simple game to play. Your toddler is also becoming more aware of themselves, and Simon Says is a fun way to start teaching them about the parts of their body.

Fun Tip: Use the anatomical names for body parts. Children must know the real names as they become aware of themselves and their bodies.

• Developing body awareness
• Sequencing Skills
• Following instructions

14. Kitchen Time

Your 2-year-old is becoming more independent, and you may find them increasingly defiant. Spending time in the kitchen is a great way to help them feel empowered and capable.

Simple cookies, scrambled eggs, and banana muffins are easy recipes that your 2-year-old can make with you.

Fun Tip: Involve them in the whole process by allowing them to crack, mash, and scoop but also wash up.

• Basic math skills
• Builds independence
• Boosts confidence

Activities for Cognitive Development

15. Puppet Play

Puppet play is an amazing developmental tool for toddlers. Your 2-year-old is starting to engage in make-believe play and new language. Puppets encourage creativity, imagination, and new vocabulary. It also helps develop social skills.

Fun tip: You don’t need fancy puppets. Toddlers love craft activities, so why not make your own out of socks? You know, the ones that make it out of the dryer without a partner?

• Motor skills
• Builds self-confidence

16. Treasure Hunt

A treasure hunt is a versatile learning experience that you can use repeatedly. For example, you can have a color hunt where your toddler has to find items in the house that are a specific color. Or you can stick shapes around the house and ask them to find and sort them.

Fun Tip: Take this activity outside for a diverse sensory experience with different textures.

• Color identification

17. Sorting Basket

Sorting baskets are another fun matching game to help your toddler learn colors, numbers, shapes, and sizes. You can put almost anything in a sorting basket, from leaves and stones to blocks and fabric scraps.

Fun Tip: Mix up textures and color shades to challenge your toddler.

• Develops reasoning and thinking skills
• Encourage categorizing
• Early literacy and numeracy skills

Teaching Your Toddler Through Play

Play-based learning opportunities are the best activities to get your toddler engaged and excited. They allow you to introduce complex concepts through simple play that your 2-year-old can easily understand.

Watching your little one engage with the world around them is a magical time, so get on their level and get playing.

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12 Fun Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Looking for ways to entertain and educate your toddler? Check out these expert-recommended indoor activities for 2-year-olds to enhance your little one's development.

After your child celebrates their second birthday, they will experience major intellectual, physical, social, and emotional changes that help them make sense of the world. With that, having a supply of hands-on learning activities for 2-year-olds is incredibly important.

"The stage from 2 to 3 is major because language is really beginning to develop ," explains Robert Myers, Ph.D., a child and adolescent psychologist, founder of the Child Development Institute, and assistant clinical professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. "Children are also starting to recognize that they're independent beings and are actively exploring their world."

Dr. Myers notes that parents can provide encouragement and support that enable the child to master key developmental tasks. "Always layer activities with lots of language, interaction, and imaginative play," adds Roni Cohen Leiderman, Ph.D., dean of the Mailman Segal Center for Human Development at Nova Southeastern University, and co-author of Let's Play and Learn Together . "Child development comes through the portal of relationships with parents or caregivers."

To get started with your little one, try these simple learning activities for 2-year-olds to keep them entertained, engaged, and always growing.

Play Dress-Up

Haul out a pile of old clothes and let your child play dress-up. "You can also participate, but it's great to encourage group play with two or three other children their age," Dr. Myers suggests.

Skills learned: Creativity, imagination, language skills, and social development

Decorate a Crayon Carrier

Cover a table with newspaper, then gather a resealable zipper storage bag, glue stick, pompoms, and crayons. Let your child use the glue stick to coat the bag and help them stick on the colorful pompoms. They can fill the bag with crayons when it dries. Next time you go to a restaurant, whip out the carrier and let them show off their creation. They will be excited to use their creativity again.

Skills learned: Motor skills, planning, creativity

For an easy indoor activity for 2-year-olds, hide a toy somewhere in the house, and ask your child to find it. Explore with them, using cues like "warmer" and "colder" to guide them. You can also use flashlights for the search or hide several objects at one time.

Skills learned: Listening, problem-solving, social skills, and memory

Make a Mailbox

Create a mailbox by decorating an old shoe box or cardboard box and cutting a slit in the top. Fill it with your junk mail for your child to open. "Not only does this develop fine motor skills as they open the envelopes and take out what's inside, but you can also use it to teach your child basic concepts," Dr. Leiderman says.

"Talk about the pictures, colors, and letters; help them sort it by size, shape, or color; or count the pieces. You can also layer in imaginative play by playing post office, or playing store with the coupons."

Skills learned: Develops an understanding of basic concepts, and fine motor skills

Imagine a Boat

Lay out a towel or blanket on the floor and have your toddler sit it, gently pull them around the room. Pretend the blanket is a train or a boat and that you are stopping at different places, like the zoo, the grocery store, or a favorite restaurant. This activity for 2-year-olds at home will also improve balance !

Skills learned: Balance, pretending

Trace Their Body

Have your child lie down on a large piece of paper and trace the outline of their body. "Because the child has to lay still to be traced, they learn self-control," Dr. Leiderman says. "You can show them where the two eyes, nose, and mouth go, but if your child just wants to color all over it, that's fine. Don't impose anything on them, just let them have fun with it."

Note: If your child doesn't want to lie still, don't force them. Start with tracing just their hand or foot, or tracing your hand or foot.

Skills learned: Sense of self, self-control, and identifying body parts/language skills

Play Simon Says

Start out with simple directions ("Simon says, touch your toes"). Then graduate to silly, more complex routines ("Simon says, tug on your left ear, then your right ear"). You can also encourage your child to jump, skip, catch something, and more. And don't forget to drop "Simon says" every now and then during this learning activity for 2-year-olds!

Skills learned: Gross motor skills, following directions, and receptive language

Try a “Stop and Go” Game

Play games that involve starting and stopping, such as "red light, green light" or "freeze dance." Developing self-control will eventually help children negotiate, compromise, and work out conflicts without losing their temper, Dr. Leiderman says.

Skills learned: Self-control

Craft a Collage

Cut out different noses, eyes, hair, and other features from old magazines, and give them to your child. Encourage them to make funny creatures or silly faces with the features, then glue them onto a piece of paper.

"Talk to your child about the pieces and how to glue them down, but don't be too directive with it," Dr. Leiderman says. "Ask a lot of 'wonder questions,' like 'I wonder what would happen if you put the pieces down without the glue?' and 'I wonder why the glue is getting all over the table?' Childhood is about learning new facts and applying them to theories, so help them make theories."

Skills learned: Creativity, language

Pass a Ball

This fun activity for 2-year-olds requires a play tunnel. Standing at opposite ends with your child, take turns lifting each end to roll a softball back and forth. "This can take some trial and error for your kiddo to get the hang of, but it's great motor planning practice and takes teamwork," says Rachel Coley, occupational therapist, author of Simple Play: Easy Fun For Babies , and founder of CanDo Kiddo .

Skills learned: Motor planning, understanding cause and effect, teamwork

Draw a Song

As you sing one of your child's favorite songs, draw a simple picture of what is happening in the lyrics, then hand your child the paper to draw something else mentioned in the song. For example, Coley would sing "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider" to her son, first drawing the spider and then having him draw his version of the rain. Go back and forth until the song ends.

Skills learned: Language skills, creativity, storytelling

Initiate Conversation

Hand over a doll or plush toy, and encourage your child to hold, talk, dress, and take care of it. "Talk to the doll the way you would talk to a child, and encourage your child to do the same," Dr. Myers says. In addition to language skills, this activity for 2-year-olds also teaches creativity and imagination.

Skills learned: Social, language, and fine motor skills, creativity, and imagination

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Home » Games » 17 Fun Problem Solving Activities & Games [for Kids, Adults and Teens]

17 Fun Problem Solving Activities & Games [for Kids, Adults and Teens]

Everyone should learn problem solving, as it is important in both our personal and professional lives. Problems occur all around us and many people react with spontaneous emotion. Instead, effective use of problem solving skills can lead to rational thinking, a component of any successful endeavor.

Creative problem involves using one or more of the basic steps of problem solving in exercises designed to challenge the thinking. Problem solving activities work for every age group. In this article, we will present problem-solving activities for adults and kids. We will also provide you with group and team building problem solving ideas.

Table of Contents

There are four basic steps in problem solving:

• define the problem
• generate possible solutions
• evaluate and select possible solutions
• implement solutions

Problem solving activities use one of more of these steps.

Group Problem Solving Activities

Group activities provide an effective way to learn problem-solving skills. The following list of activities present problem solving skills in the form of games, a non-threatening and fun way.

Divide your group into teams of equal numbers. Give each team a ball of yarn. Instruct the teams to create a web using only the yarn. Once the teams have finished (you may have to set an amount of time for completion), switch the teams around so that every team has a web other than their own. Each team then blindfolds one team member. The goal is for the blindfolded individual to unwind the web following the verbal instruction of their teammates. In order to be successful, team members must concentrate, and give/follow directions. The first team that has dismantled the web wins this game.

To Do Scavenger Hunt

This scavenger hunt game involves solving a list of problem activities. Begin by dividing your group into teams. Give each group a list of to do activities. The list should begin with some simple tasks, with increasingly more difficult activities. Some suggested activities are:

• Write a one hundred word poem on a given theme.
• Find an object readily available in the area in which you are playing
• Drink a whole can or glass of a liquid
• Solve a Sudoku or cross word puzzle
• Write out all the lyrics of a song (a Christmas carol works well at holiday time)

The team that completes all the activities first, wins.

Impromptu Skits

Prior to playing this game, write down a few appropriate situations that deal events in the venue in which you are playing. For example, for a group involved in customer service, use dealing with an angry customer on the phone. If you have a large group, divide them into teams of six to eight members. Have each group choose a folded piece of paper on which you have written the subject of a skit they must create.  Give a set amount of time to prepare the skit and then have each team present their skit to the group. If you have a small group, have each person create one side of a conversation dealing with the problem for presentation to everyone.

Block Duplicating

Build a model out of building blocks. Provide each group member (or divide into teams for a large group ) enough blocks to duplicate the model. Set a specific amount of time for completing the duplicated model. The team that is the first to finish – or gets the furthest on completing their model – wins. The more difficult the original model, the longer this task will take.

Team Building Problem Solving Activities

When choosing team building problem solving activities, make sure the game you use suits the group of people – their ages and interests. The activities we have listed will help with not only problem solving, but also build decision making, collaboration, and listening skills.

Tower Building

Although there are many variations to this game, this one using spaghetti and marsh mellows is our favorite. Divide you group into teams with an equal number of players. Provide each team with an equal amount of spaghetti and marsh mellows. The goal is to see which team can build the highest tower within a set amount of time.

Personalized Crossword

For this game to be effective, you need one or more teams of 8 to 10 people. Have each team list the first and last names of their group members. The goal is to create a crossword puzzle with clues composed of hints about the person, for example, if only one team member has red hair, the two clues for her first and last name could be, “Red hair,” and “Ginger.” It should take each team 20 to 30 minutes to complete their puzzle. When all the teams are finished, trade puzzles so that every team has a different one. Make sure you provide a list of names for the puzzle solvers.

