Toddler Activity Calendar - Ideas for children from 18 months to 3 years old - Alberta Health Services
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Toddler Activity
Calendar
Ideas for children from 18 months to 3 years old
References
Moving and Growing: Exercises for the First Two years; Fitness Canada and the Canadian Institute of Child Health
Moving and Growing: Exercises and Activities for Twos, Threes, and Fours; Fitness Canada and the Canadian Institute of Child Health
Play Calendars: Weekly Activities for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers; Rachel B. Diamant M.S, OTR/L Therapy Skill Builders 1996
Growing Together: Communication Activities for Infants and Toddlers (12-24 months) (24-36 months); Monica Devine, M.A CCC-SLP, Communication Skill Builders 1990
Amazing Good Ideas (for nothing); Alberta Health
Preschool Activity Calendar– Family activities for every day of the year; Rolling River School Division FEYAI project 2006/2007
Decreased language with TV; www.advanceweb.com; copyright 2009 Merion Publications
Screen time and Young children: promoting health and development in a digital world. Canadian Pediatric Society 2017 www.cps.ca
Eye See-Eye Learn; The Alberta Association of Optometrists handout
First Impressions; The Canadian Association of Optometrists pamphlet
Fight the Bite; News release Government of Alberta 2003
Children’s safety seats :www.parachute.org or albertaseatbelts.ca
Healthy Eating and Active Living (for your 1-5 year old); Alberta Health and Wellness publication Feb. 2008
Sleep Problems and your Preschooler; Children’s Health and Developmental Services, Alberta Health Services, Medicine Hat
Will I Grow out of it (Milestones and warning signs for Speech and Language development); Alberta Health and Wellness SP00005 (2004/08)
Healthy Parents Healthy Children The Early Years; Alberta Health Services (2013) www.healthyparentshealthy children.ca
Special thanks to the following people for their recommendations and edits: from Alberta Health Services, Nutrition Services: Vanessa Restivo, Danielle Wohglemuth, Emily Burt, Marissa Salon and
Martina Sung; from Alberta Health Services Provincial injury Prevention Program: Valerie Cook; and from Alberta Health Services Public Health : Kathleen Barker
Copyright © (2011, revised 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017,2020) Alberta Health Services. This material is protected by Canadian and other international copyright laws.
All rights reserved. This material may not be copied, published, distributed or reproduced in any way in whole or in part without the express written permission of
Alberta Health Services (please contact Kim Nowicki at Early Childhood Intervention program at 780-623-6227 or kim.nowicki@ahs.ca. This material is
intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the
Information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness,
applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. Alberta Health
Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
www.albertahealthservices.ca
Dear parents and caregivers,
You are your child’s best teacher. They will learn the most about the world from you. This
calendar has been created to provide you with an activity to try with your child every day.
These activities do not require a lot of time, materials or preparation so you can fit them into
your daily routine.
Activities are designed to encourage development in the areas of:
communication- the language they understand and the language that they express
gross motor skills-how they move their bodies in physical activities
fine motor skills-how they use their hands
self-help skills and further independence
social skills
problem solving skills-with focus on both auditory attention, visual attention and memory
building
Recipes, rhymes and parenting tips are included also to inspire and encourage.
Please use caution and supervise all the activities.
Take time to play and enjoy creating special moments with your little one.
Your impact on their overall development will be significant and will last a lifetime!
JANUARY
Ideas for toddlers from 18 months to 3 years old
Recipes: Parenting tip: Sleep and your toddler
A toddler (18 – 24 months) needs on average 13 hours of sleep, with 11 of those hours
Toasted Egg Smiles occurring through the night and the remainder during 1-2 daytime naps. Usually in their
second year and by the age of three they are beginning to not need as much sleep
Take a bread slice and cut out 2 circles for during the day, and may sleep longer at night.
eyes and mouth. Spread non-
hydrogenated margarine on one side of When your toddler starts to slow down at night, and seems physically tired, then provide
the bread and place in a frying pan on low. them with some quiet activities to wind down further. Consider establishing a bedtime
Scramble one egg with 1/4 cup with milk. routine at roughly the same time each night. If they get overtired or past the point of no
Pour scrambled egg over the bread. Flip return and they get their “second wind” it will be more difficult to put them to sleep.
bread/egg when the egg showing through
the "eyes" and "mouth" becomes firm. Make their bedtime special with good loving interactions, read a story or sing a song, in a
Cook until egg is no longer runny . Enjoy! darkened room. Tuck them in, give a kiss and a hug, and turn out the lights, and say “it
is time to go to sleep”. Ensure their bedroom does not have any electronics such as
screens, as it provides extra distractions which could lead to more night waking or
difficulty settling to sleep.