Picture Pieces Puzzle Game

Prepare for this problem solving activity by choosing a well-known picture or cartoon full of detail. Cut the picture into equal sized squares and give one to each member of the group. You will need as many pieces as you have participants. Additionally, give each person a pencil, ruler for help enlarging the picture, colored markers, and a clean sheet of paper. Instruct them to make the puzzle piece five times larger.

Problem Solving Activities for Adults

Divide your group into two teams. Line up the two teams front to back. Have the two groups face each other. Using chalk, spray paint, or masking tape (depending on the play surface) mark a square space for each person to stand on with one extra empty space between the two facing rows. You may also use a piece of paper for each person. The goal is for the two facing lines of players to change places.

Place these restrictions on movement:

• Only one person may move at a time.
• A person may not move around anyone facing the same direction.
• A person may not move backward.
• A person may not move around more than one person on the other team at a time.

Playing Card Mix-up

Divide your group into teams of six to eight participants. Give each team two decks of cards randomly mixed together. Tell the group they must sort them out without talking. As they working at the task, after a few minutes, change the way in which they are doing so using one of the following:

• If a team is sorting by suits from ace to king (4 stacks), tell them to collect the suits together by number (13 stacks).
• If a team begins by collecting the suits together, i.e. all the ones, twos, threes, etc., tell them to sort the suits from ace to king.

The team(s) that do so successfully by the end of a given time (depending on the size of your group) share what methods they used to accomplish the task.

Blindfolded games are always fun and provide the perfect challenge for adult problem solving. We have provided two for you.

Blind Formations

Have your group of adults put on blindfolds and form a large circle. Tie the ends of a rope together and lay in it a circle in the middle of the group, close enough that each person can reach down and pick up the rope. Tell them they must create a shape – a square, triangle, pentagon, etc. If you have a very large group, divide them into teams and provide a rope for each team. Let them compete to see who forms a particular shape quickest.

Line up Blind

Blindfold everyone and number the group by whispering a number to each individual beginning at one. Tell them to line up in numerical order without talking. Variations are many, with some of the favorites not requiring the whispering step being to line up according to height, birthday, surname, color of hair, etc.

Balloon Tower

Divide you group into teams of three and provide ten balloons and four 3-foot long strips of masking tape for each team. The object of this problem solving activity is to build the tallest freestanding tower in ten minutes. They can break the balloons if they wish. However, they may not use any additional materials and the tower must be built on a table or the floor. If you wish, you may add the following instructions:

• No talking.
• Each team member may use only one hand.
• One team member may not touch the materials and only give directions.

You can use one or more of these limitations in 60-second intervals. The first team to complete their tower wins this challenge.

Problem Solving Activities for Kids

The purpose of problem solving activities for kids is to get kids to think about a problem in a different way and have fun while solving it. Children will develop their creativity as they seek to implement a solution.

Walking the Plank

For this problem solving activity for older kids or teens, you will need four 2×6 boards. Divide your group into two teams with an equal number of children on each team. Place two of the four boards end to end on the ground or floor. Set the other two parallel to the first two about two or three feet apart. The goal is for each team to pass one board forward while standing on the other board in single file. If someone steps off a board, the team must start over. The team that succeeds in passing the boards a set number of times, or reaches a predetermined spot is the winner.

“Laser” Web

Use a large ball of string to create a giant web from one end of a room to the other. The goal is for individuals or teams to move through the web without touching the string. If they do so, they have been “zapped by a laser” and must try again. For greater suspense and for older players, use blindfolds or turn off the lights, allowing players to touch the string, but not pull it down or out of its original shape.

Group Drawing

Divide your group of kids into teams of three. Each person on the team has a one of the following roles:

• Drawer . The drawer attempts to recreate a pre-drawn design they cannot see. They take directions from the talker. They stand with their back to the talker and viewer and may not talk.
• Talker . The talker describes the design to the drawer, without seeing the design. They may question the viewer. They may not use hand gestures.
• Viewer . The viewer sees the design. However, they are not allowed to talk and must communicate nonverbally to the talker.  Additionally, they must not draw the design in the air or actually show the design with their gestures.

The activity ends when the viewers say they are satisfied with the drawings. You may wish to award a prize to the best drawing.

Prior to playing this game, write on individual slips of paper the names of animal pairs, one name on each slip. Distribute the slips of paper to each group, instructing them not to share which animal name they received. The kids then move around performing activities their animal might do. The goal is for the kids to get into pairs successfully in a set amount of time without talking or making any noises. Suggest the following activities:

• Cleaning or grooming
• Eating and drinking
• Walking or running

Alphabet Game

Have your players sit or stand in a circle. The goal is to shout out words in alphabetical order. Give the kids one of the following categories (or choose your own):

If a player takes longer than five seconds to think of a word, they are out. The last player remaining wins the game.

People achieve more when they solve problems and make decisions together. Our problem solving activities teach participants how to work out a solution, a talent useful in many different environments. Problem solving:

• Improves team work
• Helps participants address complex situations
• Utilizes different thinking styles
• Increases creativity
• Collectively leads to decision making
• Teaches both negotiation and cooperation

After completing a problem solving activity, encourage participants to discuss what process(es) they used in the exercise. Even kids are able to participate in such discussions. Also ask what was learned and if they have any opinions about how they could have solved the problem more efficiently.

Team-building exercises can improve problem solving and decision making in a new or established team. They work with every age group and in many different environments. Use our exercises to help solve problems and have some fun doing so.

Susan majored in English with a double minor in Humanities and Business at Arizona State University and earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Liberty University. She taught grades four through twelve in both public and private schools. Subjects included English, U.S. and world history and geography, math, earth and physical science, Bible, information technologies, and creative writing.

Susan has been freelance writing for over ten years, during which time she has written and edited books, newspaper articles, biographies, book reviews, guidelines, neighborhood descriptions for realtors, Power Point presentations, resumes, and numerous other projects.

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Thanks for your help!!

excellent ideas – thanks !

Excellent ideas.

Thank you. My students have requested we do team-building activities; I thought we would start with problem-solving.

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20 Brain Development Activities For 2 Year Olds

By: Author Allison Groen

Posted on Published: June 12, 2023  - Last updated: July 17, 2023

Did you ever think that your two year old would out smart you? 

They learn so much on a daily basis and while it can be so much fun to simply watch a child’s development, there are cognitive activities that can be done with our children to enhance their growth. 

“Two-year-olds have twice as many synapses as adults. Because these connections between brain cells are where learning occurs, twice as many synapses enable the brain to learn faster than at any other time of life.”  (source ) 

There are everyday activities that we can do with our 2 year olds to spark development in a toddler’s brain that can help these early years to be really formative and meet developmental milestones. 

Cognitive Development

Before getting into the activities, let’s talk about 3 different categories of development that you might consider including when thinking about playtime with your child. 

1. Thinking

Neural connections can be made through simple games and imaginative play. 

And good news! Thinking is something that can be done right in your own home. 

Sometimes we think we need to take our kids to these fancy play places and learning centers for them to grow and develop. 

But let me tell you… you have everything you need to be the parent or caregiver that your child needs in order to develop! 

So remember: do things that get them thinking.

2. Learning 

There are lots of ways to learn in your own home too. Do some form of learning with them each day to help with cognitive skills. 

This can be done with simple games you make up, or with a more structured program. 

Children’s brains love routines, so if you can include a short learning routine that happens on a daily basis, a child’s brain development will flourish. 

Something as simple as a song, poem and positive affirmation should do the trick. 

3. Problem Solving

Problem-solving skills are a big deal at this age because it will translate over into future years of their lives. 

Try to include playtime that helps them learn how to solve problems around them— big and small! 

This is the best way for them to learn to regulate their emotions because they know how to solve problems with fun activities so then they can solve bigger problems too (like an argument over a special toy with their sibling). 

Brain Development Activities For 2 Year Olds

Now, let’s get to the activity ideas to help your little one with their brain development! 

1. Speak To/Interact With Your Child Whenever Possible

Communication skills are very important at this age. You can help foster language skills and new words for your child when you talk to them as much as you can.

 A great way to do this is by asking them some  fun questions . 

– What are you proud of? 

– What makes you feel loved? 

– Tell me about your favorite toy. 

And then be sure to ask follow up questions to keep the conversation going. 

You’ll be so grateful for this special one-on-one time down the road.

Another good way to increase language skills! Read Read Read. 

The Enchanted Hour,  a great research based book about reading to your kids, mentions that even reading just 2 books a day to your child can help their development. 

If you need ideas on books to read (or if you have every child’s book on your shelf memorized like I do), then head over to  favorite stories for 2 year olds  for some new ideas! 

3. Play Games

Games are a great way to promote thinking, learning AND problem-solving! 

Three birds with one stone? Yes, please! 

Matching games, mind games, board games, or counting games are a few ideas to get you started. 

For example, Candy Land is definitely a favorite at our house. It teaches counting, taking turns, colors, AND what to do if you don’t win every time. 

Check out this recent blog post for more on  board games for 2 year olds  to help you start your collection of games that will last a whole childhood.

I love this one! Music is one of the best activities to promote healthy brains and learning. 

They can watch your facial expressions while you sing and work on memorization. 

Plus, it doesn’t hurt to work on your two year old’s pitch so that you don’t go deaf listening to her sing in the car one day when she is a tween! 

5. Do Movement Songs

This can be a great way to encourage using different body parts as well as learning fine and gross motor skills. 

Nursery rhymes like the Itsy-Bitsy Spider, Five Little Monkeys or Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes are great ways to get your child moving AND learning at the same time.

 Try out Ring Around The Rosie for a good laugh at the end when you “all fall down”. 

You can also try using musical instruments and do a musical parade together. 

6. Encourage Development Of Physical Skills

Kids love to run, jump climb, etc. 

Sometimes kids can be timid about trying new things like this— especially if they are afraid of heights like my oldest. 

Work on encouraging them to keep trying with the physical skills they are uncomfortable with. 

This can be as simple as throwing a ball to each other, climbing up a ladder to go down a slide, and jumping from dot to dot on the ground. 

Or do this daily  physical activity challenge   with tons of fun challenges like:

– balance on one foot challenge

-walk the line challenge

-bubble catching challenge

-hopping challenge

7. Retell Stories

My girls are a little obsessed with stories.

After you read a book or watch a movie, have you toddler retell the story.

Teaching 2 year olds to retell stories is captivating and engaging AND it’s great for children’s brain development. 

8. Include A Lot Of Outdoor Play

This  study  shows that children living in more green space areas have better cognitive processing. So get them out in nature as much as possible! 

Go to a local park, on a walk, do chalk, ride bikes… anything that gets them outside and moving will spark a child’s curiosity. 

Here is a great list of  outside activities  to do with your toddler that is bound to keep them engaged and learning! 

You might even try grabbing this outdoor scavenger hunt printable to work on following instructions and maps. 

9. Do Puzzles

Simple puzzles are a great way for young children to work on patience and spatial awareness. Wooden block puzzles can be a fun activity to engage in with your little one (and bonus, it’s great talk time while sitting on the floor together). 

10. Allow (Safe) Climbing

Gross motor skills at work here! 

Let them climb trees, ladders, brick walls, etc. within reason of course. This is a wonderful way to encourage free play too because a lot of the time it will spark imaginative play. 

11. Try Some Simple Sensory Activities

Sensory play fosters growth and learning in early childhood. 

First, find a plastic tote bin and designate it as your toddlers sensory bin. 

Next, gather a few supplies. You can have a finger painting bin, sand bin, dried bean bin, etc. 

Anything that you feel they can keep in a contained space will work! 

Then let the imagination creep in and see what they come up with! 

Instead of whipping out a coloring book, give them a blank paper and crayons. 

See what their mind goes to! 

This develops fine-motor skills and hand-eye coordination that will later be needed for writing. 

13. Provide Opportunities For Pretend Play

Pretend play is a great tool to help child to understand the world around them. 

Use cardboard boxes to create a kitchen or fort and let your toddler have at it. 

Engage with them in this type of play too. 

Be the baby while they are the mom, be the customer while they are the grocer, be the guest when they are they waiter. 

14. Build With Blocks

Wooden blocks are a wonderful tool to use for your toddler! 

They can be used for imaginative play, to build a zoo, tower to knock over, or even a small town. 

Figuring out how the blocks or pieces fit together engages a part of the brain that is also used in puzzles. 

Physical touch is so important at this age. Some kids will want a lot of it and some just a little. 

Follow your child’s cues, but make sure they get enough of it everyday to promote healthy brain development. 

16. Practice Sorting

What better way to engage different parts of the brain than by sorting things! 

Grab a basket of toys and put some masking tape circles on the ground. 

Have your child pull out one object at a time and sort them first by size: small, medium or large. 

Once all the toys are sorted, put them back in the basket and do it again but this time by color. 

Repeat one more time doing it by shape. 

The repetition of the simple game is also a healthy way for them to use their brain. 

17. Water Play

This is another great option for a sensory bin. 

Simply place a few bowls of water in the bin along with measuring cups, spoons, syringes, etc and let them have a pouring station. 

Just make sure to put this one on a towel or it will look like sea world in your house when your little one finishes! 

18. Do A Simple Color And Paste Craft

Cutting is a hard concept for kids at this age. 

However, they can color the craft, you can cut it, and then they can glue it! 

Because let’s be honest— what toddler doesn’t love being sticky with glue?! 

They feel so grown up when you let them use the glue stick or Elmer’s glue. 

Try this  dinosaur craft  or  butterfly craft  with your child and see what their little hands can create! 

Be sure to display it on the fridge when you finish! 

19. Encourage Your Child To Copy You 

Silly faces are so healthy for the brain and actually help with emotional development and social skills. 

They learn to read your cues and then transfer that over to play with siblings and friends later. 

Human connection has been shown to help prevent anxiety and other mental health issues as well. 

20. Play In The Mirror

Letting your child talk to his or herself in the mirror helps them to feel confident in themself. Talk to them in the mirror too and make funny faces at each other. 

Try laughing to produce dopamine or the “happy hormone” that we all so desperately need! 

There are so many activities to help promote healthy learning and brain development for your tot! 

The most important thing you can do is to love them and give them that connection and approval that they crave everyday. 

And remember, before you know it, these days will be over. 

So savor every moment of this learning process (even those small tantrums that they might have daily) because one day you’ll miss it! 

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23 Fun Brain Development Activities for 2 Year Olds

At the tender age of two, their minds are like sponges, soaking up knowledge and experiences at an astonishing rate.

While it’s easy to resort to passive screen time or standard toys, there are countless engaging activities that can actively promote brain development in two-year-olds.

We have curated a list of exciting Brain Development Activities for 2 Year Olds.

Sensory Exploration: Messy Play with Homemade Gooey Slime

One of the best ways to engage a two-year-old’s brain is through sensory exploration. Create a fun and stimulating activity by making homemade gooey slime. Mix cornstarch, water, and food coloring to create a slimy, textured substance. Let your little one dive in and explore the gooey sensation, encouraging them to touch, squish, and mold the slime with their hands.

Related: 20 Easy and Fun Messy Play Ideas for Toddlers

Shape Sorting Fun: Match and Sort with Foam Shapes

Shape sorting is an excellent activity for developing a child’s cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities. Cut out colorful foam shapes such as circles, squares, triangles, and stars. Give your child a sorting tray or a large piece of cardboard with corresponding shapes drawn on it. Encourage them to match the foam shapes with their corresponding outlines. As they successfully match the shapes, praise their achievements and provide positive reinforcement.

Related: 20 Preschool Goals for 3 – 5 Year Olds

Music and Movement: Dancing to the Beat

Music and movement play a crucial role in brain development and coordination for toddlers. Create a lively dance party in your living room by playing their favorite upbeat tunes. Encourage your child to move their body, sway, jump, and twirl to the rhythm of the music. Dancing enhances their gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and coordination. It also fosters their sense of rhythm and self-expression. Join in the fun and show off your dance moves too.

Imaginative Play: Building Forts with Blankets and Pillows

Imaginative play is vital for a child’s cognitive and social development. Encourage your little one’s creativity by building forts using blankets and pillows. Create a cozy space where they can retreat into their own imaginative world. Let them participate in constructing the fort, arranging the pillows, and draping the blankets. They can use their fort as a pretend house, a secret hideaway, or a spaceship ready for an adventure.

Nature Walk and Scavenger Hunt: Exploring the Outdoors

Exploring nature not only stimulates a child’s senses but also encourages their curiosity and love for the world around them. Take your two-year-old on a nature walk in your backyard, a local park, or a nature trail. Create a simple scavenger hunt by making a list of natural objects they can find, such as leaves, rocks, flowers, or sticks. Encourage them to observe their surroundings, collect the items on the list, and discuss their findings.

Puzzling Fun: Wooden Block Puzzle Challenge

Puzzles are excellent brain teasers for toddlers as they encourage problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and spatial reasoning. Introduce your two-year-old to a set of wooden block puzzles specifically designed for their age group. Start with simpler puzzles featuring larger pieces and gradually increase the complexity as they gain confidence. Guide them in fitting the blocks into their respective spaces and celebrate their accomplishments.

Colorful Creations: Finger Painting Masterpieces

Artistic activities are not only fun but also enhance a child’s creativity, fine motor skills, and sensory exploration. Finger painting is a mess-free and exciting way for two-year-olds to express themselves. Set up a designated area with large sheets of paper or a washable art mat. Provide non-toxic finger paints in vibrant colors and let your child unleash their imagination. Encourage them to experiment with different finger movements, mix colors, and create their own unique artwork. Celebrate their creativity and display their masterpieces proudly to boost their self-esteem.

Storytime Adventures: Interactive Book Reading

Reading is an essential activity for brain development and language skills. Make storytime more engaging by choosing interactive books that allow your child to participate actively. Look for books with flaps to lift, touch-and-feel elements, or pop-up surprises. As you read, encourage your child to point out pictures, imitate animal sounds, or repeat simple words and phrases. Engaging their senses during storytelling stimulates their language acquisition, comprehension, and cognitive development. Enjoy this special bonding time and ignite a love for reading from an early age.

Sorting Sensation: Household Objects Sorting Game

Transform everyday household objects into a fun sorting game that challenges your child’s cognitive abilities. Gather a variety of safe and child-friendly objects, such as spoons, socks, toy cars, and building blocks. Create different sorting categories, such as color, shape, size, or texture, using trays or containers. Invite your child to sort the objects into their corresponding categories.

Sensible Sensations: Sensory Bin Exploration

Sensory bins are a fantastic way to engage a two-year-old’s senses and promote cognitive development. Fill a shallow container or a large plastic bin with a base material such as rice, beans, or colored pasta. Add various objects like plastic animals, measuring cups, or textured toys to the bin. Encourage your child to explore the sensory bin by touching, scooping, pouring, and manipulating the objects within it.

Shape and Color Hunt: Indoor Treasure Hunt

Create an exciting indoor treasure hunt that focuses on shapes and colors. Cut out shapes of different colors from construction paper and hide them around the house. Provide your child with a basket or a bag and ask them to find specific shapes or colors according to the clues you provide. For example, you could say, “Find something blue and shaped like a circle.”

Building Bridges: Block Tower Construction

Building towers using blocks is not only an entertaining activity but also promotes problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and fine motor skills. Provide your child with a variety of building blocks and challenge them to build the tallest tower possible. Encourage them to experiment with different block arrangements, sizes, and stacking techniques. As they construct their tower, discuss concepts like stability, balance, and height.

Counting Fun: Number Recognition with Counting Toys

Introduce your two-year-old to the world of numbers through a counting activity using colorful counting toys. Gather small objects like buttons, plastic animals, or toy cars. Place a certain number of objects in front of your child and ask them to count them out loud. Encourage them to touch and move each object as they count. Gradually increase the number of objects as they become more comfortable with counting. Celebrate their counting accomplishments and cheer them on as they progress.

Sensory Science: DIY Sensory Bottles

Sensory bottles are captivating and calming tools that engage a child’s visual and auditory senses. Create DIY sensory bottles by filling clear plastic bottles with various materials like water, glitter, colorful beads, or small buttons. Secure the bottles tightly to avoid any spills. Encourage your child to shake, roll, and observe the mesmerizing patterns and sounds created by the materials inside.

Nature’s Palette: Leaf Collage Art

Combine nature exploration and artistic expression with a leaf collage art activity. Take your child on a nature walk to collect a variety of leaves in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Provide them with a large piece of paper, glue, and markers. Encourage them to arrange and glue the leaves onto the paper to create their own leaf collage. As they work, discuss the different leaf characteristics, such as veins, colors, and textures.

DIY Sensory Playdough

Engage your child’s senses and boost their fine motor skills with homemade play dough. Create a simple play dough recipe using flour, salt, water, and food coloring. Involve your little one in the process of making the play dough, allowing them to mix and knead the ingredients (under supervision). Once the play dough is ready, encourage your child to explore its texture, mold it into different shapes, and use cookie cutters or small toys to create imprints.

Picture Puzzles: Family Photo Puzzle Fun

Turn cherished family photos into personalized puzzles for your two-year-old. Print out a few family pictures and glue them onto sturdy cardboard. Cut each photo into a few large pieces to create puzzles. Sit with your child and guide them as they try to assemble the puzzles. Engage in conversation about the people and memories depicted in the photos.

Shape Shadows: Shadow Tracing Game

Explore the concept of shadows and shapes with a simple shadow tracing game. Choose a sunny spot indoors or outdoors, where you can cast clear shadows. Place objects with distinct shapes on a flat surface, such as a table or sidewalk. Encourage your child to trace the shadows of the objects using chalk or washable markers. Help them identify the shapes and talk about their characteristics. This activity promotes shape recognition, hand-eye coordination, and observational skills. Encourage your child to get creative and draw their own shadow shapes as well.