Rhymes: Animals on the farm
Where is Thumbkin? (tune: Wheels on the bus)
The cows on the farm go
Where is thumbkin, where is moo, moo, moo,
thumbkin? Moo, moo, moo; moo, moo,
Here I am, here I am moo
How are today sir/girl? The cows on the farm go
Very well I thank you moo, moo, moo
Run and hide, run and hide! all around the farm
(Continue with (Continue with: the pigs go oink,
“pointer” ,“middle,” “ring man” the dogs go woof, the goats go
and “pinky” fingers) maa, the cats go meow...etc.)
If you have any concerns with your child’s development, please contact your local Community Health Services office.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Create an obstacle With two cups, hide a While having Place some snow or Crawl with your child Sing a finger play like In a empty spice
course for your small toy underneath breakfast hide your ice cubes in a bowl on the floor and play “Where is bottle or baby food
toddler, scatter and let your child face behind a cereal and let them explore, “hide and seek” thumbkin?”, or the jar, place some bite
pillows and stuffed watch. Ask them to box and peek a if they do not want to games around the “Itsy-bitsy spider” size cereal or raisins
animals around a find the toy. Move round it for a game of touch, allow them to furniture. with your child. inside. Show your
room and play a the cups around for peek-a-boo. Let your wear mittens to play child how to turn it
“chase” game, make further challenge. child hide and peek or use a spoon. Talk over to get the
sure hard furniture is also. about how it feels. snacks out. Say
out of the way. “shake it out!”
When taking toys out While you and your Give your child a With several With two different Talk about talking
of a toy box, label child walk up or down bubble bath. Let cardboard boxes cut colored towels, hide loud and soft with
them and place in stairs. Count them them grab and scoop the ends out and a toy underneath your child. Show
front of your child. as you go, “1,2,3,4,5 bubbles and place in allow your child to while your child is them how to whisper,
“Block, ball, cow,” etc.” a container. Hide a crawl through. Drape watching and then and tell them a
etc. bath toy underneath, blankets over the ask “where did it go? secret. Whisper to
and say “where is ends, place cushions Is it under the blue them when you need
that toy?’ inside also for them one? “ them to attend and
to crawl over. listen.
Go to your local With a puppet or With a box or a With pieces of With two flashlights, Make up a song
library, check out stuffed animal, act laundry basket, help masking tape, place give one to your child together like “bee-bi-
children’s out scenarios. Talk your child balance to a line on the floor to hold and see if oh, bee-bee, bi-bi oh,
programming for a about being hungry get in and out of the and have your child they will imitate and bee bi bo, I love you
rhyme time or and what to eat and container. Say the walk heel-toe on the move the flashlight oh…”repeat. See if
storytelling group. not to eat, or about words “in” and “out” lines, or try jumping around a dark room. they will copy you.
Check out the board losing something, while they move so over the tape.
book section and and trying to find it they learn about
take some home! etc. directions.
Color with your child, With some stickers, Say each vowel Copy your child’s Play blowing games Let your child try on Place some toys in a
allow them to place on your child’s sound “a, e, i o, u” movement get down with your child. bigger shoes or bag, and when your
scribble, show them and your index finger And see if your child on the floor, and roll, Show them how to slippers and try child reaches in and
how to draw circles, and thumb. Show will copy these crawl, stand, squat blow tennis balls walking around in pulls them out, ask
and lines. Color on your child how to sounds. Then try etc. with them. Talk across a table, blow them. Say “look, “What’s that? wait a
paper and in coloring wiggle the stickers, pairing two sounds about your actions as feathers up in the air, what a big girl/boy” moment and then
books. and how to pull them together like “uh-oh”, you go through them. or later blow a candle label the item …”Ball”
off. “ee-oh” and “i-ee” out. Continue and repeat.
etc.
www.albertahealthservices.ca
FEBRUARY
Ideas for toddlers from 18 months to 3 years old
Parenting tip: Toilet teaching
Help your child learn to use the toilet :
Show the child the process of toileting: let them see you empty the contents of their dirty diapers into the toilet then flush and wash your hands
together and talk about and repeat!