ABC Hunt: Alphabet Scavenger Hunt

Transform learning the alphabet into an exciting scavenger hunt. Write down the letters of the alphabet on small pieces of paper or index cards. Hide the letter cards around a designated area, such as your living room or backyard. Provide your child with a basket or a bag and encourage them to find the hidden letters. As they discover each letter, ask them to identify it and name objects or words that start with that letter. This activity promotes letter recognition, language development, and observation skills. Celebrate their letter discoveries and acknowledge their efforts.

Kitchen Concoctions: Sensory Baking Experience

Introduce your child to the world of sensory baking by involving them in simple kitchen activities. Choose a kid-friendly recipe like mixing pancake batter, kneading dough, or decorating cookies. Let them touch and feel the ingredients, smell the aromas, and observe the transformations that occur during the baking process. Talk about the different textures, colors, and tastes they encounter. together.

Recommended:

• 25 Sensory Table Activities for 1-2 year Olds
• 24 Easy Learning Activities for 4 & 5 Year Olds
• 22 Easy Indoor Crafts for 2 Year Olds

Sohaib Hasan Shah

Sohaib's journey includes 10+ years of teaching and counseling experience at BCSS School in elementary and middle schools, coupled with a BBA (Hons) with a minor in Educational Psychology from Curtin University (Australia) . In his free time, he cherishes quality moments with his family, reveling in the joys and challenges of parenthood. His three daughters have not only enriched his personal life but also deepened his understanding of the importance of effective education and communication, spurring him to make a meaningful impact in the world of education.

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20+ Best Fun Learning Activities for 2-Year-Olds

1. Color Sorting

2. listen to fun number songs, 3. letter matching, 4. pattern matching, 5. play math and reading games online, 6. put together a simple toy train set, 7. paint with watercolors, 8. talk to your baby.

We know that parenting a toddler can be both rewarding and challenging, so we’ve put together a list of activities to help your little one learn and grow while having lots of fun. Welcome to our guide of 20+ fun and learning activities for 2 year olds!

From simple crafts and games that help with fine motor skills to more active pursuits that will get your toddler moving, there’s something here for everyone. And the best part is that most of these activities can be done using things you already have around the house, so there is no need to go out and buy anything special.

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We hope you enjoy trying out these activities with your toddler and that they help make your days a little bit brighter.

8 Educational Activities for 2 Year Olds

What you’ll need:  Construction paper in different colors, crayons, markers, or paint

What to do:  Cut out different shapes from each color of construction paper. Talk about the different colors with your toddler as they sort the shapes. You can also have them trace the shapes with crayons, markers, or paint.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting color recognition and fine motor skills. Toddlers also learn about shapes as they play.

Introduce your 2-year-old to numbers with this super easy nursery rhyme. This engaging song teaches kids to count from 1 to 10 through fun activities like collecting eggs and connecting stars. Oolzoo and his friends make learning to count an exciting adventure, encouraging toddlers to sing along and enjoy the process. This mix of fun, play, and learning helps your little one master counting while having a great time.

What you’ll need:  Construction paper, scissors, crayons, markers, or paint

What to do:  Cut out different letters from construction paper. Talk about the different letters with your toddler as they match them up. You can also have them trace the letters with crayons, markers, or paint.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting letter recognition and fine motor skills. Learning letters early can also help your toddler with reading and writing later on.

What to do:  Cut out different patterns from construction paper. Talk about the different patterns with your toddler as they match them up. You can also have them trace the patterns with crayons, markers, or paint.

Some patterns that toddlers can work with include stripes, polka dots, and zigzags.

What kids will learn:  This activity promotes pattern recognition and fine motor skills. It also helps toddlers develop their problem-solving skills.

What you’ll need: A computer with internet access

What to do: Many great math and reading games for toddlers are available online. Spend some time playing these games with your toddler to help them learn new skills. Ensure that children aren’t spending too much time looking at screens. For toddlers, 20–30 minutes is enough screen time.

What kids will learn: This activity encourages children to improve their math and reading skills. Toddlers also learn about computer use and basic game skills.

What you’ll need: A toy train set, such as the Thomas the Tank Engine Wooden Railway Starter Set.

What to do:  Let your toddler help you put together a simple toy train set. They can connect the track pieces, place the trains on the tracks, and press the buttons to make them go.

What kids will learn:  This activity promotes problem-solving, fine motor skills, and hand–eye coordination. Toddlers also learn about cause and effect as they play.

What you’ll need: Watercolors, paintbrushes, water, and paper.

What to do:  This is a classic activity that toddlers will love! They can experiment with mixing the colors, painting different strokes, and adding water to create different effects.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting art and creativity. Toddlers also learn about colors and mixing different shades.

What you’ll need:  Nothing!

What to do:  One of the best activities for 2 year olds, this is a great way to promote language development. Talk to your toddler about anything and everything. Describe what you’re doing, such as “I’m making lunch.” or “I’m putting on my shoes.” You can also ask them questions and encourage them to answer.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting language development. Toddlers also learn about communication and conversation.

7 Developmental Activities for 2 Year Olds

1. Trace the Body

W hat you’ll need:  Paper, a pencil, and some crayons or markers

What to do:  Help your toddler trace their body on a piece of paper. Then, they can decorate it however they like! This is a great way to encourage creativity and self-expression.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting art and creativity. Toddlers also learn about their own bodies and how to use different art supplies.

2. Get Dressed

What you’ll need:  Some clothes, shoes, and a mirror.

What to do:  One of the most important activities for 2 year olds is to learn how to get dressed independently. You can start with simple clothing items, such as a shirt or pants. Show them how to wear clothing and then let them try it themselves. As they get better at dressing themselves, you can add more items, such as shoes, socks, and jackets.

This is a great activity to do when you are vacationing with the family as you can afford the time and patience it needs to help your kids learn how to button their shirts or tie their shoes correctly.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting fine motor skills and independence. Toddlers also learn about different types of clothing and how to put them on.

3. Put Toys Away

What you’ll need:  A toy box or bin and some toys.

What to do:  Show them how to put the toys away in the toy box or bin. As they get better at this, you can add more toys or make it a game by timing them to see how fast they can put the toys away.

What kids will learn:  This is a great activity for teaching toddlers about organization and responsibility. It is also a good way to promote problem-solving skills. Toddlers thus learn about cleaning up.

4. Clap to the Beat

What you’ll need:  Some music or you can clap your hands yourself

What to do:  Help your toddler clap their hands to the beat of the music. As they get better at this, you can add other body parts, such as their feet or head.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting music and rhythm skills. Toddlers also learn about following directions.

5. Read to Your 2 Year Old

What you’ll need: Any good picture books, like The Very Hungry Caterpillar or The Cat in the Hat .

What to do:  This activity is great for promoting literacy skills. Sit down with your toddler and read one of their favorite books . As they get better at this, you can start asking them questions about the story or having them point out different objects in the book.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting literacy skills. Studies show that early exposure to reading is linked with higher reading achievement later in life. Toddlers also learn about communication and conversation.

6. Imitate Animal Sounds

What you’ll need:  A video or audio recording of animal sounds, or you can make the sounds yourself.

What to do:  This activity is great for promoting listening skills. Help your toddler identify different animal sounds. You can play a recording of the sounds or make them yourself. As they get better at this, you can start asking them questions about the animals, such as “Where does a lion live?” or “What does a cow eat?”

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting listening skills. Toddlers also learn about animals, their sounds, and maybe their habitats.

7. Play Kitchen Assistant

What you’ll need: A play kitchen, some pots and pans, and some plastic food

What to do:  Show your toddler how to pretend to cook in the play kitchen. Let them help you stir the pots and pans or cut up the plastic food. As they get better at this, you can start asking them to make specific dishes.

Some 2 year old development activities that can be done in a real kitchen include; helping to pour ingredients into a bowl, using a child-safe knife to help cut soft foods, or helping to stir—all with adult supervision!

What kids will learn: This activity is great for promoting imaginative play. Toddlers also learn about cooking and following directions.

8 Fun Activities for 2 Year Olds with No Prep, No Mess

1. Pillow Roller Coasters

What you’ll need:  Pillows, blankets, and a lot of space on the floor.

What to do:  Create a pillow roller coaster for your toddler to ride. They will love going up and down the hill. As they get better at this, you can start asking them to go faster or slower.

You could create a smaller pillow road for their toy vehicles. Children can hold a race with their toy cars and make them go up and down the road.

Remote-controlled tanks or any other remote-controlled toy can also be used for this activity.

After your 2-year-old is done playing with the pillow roller coaster, you can just put the pillows, blankets, and toy cars away—no mess to clean up!

What kids will learn:

This activity is great for promoting gross motor skills. Toddlers will also learn about ramps and the energy needed to go up and down the slopes. This basic experiential learning can help them in their future physics classes.

2. Rescue Animals (from zip-lock bags)

What you’ll need: Clear zip-lock bags and small plastic animals.

What to do:  Put their animals in clear zip-lock bags. Now ask them to help the animals get out by using their hands or opening the zip.

You can say, “I see the lion is roaring. It wants to come out. Can you help him?”

You can also put different kinds of objects in the zip-lock bags, like fruits, vegetables, leaves, etc. This will help your toddler learn about different textures and shapes.

After they are done playing with this activity, you can store animals and zip-lock bags separately or throw them in the toy box just as they are.

What kids will learn:  Such games and 2 year old activities help kids learn about animal names, sounds, and textures. It also helps them develop their fine motor skills.

3. Balloon Pop

What you’ll need:  Balloons and a sharp object (like a pin or a needle).

What to do:  Help your toddler blow up the balloon and then let them pop it with the sharp object. Be sure to supervise them closely so that they don’t hurt themselves.

Your toddler will have a blast popping the balloons. The toddlers love the loud noise of the balloons popping and the feeling of popping them.

This activity can get a little messy since the balloon bits will be scattered around. But, it is easy to clean up—gather all the pieces and throw them away.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting gross motor skills and hand–eye coordination. Toddlers will also learn about cause and effect as they see that their actions (popping the balloon) result in the desired outcome (the balloon makes a loud noise and pops).

4. Origami for Toddlers

What you’ll need:  Square pieces of colored paper

What to do: Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. There are many simple origami shapes that even toddlers can make.

You can start with something simple like a paper airplane or a boat. Just fold the paper in half and then in half again. Then, help your toddler make the folds to create the shape. Once they get the hang of it, they’ll be able to do it on their own.

We all know 2-year-olds love to display their creations, so be sure to have a spot ready to showcase their origami masterpieces.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting fine motor skills and concentration. Toddlers will also learn about following instructions and different shapes.

5. Magnetic Letters

What you’ll need:  Magnetic letters (you can find these at your local dollar store or online) and a metal surface

What to do: Stick the magnetic letters on the fridge or any other metal surface. Then, help your toddler spell out words with the letters. You can start with simple three-letter words and then move on to more difficult words.

You can even use these magnetic letters to offer clues to your toddler during a treasure hunt or pass on messages like a detective.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting literacy skills and creativity. Toddlers will also learn about the alphabet, spelling, and simple words.

6. Decorating with Clothes Pegs

What you’ll need:  Clothes pegs and containers or surfaces to decorate

What to do: Accept it: Painting with your baby can be a messy affair. Clothes pegs allow you to bring a pop of color and beautiful works of art together. And, with this method, you don’t have to worry about paint stains.

Just let your toddler put clothes pegs around the containers or surfaces. You can even use them to create patterns or shapes.

If you want, you can paint the clothes pegs before your toddler starts decorating or buy cheap plastic clothes pegs in different colors. This will add an extra layer of color and fun to the activity.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting creativity and imagination early in children. They will learn that anything can be turned into a work of art with a little bit of creativity.

7. Transfer Books and Toys From One Box to Another

What you’ll need:  Two cardboard boxes with lids and some toys or books

What to do: You will be surprised how much a toddler loves to help you do a chore and win compliments and hugs from you. It is a great way to keep them occupied while you’re busy with other things.

To set up, put some toys or books in one box and then close the lid. Then, have your toddler transfer the items into the other box. You can even make it a race to see who can transfer the most items in a minute.

You can easily make this a sorting and organizing activity, asking them to sort books, toys, or other objects by colors, shapes, or sizes.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting fine motor skills and concentration in toddlers. It is also a good opportunity for parents to inculcate a sense of responsibility and ownership in their toddlers and build their confidence.

8. Play with Kinetic Sand

W hat you’ll need:  Kinetic sand and some plastic toys

What to do: If you haven’t played with kinetic sand before, you’re in for a treat. It’s a type of sand that’s moldable and easy to shape. And it’s also very therapeutic to play with.

Let your toddler explore the sand and mold it into different shapes. You can even use the sand to make patterns or write words. If you want, you can add some plastic toys to the mix and see how your toddler plays with them.

And it does not create any mess! You can easily store the sand in a container when you’re done playing.

What kids will learn:  This activity is great for promoting creativity and imagination in toddlers. They will also learn about different textures and how they can be manipulated.

Get Started Now!

Learning activities for 2 year olds must be creative, hands-on, and FUN! Parents must realize that a young child’s attention span can be short. So, the activities must be structured to maintain their interest, even outdoor activities for 2 year olds must be engaging and interesting. The key is to keep it short and sweet.

Do you need some “you” time? Engage your toddlers in one of the fun activities for 2 year olds mentioned above and take that five-minute break. These activities will not only occupy your toddler but also help their overall development.

Here are more online educational resources for kids that will help with their learning experience and make them smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to decide which activity is age-appropriate for 2 year olds.

Most two-year-olds can start with sorting shapes and colors, finding things hidden under objects, and doing simple puzzles. They may complete sentences in books they read regularly, follow two-step instructions, and love make-believe games. Activities built around developmental milestones for toddlers can help them progress to the next level.

What are some engaging indoor activities for two year olds that require few or no equipment?

Here are some indoor activities for 2 year olds that don’t require much equipment, if at all:

• transferring books and toys from one box to another
• sorting objects by colors, shapes, or sizes, 
• playing with kinetic sand or clay,
• playing online learning games .

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17 Best Montessori Activities for 2 Year Olds (Top Picks)

On the hunt for engaging and imaginative Montessori activities for 2 year olds? Rest assured, you’re in good hands! We’ll assist you in discovering age-appropriate activities that will spark curiosity and stimulate their development. 

There are several Montessori activities designed specifically for young children that help provide stimulation, challenge them intellectually, introduce self-care skills, and foster independence in a safe and supportive environment. 

In this post, we’ll explore some of the best Montessori activities for 2 year olds so that you’re able to get more out of each play session.

The Importance of Montessori Activities for 2 Year Olds

Montessori activities for 2-year-olds are like a rich buffet of stimulation, nurturing their development in all sorts of delightful ways. These little adventurers are ready to conquer the world, and Montessori is their secret superpower! 

These activities are designed to be hands-on and interactive, allowing toddlers to engage their senses and actively participate in their learning process. From simple puzzles to sensory bins filled with different textures, Montessori activities captivate the child’s curiosity and encourage them to discover new concepts through direct experience.

Montessori activities also promote independence and self-confidence as children are encouraged to explore at their own pace, make choices, and take ownership of their learning. 

Whether it’s pouring water from a small pitcher or sorting objects based on colors, these activities empower young learners to become more self-sufficient and capable in their daily lives. 

Where little ones finesse motor skills, solve problems, and talk like pros! It sets the stage for future success because, hey, starting strong is half the battle. 

By diving into these meaningful activities, two-year-olds gain the superpowers of cognition, social skills, and emotional intelligence – that’s some next-level growth and happiness right there! 

In Montessori, it’s all about embracing the process and loving learning, putting the “fun” back in fundamentals from day one. Who said education couldn’t be a wild adventure? 

Easy Montessori at Home Activities for 2-Year-Olds

Embracing Montessori activities for 2-year-olds may initially seem daunting, but fear not! It can be surprisingly effortless to incorporate Montessori principles into your child’s everyday playtime, fostering a rich and engaging learning environment. 

A great starting point is to set up inviting play stations, known as invitations to play, that pique your little one’s curiosity and spark their exploration. For instance, arrange a tray with small scoops and a bowl filled with dry beans, allowing your child to delight in the sensory experience of touching and scooping the beans. 

Not only will they enjoy the tactile sensation, but they’ll also be enhancing their fine motor skills and learning about cause and effect as they manipulate the beans.

Furthermore, you can easily create a sorting activity using everyday objects found around the house, such as building blocks or natural materials like leaves and sticks. 

By engaging in these seemingly simple yet purposeful Montessori-inspired activities, your child gains hands-on experiences that fuel their cognitive development and curiosity. 

These interactive playtime adventures foster their creativity, encourage independent exploration, and promote problem-solving skills. Moreover, as they explore these activities regularly, they build confidence in their abilities, paving the way for future learning and development. 

So, don’t be daunted by the idea of Montessori activities; instead, embrace the enriching possibilities they offer and watch your child thrive in their learning journey.

Motor Skill Development: Montessori Games for 2 Year Olds

Practical life Montessori activities for toddlers play a crucial role in promoting their motor skill development while nurturing their independence and self-confidence. These activities are designed to engage children in meaningful tasks that mimic real-life experiences, allowing them to refine their fine and gross motor skills. 

By incorporating these Montessori-inspired games into a toddler’s routine, parents and caregivers can create a supportive and enriching environment that lays a strong foundation for their future learning and growth.

Pouring and Transferring : Provide a child-friendly pitcher and cups, and let your toddler practice pouring water from one container to another. This activity enhances their hand-eye coordination, wrist control, and concentration while instilling a sense of responsibility.

Buttoning and Snapping : Introduce clothes with large buttons or snaps that your child can easily manipulate. Encourage them to dress and undress themselves, fostering their fine motor skills and independence in self-care routines.

Threading Beads : Offer a string and large beads for your child to thread, promoting their hand dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and focus. This activity helps prepare their fingers for writing in the future.

Washing Hands : Create a child-sized washing station with soap, a small basin, and a towel. Encourage your toddler to wash their hands independently before meals, instilling a sense of responsibility and self-care.

Sweeping and Dusting : Provide child-sized brooms and dusters for your little one to help with light cleaning tasks. This activity strengthens their gross motor skills while fostering a sense of contribution to the household.

Opening and Closing Containers : Offer containers with different types of lids for your child to open and close. This activity enhances their hand strength and coordination, as well as their problem-solving skills.

Peeling and Slicing Fruit : Use child-safe knives and present fruits like bananas or oranges for your toddler to peel and slice. This activity hones their fine motor skills and introduces basic food preparation concepts.

Watering Plants : Engage your 2-year-old in caring for plants by providing a small watering can for them to water indoor or outdoor plants. This activity enhances their hand strength and coordination, while also instilling a sense of responsibility and care for the environment.

Adding these nifty Montessori activities to a toddler’s daily routine not only boosts motor skills but also fuels their sense of independence and confidence. With hands-on learning and self-directed exploration, these activities create a well-rounded and empowering learning adventure for little ones. Get ready to ignite their curious minds! 

Some practical life activities for toddlers are:

Pouring Exercise: Pouring from one container to another is like Montessori’s version of a magic trick! Start with pompoms or beans, then level up to liquids like water. This activity boosts hand-eye coordination, precision, and concentration. And hey, spills are all part of the learning fun! Equip your little one with a sponge or cloth to master cleanup skills in no time. 

Dressing Frames: Dressing frames: old-school Montessori gear to transform your tot into a fashion pro! These fabric frames are all about buttons, zippers, and snaps. Watch your little one conquer closures and rock fine motor skills. They’ll feel so accomplished and independent—future style icon in the making! 

Food Preparation : Want to keep your toddler entertained and promote their independence? Get them involved in simple food prep activities like washing fruits, peeling bananas, or cutting soft fruits with a child-safe knife. It’s a slice of fun that helps develop their motor skills and encourages healthier eating habits!

Watering Plants: Make watering plants a splashy adventure for toddlers! Equip them with a mini watering can and let their green thumbs work their magic indoors or outdoors. Not only will this cultivate their fine motor skills, but it’ll also sprout a sense of responsibility and nature appreciation. 

Sorting Activities: Level up your toddler’s cognitive skills with this sneaky sorting game! Use fun objects from around your house (think vibrant pom poms, speedy toy cars, and blocky blocks) and watch as they sort them into different bowls or bins by color, size, or type. It’s like a mini genius in the making, learning to recognize patterns and categories while having a blast! 

Engage, explore, and conquer! These activities empower toddlers to master their environment, hone motor skills, and embrace practical life skills. With a dash of Montessori magic, watch your little one blossom with independence. Remember, it’s not about perfection, but the joy of learning through the process. So be patient, offer encouragement, and let your child conquer the world at their own pace! 

Cognitive Development: Montessori Activities for 2 Year Olds

Montessori activities for 2-year-olds play a crucial role in nurturing cognitive development, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for exploration and learning. These activities focus on various skills and concepts while encouraging independent exploration.

Sorting and Matching : Get those little hands moving and their minds buzzing with Montessori games tailored for 2-year-olds. In this thrilling adventure of Sorting and Matching. Watch as they group objects based on various characteristics like size, shape, color, and texture. By doing so, they unlock their problem-solving superpowers and revel in the excitement of organizing items into unique categories, nurturing their cognitive growth like never before.

Counting Games : Get ready for some high-energy fun as your 2-year-olds transform into number ninjas. In this active game, they’ll sharpen their countinf skills by physically pointing to and counting objects around them. With every triump “one, two, three,” their fine motor skills will thrive, and they’ll build a remarkable memory for numbers. The best part? They’ll be having so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re becoming little Math wizards.

Puzzles : Puzzles come in all shapes and sizes, captivating little minds with their colorful pieces. As your toddlers explore these intriguing challenges, they actively figure out how each pieces fits together to complete the picture. This process not only enhances their visual recognition but also boosts their spatial awareness- a cucial aspect of cognitive growth. Aside from that, each time they successfully complete a puzzle, they gain a sense of accomplishment that fosters self-assurance and confidence in their abilities.

Storytelling with Picture Cards: Gather a set of colorful picture cards with simple illustrations of everyday objects, animals, and people. Sit down with the toddlers and ask them to pick a card that catches ther eye. Encourage them to create a story around the picture they’ve chosen.As they describe the scene, as open-ended questions to expand their narrative and vocabulary. This activity enhances their listening skills as they engage with the storylines and their own imaginative tales. The best part? It’s a delightful way to unlock their creativity and build language fluency.

Montessori activities, where curious 2-year-olds can wander, wonder, and grow their little minds! By diving into purposeful play, toddlers gain skills, independence, and problem-solving magic, paving the way for epic communication and friendship skills. 

The engaging and interactive nature of these activities ensures that toddlers enjoy their learning journey while gaining essential knowledge and skills.

How to Make the Most of Montessori Activities with Your 2-Year-Olds

Montessori activities for two-year-olds, where exploration, problem solving, and critical thinking meet to create an engaging and brain-boosting learning playground! 

These activities are like setting the stage for real-life awesomeness: pouring, spooning, threading beads, hammering nails into wood blocks, sweeping like a pro, buttoning and zipping clothes like a champion, cutting paper with scissors like a boss, using tweezers with finesse, and sorting like a genius!                                                                                            

In addition to these practical life skills, the Montessori Method emphasizes hands-on learning through sensory activities such as sand tray play, water pouring, baking with measuring spoons and cups, manipulating clay or dough figures, puzzles, and counting beads. 

Artistic pursuits are also encouraged and may include painting with a variety of tools on different surfaces.

The goal of Montessori activities is to build self-confidence and independence in two year olds by providing them with opportunities to explore and practice new skills. 

Parents can support this process by offering encouragement, supervision, and guidance while their children complete the activities. It’s also important to create an environment that encourages exploration without feeling rushed or judged for making mistakes.

By presenting activities in a way that is both fun and inviting, two year olds can gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their learning journey. With patience and guidance from parents, these Montessori activities are sure to foster an enriching learning experience for young children. 

Is 2 years old too early for Montessori?

When it comes to Montessori, we often wonder if enrolling our little ones at 2 years old is too soon. But hey, according to Erik Erickson, toddlers are rocking the Autonomy vs Self-doubt phase! It’s the perfect time for them to shape their independence and self-confidence, which are like gold in Montessori educationWith Montessori’s child-centered approach, kids can explore and learn at their own pace, nurturing their autonomy and self-esteem. 

What should a 2 year old learn in Montessori?

At this age, children are knowledge sponges, ready to soak up experiences! Montessori classrooms for 2-year-olds offer a curriculum packed with practical life skills, language development, math concepts, and sensorial adventures. From pouring, touching, to exploring textures and colors, these little ones begin their journey towards building skills that will shape their future. Montessori education: preparing them for a lifetime of greatness! 

How do I start my 2 year old Montessori?

To kick things off, flex those research skills and scout out a Montessori school or daycare that jives with your values and educational vision. Get ready to mingle with the staff, tour the joint, and fire away with questions about their teaching approach and kiddo policies. Also, don’t forget to involve your little one since their personality and learning style are key to finding the perfect match.

Is it ever too late to start Montessori?

No, Montessori education has got you covered at any age! Every child progresses at their own pace, no matter when they start. While starting at three surely gives a head start, it’s never too late to jump in. Four, five, or even older, your child will benefit big time from the Montessori method. Plus, older kids often outshine their younger peers, thanks to their maturity, patience, and focus. 

Engaging your toddler in Montessori activities designed specifically for two year olds, and teaching them how to explore their environment will be a great benefit in the long run. 

Your toddler’s confidence and development can be positively nurtured by introducing Montessori activities that promote independence and curiosity. 

The more new skills they master, the more empowered and encouraged they’ll be as they enter into their preschool years! Montessori activities for 2 year olds provide you with the opportunity to give your child an early advantage in life. 

Get started today – pick out a few activities that you think your toddler will enjoy. Not only will you be positively contributing to their growth, but you’ll also have some quality bonding time together with these educational playtime activities!

© Montessori Toddler 2023.

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Games for 2 Year Olds; 15 Fun Ways To Aid Development

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Perhaps one of the best things about games is that they ignite our imaginations. Since toddlers learn best through imaginative play, age two is a great time to begin introducing games. The following list features fifteen fun games for 2 year olds that engage them in cognitive, physical, and social ways. They are all designed to encourage their overall development while having fun in the process.

15 Fun Games for 2 Year Olds That Aid Development

Stack a Cake

This game combines two toddler favorites, stacking and storytelling, to encourage working together as a team in order to create a beautiful cake for Bear before he returns home. It fosters the development of important social skills like problem-solving, while also teaching communication skills between peers and between parent and child. Check it out here!

First Orchard

This game is really easy to play and your 2 year old will be able to complete all the steps themselves! Ideal for social skill development, this game fosters cooperation by encouraging kids to work together in order to win together. Players work to collect fruit from trees before the raven arrives at the orchard to eat it. Completed quickly, it’s ideal for two-year-olds and their notoriously short attention spans. Check it out here!

Don’t Dump Dumpty

Every 2 year old gets a kick out of blocks coming crashing down, especially if Humpty Dumpty is perched on top. This game offers ten different ways to play, making it a versatile way to entertain your two-year-old. Children can develop spatial awareness while building up a wall using numbered tiles that encourage math skills and tactile learning. They also practice taking turns in the process and learn the value of trying again when the wall inevitably falls. Check it out here!

Feed the Woozle

If you’re looking for a game that will improve your two-year-old’s fine motor skills, this one accomplishes just that with a healthy dose of laughter, too. Children use a large spoon to feed the monster a variety of giggle-inducing treats, such as hairy pickles and fuzzy donuts. Basic gameplay directions encourage taking turns. Plus, even if your child is too little to really play by the rules they will still love feeding the Woozle. Check it out here!

Where’s the Bear

At age two, toddlers are beginning to understand problem-solving, and this game encourages those important skills. Combining the concepts of stacking blocks and looking for hidden things, kids practice both hiding and finding Bear, while developing a greater understanding of object permanence in the process. Check it out here!

Monkey Around

For wiggly toddlers who struggle to sit still, games can be a bit trying. This one, however, encourages kids to get up and move around. They’ll further develop gross motor skills, coordination, and body part identification as they choose a card and perform activities like hopping and marching. The game is basically different cards that tell you what to do with the banana, like “Put the banana on your head,” so it’s perfect for 2 year olds. They will love to perform the action as well as see you do it. Check it out here!

Here, Fishy, Fishy

This game is ideal for two-year-olds who don’t quite grasp the concept of a game with rules just yet. It features less structure than some, preferring to encourage free play and allow children to use their imaginations. Two-year-olds can experiment with how they use fishing rods, learn about undersea creatures and develop their concentration skills in the process. Check it out here!

This is a perfect game for home, car rides, or on the go, as it transports easily. Kids learn turn-taking and sharing, while also developing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This game, which features a host of animals, can be tailored to ages 2-5 so it grows with your child over time, keeping them engaged for years. Check it out here!

Button, Button, Belly Button

This color-matching game takes your two-year-old on an adventure to collect a rainbow of buttons for Bear, while encountering man belly buttons along the way, too. Ideal for developing color recognition skills and spatial awareness, this game also encourages vocabulary growth, understanding the concept of same versus different, and social development. Check it out here!

Heads & Tails

Toddlers are always eager to explore the world, and this game takes your two-year-old into the world of animals through a set of self-correcting puzzles. It is designed to promote conversational and social skills, as well as encourage creative thinking, problem-solving, and perseverance as your child works to link two matching puzzle pieces to complete each individual animal picture. Check it out here!

This adorably packaged game encourages your toddler to help Squirrel store food for the winter by following simple and delicious soup recipes. In addition to learning to help a friend and to follow directions, this game helps children practice taking turns and develops hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, too. Check it out here!

Roll and Play

It can be difficult to keep a two-year-old’s attention, but your toddler won’t be bored with this interactive game. During play, it prompts children to do things like roar like a lion, spin around three times or find something blue. A thoroughly engaging game, it also helps toddlers learn colors and hone memory skills. Check it out here!

Play is integral to healthy brain development in children. If you’re looking for ways to engage with your toddler, these 15 fun games for 2 year olds offer something for everyone. Not only does gameplay provide an important way for children to develop cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally, but games also provide an outlet for busy little minds and hands to stay engaged in productive ways. As a bonus, they can lead to meaningful moments of connection between parent and child, strengthening your bond over time.

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Age-Appropriate Games for 2-Year-Olds

Are you struggling to keep your 2-year-olds entertained and engaged? It's not always easy to come up with fun and age-appropriate activities that will hold their attention. But don't worry, we've got you covered! In this blog post, we've put together a comprehensive list of age-appropriate games that don't require any materials and are perfect for 2-year-olds.

Playing games with your 2-year-old not only helps keep them entertained but also promotes their cognitive and social development. Whether you're looking for games that promote gross and fine motor skills, listening skills, language development, or creativity, we've got something for you.

From classics like "Peek-a-boo" and "Simon Says" to more active games like "Red Light, Green Light" and "The Floor is Lava," we've curated a list of games that will keep your little ones happy and engaged for hours. So, keep reading to hear some of my favorite ways to have fun with your child and these 2 year old games! Be sure to check out our sensory boxes, too ! 

Peek-a-boo:

This classic game is a favorite among toddlers. Simply cover your face with your hands or a blanket and then reveal yourself with a big smile and say "peek-a-boo!" This game helps develop object permanence and socialization skills.

Simon Says:

This game is great for promoting listening and following directions. Ask your child to do certain actions like "Simon says touch your toes" or "Simon says hop on one foot." This game helps develop listening skills, following directions, and body awareness.

Take turns with your child saying "I spy with my little eye, something that is..." and give a clue about the object you see. This game promotes language development, observation skills, and creativity.

Duck, Duck, Goose:

Have your child sit in a circle with other children or family members. Choose someone to be "it" and have them walk around the circle tapping each person on the head and saying "duck." When they tap someone and say "goose," that person chases "it" around the circle. This game promotes socialization skills, gross motor skills, and following directions.

Freeze Dance:

Play music and have your child dance around. When you stop the music, they must freeze in place. This game promotes listening skills and gross motor development.

Red Light, Green Light:

Have your child stand at one end of the room while you stand at the other end. When you say "green light," they walk towards you. When you say "red light," they must freeze. This game promotes listening skills, following directions, and gross motor development.

The Floor is Lava:

Pretend that the floor is lava and have your child jump from couch to pillow to chair without touching the floor. This game promotes gross motor development, imagination, and problem-solving skills.

Follow the Leader:

Have your child follow you around the house or yard as you do different actions like skipping, jumping, or crawling. This game promotes gross motor development, following directions, and body awareness.

Ring Around the Rosie:

Hold hands with your child and other family members or friends and walk in a circle while singing "Ring around the Rosie." When you get to the end, all fall down. This game promotes socialization skills, gross motor development, and memory skills.

Animal Charades:

Pretend to be different animals and have your child guess what animal you are. Then, switch roles and have your child pretend to be different animals while you guess. This game promotes language development, creativity, and imagination.

Playing games with your 2-year-old is not only fun but also beneficial for their overall development. From enhancing their gross and fine motor skills to promoting language development and socialization skills, these age-appropriate games offer a wide range of benefits for your little one.

If you love this post, you’ll also love my Toddler Home Organization tips!

Games like Balloon Pop and Animal Charades are just some of the many great options for playing with your 2-year-old. Other games like Simon Says and Hide and Seek are also great choices.

Games provide a range of advantages. They can improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Additionally, they can also foster language development and socialization skills.

Playing games with your 2-year-old is not only fun but also beneficial for their overall development. So, grab a few toys and get ready for some fun and learning with your little one!

If you're still struggling to come up with fun and engaging activities, you might want to consider grabbing one of our Learning with Kelsey's toddler activity boxes .

Our boxes are an easy and convenient way to introduce new and exciting activities to your child's routine. With a variety of themes to choose from and all the materials included, your child will have endless hours of fun and learning and you can stop stressing about setting it up!

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Problem Solving for Kids: How-To Guide, Activities & Strategies

Children need to be able to solve their own problems. In daily life, kids face a lot of set of social circumstances and challenges. Whether they’re trying to figure out how to make friends, deal with bullies, or solve academic problems, they need strong problem-solving skills to be successful.

Problem-solving is a critical life skill that all kids need to learn. By teaching them how to identify and solve problems on their own, you’ll be setting them up for success in school and in life.

What are Social Problem-Solving Skills?

Social problem-solving skills are a skill set that involves behavioral and cognitive processes which allow an individual to find adaptive and positive ways of handling problematic situations that can arise in the social environment in our daily life. These skills comprise an understanding of emotions, empathy, self-awareness, prosocial behavior, anger management, perspective-taking, establishing positive relationships, and so on.

Why It’s Important for Children to Learn the Skills to Problem-Solve

Social problem-solving skills are important for kids to learn because they allow them to cope with the various challenges they face in their social environments, such as peer pressure, bullying, and exclusion from social groups. In addition, these skills can help them resolve conflicts effectively and build positive relationships with others.

How to teach Problem-Solving skills

There are many ways to develop social problem-solving skills in kids . One way is to provide them with opportunities to practice these skills through different activities and games.

There are a few key things that parents and educators can do to help kids develop strong problem-solving skills:

Teach Children to Identify the Problem

One of the most important steps in solving any problem is being able to accurately identify what the problem is. This can be tricky for kids, especially if they’re feeling emotional about the situation. Help them by teaching them how to take a step back and look at the problem objectively.

Help Kids Brainstorm Solutions

Once kids can identify the problem, it’s time to start brainstorming possible solutions. This is where creativity and out-of-the-box thinking come in handy. Encourage kids to think of as many possible solutions as they can, no matter how far-fetched they might seem.

Help Kids Weigh the Pros and Cons

After Children can come up with a few potential solutions, it’s time to help them figure out which one is the best option. This is where critical thinking comes in. Teach kids how to weigh the pros and cons of each solution and make a decision based on logic, not emotions.

Help Kids Implement the Solution

The final step is helping kids actually implement the solution they’ve chosen. This might involve role-playing different scenarios, practicing what they would say or do, or writing out a plan. Whatever the case, be sure to provide support and guidance every step of the way.

Praise Kids

It’s essential to praise your child when they demonstrate social problem-solving skills. This will help him feel confident in his abilities and encourage him to continue using these skills.

Also, proper guidance and opportunities to practice problem-solving skills should be provided for kids to be efficient enough to solve problems on their own. In addition to providing opportunities for practice, it is also important to model problem-solving skills for your child. 

By following these tips, you can help your child develop strong social problem-solving skills that will serve him well throughout his life.

Problem-solving in Child Development

Most children go through similar phases of problem-solving as they develop. However, the timing may vary depending on the child’s individual temperament and circumstances.

Here are some common milestones:

• Ages 2-3: During the age of 2-3 years, kids begin to understand that problems can be solved. They also start to develop a sense of self-control and can begin to use words to express their emotions.
• Ages 3-4: By 3-4 years old, kids are usually better at problem-solving and can use more logical thinking. They’re also beginning to understand other people’s feelings and perspectives.
• Ages 4-5: Around 4-5 years old, kids can usually think of multiple solutions to a problem. They’re also starting to understand the concept of cause and effect.
• Ages 5-6: By 5-6 years old, most kids can apply problem-solving skills in their everyday lives. They’re also able to understand complex emotions and empathize with others.
• Ages 6-7: Around 6-7 years old, kids are usually able to understand even more complex emotions. They’re also starting to see the world from other people’s perspectives and can use this knowledge to solve problems.
• Ages 7-8: By 7-8 years old, kids are often able to solve problems quickly and efficiently. They’re also able to think abstractly and see the world from multiple perspectives.
• Ages 8-9: Around 8-9 years old, kids are usually able to solve problems independently. They’re also beginning to understand the concept of time and how it can be used to solve problems.
• Ages 9-10: By 9-10 years old, kids are often able to solve complex problems. They’re also able to think abstractly and see the world from multiple perspectives.
• Ages 10-11: Around 10-11 years old, kids are usually able to solve problems independently. They’re also beginning to understand the concept of time and how it can be used to solve problems.
• Ages 11-12: By 11-12 years old, kids are often able to solve complex problems. They’re also able to think abstractly and see the world from multiple perspectives.
• Ages 12-13: Around 12-13 years old, kids are usually able to solve problems independently. They’re also beginning to understand the concept of time and how it can be used to solve problems.

As children get older, they should be able to solve more complex problems. If you’re concerned about your child’s problem-solving abilities, talk to their doctor or a child development specialist.

 Social Problem-Solving Strategies

There are several strategies that can help children of primary age to solve problems. Some of them are as follows:

• Encouraging children to take turns and share. This strategy helps children to be more patient and to understand that other people have feelings too. It also allows them to share their own feelings and thoughts more openly.
• Helping children to understand and express their emotions. This strategy helps children to identify and understand their own emotions , as well as the emotions of others. It also allows them to express their emotions in a more positive way.
• Teaching children how to compromise. This strategy helps children to understand that sometimes it is necessary to give up something in order to get something else. It also teaches them how to negotiate and how to reach an agreement with others.
• Encouraging children to think about other people’s perspectives. This strategy helps children to understand that other people have different points of view. It also allows them to see the world from another person’s perspective and to empathize with others.
• Helping children to understand and follow rules. This strategy helps children to understand that there are certain rules that must be followed in order to maintain order and peace. It also teaches them how to respect the rules of others.
• Teaching children how to improve their skills to problem-solve. This strategy helps children to understand that there are many ways to solve a problem. It also teaches them how to think creatively and to come up with their own solutions.

These are just a few of the social problem-solving strategies that can help children of primary age to solve problems. For more information, please talk to your child’s doctor or a child development specialist.

Social Problem-Solving Skills Activities

Games and activities for socialization are an excellent way for children for learning how to behave in social surroundings such as school or in the community.

It is essential for children to learn how to take turns, share, cooperate and resolve conflicts.

Here are some activities to improve social problem-solving skills for children of different age groups:

Social Problem-solving Activities for Preschoolers

Preschoolers are very young and need a lot of help to learn social problem-solving skills. The following activities are fun and will help them develop problem-solving skills.

• Circle Time: This is a great activity for kids to learn how to take turns and share. Give each child a turn to be in the center of the circle and share something about themselves such as their favorite color, food , animal, etc.
• Simon Says: This classic game is a great way for kids to listen and follow instructions. It also helps with problem-solving skills as they have to figure out what Simon is saying.
• Role-Playing: This is a great activity for kids to learn how to resolve conflicts. Have kids act out different scenarios such as sharing toys or taking turns. After each scene, discuss what happened and how the conflict could have been resolved.

Social Problem-solving Activities for Kindergarteners

Kindergarteners are still very young. So, they may need assistance when it comes to social problem-solving skills.

The following activities will give them a chance to practice these skills in a safe and fun environment.

• Cooperative Building: Have the kids work together in small groups to build towers or houses out of blocks or Legos. This activity will help them learn to share, take turns, and cooperate with others.
• Role-Playing: Act out different social situations with puppets or toys. For example, one child can be the customer in a store and the other children can take turns being the salesperson. This activity will help kids learn how to handle different social situations.
• Feelings Matching: Cut out pictures of people with different facial expressions from magazines or newspapers. Ask the kids to match the pictures with the corresponding feeling words (e.g., happy, sad, mad, etc.). This activity will help kids learn to identify and understand different emotions.

Social Problem-solving Activities for School-Aged Kids

As kids get older, they become more independent and are able to handle more complex social situations.

The following activities will help them practice their social problem-solving skills.

• Brainstorming: This activity can be done individually or in a group. Give your child a scenario and have them come up with as many solutions as possible. For example, “Your best friend just cancelled your play date. What are three things you could do?”
• Exercising empathy: It’s important for kids to be able to empathize with others and see things from their perspective. When they’re struggling to solve a problem, help them think about how the other person is feeling. For example, “Your friend might be feeling upset too. Maybe you can talk to her about why she cancelled the play date.
• Problem Solving Games: Games are a fun way to teach children the skills of solving problems. Try playing some classic board games like Chutes and Ladders or Candyland, which require players to make decisions and strategize. There are also many great online games, like Mission to Mars and Robot City, that help kids practice problem-solving.
• Discussing Problem-Solving Skills: As a family, discuss different problem-solving strategies. For example, “If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed or don’t know what to do, take a deep breath and think about what would be the best thing to do in that situation.”
• Model Good Problem-Solving Skills: As a parent, you are your child’s biggest role model. So, it’s important to model good problem-solving skills yourself. Whenever you’re faced with a problem, talk aloud about how you’re going to solve it. For example, “I’m having trouble finding my keys. I think I’ll check the couch first and then look in the car.”
• Encourage positive thinking: Help your child look on the bright side by encouraging them to think of the positive outcomes of a situation. For example, “Even though your play date was cancelled, you now have some free time to do something else you enjoy.
• Practice: It’s important to give kids opportunities to use their problem-solving skills in everyday life. When they’re faced with a social challenge, take a step back and let them try to figure it out on their own. Of course, be there to support them if they need help.

Social Problem-solving Activities for High-School Students 

High-school students often face a variety of social problems. They may have difficulty making friends, fitting in with classmates, or dealing with bullies.

Some students may also struggle with more serious issues, such as gangs, drugs, or violence.

There are a number of activities that can be used to help high-school students with improving their social problem-solving skills. These are as follows:

• Peer Mediation: This activity involves two or more students who are in conflict with each other. The mediator(s) helps the students to communicate with each other and find a resolution to the problem.
• Role-Playing: This is a great activity for helping high-school students to understand different perspectives. Students can take on the role of the person they are in conflict with, and then discuss how they would feel in that situation.
• Problem-Solving Groups: These groups usually consist of 4-6 students who meet to discuss a particular problem. The group leader(s) helps the students to brainstorm solutions and come up with a plan of action.
• Attending Debates: Debates can be a great way for high-school students to learn about different perspectives on social issues. Students can also practice their own argumentative and problem-solving skills by participating in debates.
• Service Learning: This is a type of community service that helps high-school students to understand and address social problems. Students typically work with organizations that focus on issues such as poverty, homelessness, or hunger.

Cultivating Resilience in Children

Developing resilience in children is a key aspect of nurturing their emotional health and equipping them to face life’s challenges head-on. It involves helping them understand that difficulties and setbacks are a normal part of life, and they can grow stronger from overcoming them.

By fostering a secure and loving environment, and by being role models of resilience ourselves, we can instill in children the ability to adapt to change and cope with stress.

One effective method to cultivate resilience in children is by encouraging them to express their feelings and thoughts openly.

Providing a safe space where they feel heard and understood helps them to understand their emotions better, which is a crucial step in resilience building. It’s important to validate their feelings, not minimize them, as it teaches them that it’s normal to experience different emotions, and it’s okay to discuss them.

Another significant way to build resilience is by teaching problem-solving skills. Guiding children through the process of identifying a problem, brainstorming possible solutions, choosing the best one, and reflecting on the outcome can equip them with valuable life skills.

As they practice, they will become more adept at facing challenges, whether big or small, and this boosts their confidence and self-efficacy. The beauty of resilience is that it isn’t an inherent trait; it’s a skill that can be learned and cultivated, one challenge at a time.

Teaching social problem-solving skills can help high-school students learn how to handle these types of situations. These skills can also help them in other areas of their lives, such as dealing with family conflict or managing their emotions.

Through these activities, high-school students can learn important problem-solving skills that will help them in their everyday lives.

There are many different activities that you can do to help your child develop problem-solving skills. Choose activities that are appropriate for your child’s age and interests.

And, most importantly, have fun!

Tips, D. (2022). Developing Problem-Solving Skills for Kids | Strategies & Tips | Kodable Blog. Retrieved 6 June 2022, from https://www.kodable.com/learn/problem-solving-skills-for-kids/

How to Teach Problem-Solving Skills to Children and Preteens. (2022). Retrieved 6 June 2022, from https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/how-teach-problem-solving-strategies-kids-guide#:~:text=Allow%20your%20child%20to%20choose,the%20process%20of%20problem%2Dsolving .

Teaching Kids How to Solve Their Own Problems and Make Good Decisions. (2022). Retrieved 6 June 2022, from https://www.verywellfamily.com/teach-kids-problem-solving-skills-1095015

(2022). Retrieved 6 June 2022, from https://www.werockthespectrumkidsgym.com/social-skills-activities-that-teach-kids-problem-solving/

srivastava, m., & srivastava, m. (2022). 12 Problem-Solving Activities For Toddlers And Preschoolers. Retrieved 6 June 2022, from https://www.momjunction.com/articles/problem-solving-activities-for-toddlers_00795607/

20 Evidence-Based Social Skills Activities and Games for Kids. (2022). Retrieved 6 June 2022, from https://www.positiveaction.net/blog/social-skills-activities-and-games-for-kids

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Top 47 Educational Activities for 2-year-olds At-Home

Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links which I may earn a small commission from if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.

Feed your child’s natural curiosity and help them develop a love for learning with these inexpensive educational activities.

The Joy of Learning at Home

I know first hand how the years when our children are 2-years-old are a whirlwind of growth and discovery. 

At this stage, their minds are like sponges, absorbing everything around them. 

Engaging in educational activities not only stimulates their brain but also strengthens our bond with them. 

Be it through sorting shapes or finger painting, each activity is an opportunity to teach valuable skills in a way that feels like play. 

The Importance of Play in Learning

Play transcends mere entertainment for toddlers; I consider it an essential component of young children’s development.

Through the act of playing, 2-year-olds engage multiple senses simultaneously, laying the groundwork for robust cognitive growth. 

More than just words and sounds, language development blossoms as toddlers express their thoughts and comprehend instructions during play. 

This interaction solidifies a foundation for future communication skills that they will build upon with each imaginative dialogue and curious inquiry.

They refine their coordination and balance with activities such as stacking, rolling, or kicking balls. 

These physical activities are not just about movement; they integrate learning by doing, which for toddlers is one of the best ways to grasp new concepts and master developmental milestones.

Move the flash cards aside, replace screen time and get ready to bring much fun into your day.

Developing Fine Motor Skills Through Play

Imagine the delight on your toddler’s face as they grasp tiny pom poms, meticulously sorting them into matching color cups. 

Your next rainy day can be the perfect time to grab empty water bottles and fill them with pasta shells to make maracas and start a band.

​Reach for your turkey baster to add to some water play.

So much so in fact, we had to get more of some kitchen tools for the outdoor activities in the kids mud kitchen.

Posting Activities

Let’s explore the world of play dough together. Play dough play can contribute so much to a toddler’s development.

Such manipulation tasks serve as building blocks for future skills, like holding a pencil or buttoning up a shirt. 

Play Dough Activities

Consider threading beads onto string as another engaging pastime. 

As toddlers concentrate on piercing the string through the tiny bead holes, they build precision and hand-eye coordination. 

Other resources that can be used for threading include pasta, cardboard toilet tube rings, leaves, buttons, cotton reels and wooden rings.

For toddlers just starting out, using pipe cleaners for threading makes it easier to navigate. 

Threading Activities

Colour sorting and matching games.

I find that one of the best ways to introduce toddlers to the concept of colours, other than incidental learning, is through engaging sorting and matching games. 

You can start with a simple colour matching game that involves a muffin tin and a handful of coloured balls or pom poms. 

Another creative activity is providing your toddler with various coloured objects and a series of containers or buckets labeled with matching colors. 

If you’re looking for a sensory play twist, mix in objects of different textures and sizes to broaden their sensory experience.

On laundry day , I often turn this routine task into a fun learning activity. 

Colour Sorting Activities

Enhancing gross motor skills with movement.

I find that integrating movement-based play activities into a toddler’s day is an excellent method to foster their gross motor skills. 

Even simple things such as shaking her ‘sillies out’ before sitting to have lunch make her body more comfortable and concentrating an easier task.

Gross Motor Activities

Let’s encourage young ones to move their bodies and explore the limits of what they can do as they grow stronger and more confident by the day.

Discovering Patterns with Creative Crafts

For instance, making necklaces with beads of different shapes and colours not only hones their fine motor skills but also introduces them to the basic concept of patterns. 

You can start by showing them how to create a simple pattern, like red, blue, red, blue, and then let them take the lead. 

Show them how to arrange the stickers in a sequence, such as star-circle-star-circle, and watch as they replicate the pattern or come up with their own. 

They can make alternating patterns, like yellow strip, green strip, yellow strip, or even more complex ones as they advance. 

These crafts are interactive methods to introduce young minds to the concept of order and sequence, laying a solid foundation for math and observational skills later on. 

The key is to keep it playful and allow for exploration, as this is when they learn the most.

Pattern Activities

Letter recognition and early literacy.

These tools make it easy to introduce the alphabet during snack time or craft projects. 

Press them into paint before stamping them onto a sheet of paper.

Similarly, alphabet mats serve as a colourful playground for toddlers to explore the shapes and sounds of different letters. 

Incidental Learning

Our local library has a huge alphabet play mat. My little one loves doing letter hunts, running from one to the other.

It’s a playful way to boost their understanding of language structure and phonics. 

In these ways, I transform the daunting journey of literacy into a series of delightful steps that entertain as they educate. 

It’s a gratifying process to watch toddlers grasp new words and take pride in their growing abilities.

Letter Recognition Activities

Sensory bins for tactile learning.

You can create these bins by filling a container with an array of items that intrigue the senses. 

Little hands learn what happens when they pour water from their jug into their water table.

They learn to isolate different sounds as they listen to the rustle of bubble wrap.

We spend so much time exploring sensory play. It can be such an easy activity to set up and present so many learning opportunities.

What to put into your sensory bin

Boosting problem-solving skills.

Problem-solving skills are a cornerstone in the developmental journey of a 2-year-old. 

We can nurture these skills with activities specifically designed to challenge and engage toddlers in thinking through solutions. 

As your toddler gets more confident, you can enhance the play by wrapping the pieces in foil or adding them to a sensory bin.

Building blocks also offer countless opportunities for toddlers to experiment and solve problems. 

I encourage them to build towers, bridges, and even simple representations of things they see in everyday life to expand their creativity and understanding.

These come in various forms, from traditional plastic sorters to homemade alternatives using cardboard and household items. 

They learn to trial different solutions, and in doing so, they build confidence in their capability to overcome challenges, which is a crucial aspect of problem-solving.

Pretend Play for Social Development

When children engage in make-believe with dolls, they learn to express themselves and understand the complexities of social interactions. 

For instance, I might guide a child to ‘feed’ a doll, which then opens a dialogue about caring and empathy.

Kitchen sets offer a fantastic arena for pretend play. 

I encourage little ones to ‘prepare’ meals, which teaches them about different roles people have and how collaboration works. 

As toddlers navigate the pretend scenarios, they face challenges and learn to manage frustrations, which is a key part of emotional growth.

No-Mess Activities for Hassle-Free Fun

I’ve discovered some fantastic ideas that require zero prep and leave no trace behind once playtime is over.

Stack pillows in a line and let your child’s toys have the thrill of their plushy lives sliding down. 

It’s a great sensory experience and teaches them about gravity and incline without any spills or stains.

It’s a fantastic way to build fine motor skills and visual tracking, plus you don’t have to worry about tidying up afterward. 

This activity is a solid choice for introducing scientific concepts like temperature and phase changes, and the only thing that gets wet is a bit of water – easy to clean!

So say goodbye to long clean-ups and hello to hassle-free fun that keeps the learning going.

Cultivating Imagination with Storytelling

I find storytelling an incredibly powerful way to spark imagination in 2-year-olds as it invites them into worlds beyond their immediate experiences. 

Questions like, “What do you think is happening here?” or “What might happen next?” help them think creatively and predict outcomes.

For words or concepts that seem new, I suggest simple explanations or mimicry to convey their meaning. 

If a character in the book is jumping, we can both stand up and jump, laughing as we bring the story to life.

This nurtures empathy and helps them apply the tale to their own world. 

With these approaches, you and I empower your 2-year-old to not just hear a story, but to live it, learn from it, and love it.

Outdoor Exploration and Nature Play

Fresh air, sunlight, and the endless curiosities of nature make for a perfect educational playground. 

Together, we create a list of natural items to find, such as a smooth stone, a feather, or a flower of a certain color. 

Sidewalk chalk games, on the other hand, offer both a creative outlet and a learning tool. 

“Hop to the circle,” or “Find the letter A,” gets them moving and learning simultaneously. 

Mixing in food colouring makes for an exciting lesson on colors as they watch the water change hues with each drop.

​Play at home curriculums for toddlers

For others it can be useful to have a step by step list of toddler activities at their fingertips.

Creative Ways to Say ‘Well Done!’

As parents and caregivers, acknowledging the achievements of our toddlers can reinforce their love for learning. 

These acts of recognition affirm their capabilities and boost their confidence to take on the next challenge with enthusiasm.

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