Take your child to the toilet right after they wake up, before and after naps, after meals, and right before they go to bed.
Watch for signs that they are about to go and then take them to the bathroom for the process– even if they do not make it– talk about the
process and use words that are familiar to your family.
Help your child learn how to pull clothing down and up as well as following simple directions
Try to make sure that your child’s feet touch the floor if using a potty chair, or if using an adaptive seat on a toilet use a stool for their feet– this
will help them to feel grounded which will allow their muscles to work.
Recipes: Rhymes:
Peanut butter and banana sandwich Number Rhyme
Spread peanut butter and thinly sliced 1,2,3,4, 5,6,7,8,9,10 and 1 makes 11
bananas on 2 slices of whole grain bread. Cats and dogs and baby sheep
Cut into fun shapes (triangles, squares, When I count I go to sleep
rectangles) and serve. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 and 1 makes 11
Salsa and potato: Skin-a-mer-ink
Bake a potato, in the oven or microwave. Skin-a-mer-ink-e-dinke-dink
Cut open and scoop potato out of skin. Skin-a-mer-ink-e-doo
Serve with plain yogurt and/or salsa, mix I love you (point to eye, cross arms over
and mash until cool. heart, and point to “you”)
Repeat
Healthy quick snack ideas I love you in the morning and in the
Hummus dip and veggies afternoon
Hard boiled egg I love you in the evening, underneath the
Chopped and peeled fruit moon
Whole grain crackers and cheese Repeat chorus and add : I really mean it
Yogurt I love you too, boo, boo, be doo!
If you have any concerns with your child’s development, please contact your local Community Health Services office.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
When dressing your Help your child to set Give your child Place your child’s Tape or record your With some pitted and Make a tunnel or a
child encourage them the table for a meal. directions in your snack in a container child’s voice as they sliced olives or cherries tent by draping a
to pick out clothes to Give them the daily routine “Can with a lid. Close it are playing or singing for a snack, place one blanket over two
wear. Name the spoons, cups etc. you put this toy in the and give it to your with you. Ask them on the tip of your finger chairs or a table.
as a hat and show them
color of the clothing and direct them to box?” “Bring the book child to open. Be questions like “What how to wiggle. See if
Roll a car or a ball in
as they pick it out place them on the to me”, “ Put the ball encouraging and sound does an they can copy you and encourage your
and see if they can table. You may need under the couch” etc. show them how if elephant make?” Or also. Make sure pieces child to go in and get
match colors. to point and help need be. “what makes this are small enough for it.
them to reach. sound?” them to eat. Supervise!
Make a car out of a With some rolled up After your child’s Sing this month’s With plastic knives or If your child receives
box or a basket and sock “balls”, bath, when drying featured rhymes: “A “heart “ cookie valentines let them
give your child a ride, encourage your child them off, name their Number rhyme”, and cutters, roll out play tear open the
go side to side, to throw them into a body parts as you dry “Skin-er-mer-rink” dough and cut out envelope to retrieve
bumpy and smooth, basket or a box. See them. After, wrap hearts. Place on the the card inside.
tip it to the sides, go how far they can them up and give table, tray or lid.
fast and slow. stand back to hit the them a big hug and
target. carry them to dress
them up.
While your child is Listen to music Give your child a With a box, cut three Make cookies with Cut a card or a With a ring toy,
playing, hide behind together and allow blanket ride. Place sides of a square for your child. With the cereal box picture encourage, your
some furniture and your child to “tap” a them in the middle of a door. With a small dough allow them to into three or four child to stack the
then call out to them wooden spoon to a a large blanket, hold animal or car, make explore it by pieces and see if rings in the correct
to come and find you. pail or bowl in rhythm two corners and drag a game of going in squishing it, and your child can put it order from biggest to
When they find you to the music. them across the and out of the barn/ poking it. Try to make back together. smallest on the peg.
describe where: “you floor. Whee! garage. Ask “Where sure they do not eat
found me behind the did it go?” the dough however.
couch”.
With some pudding To learn body parts, Play “Ring around Place a pair of your Dance the “Hokey Attach a string or
or some yogurt allow use lotion with your the Rosie” with your child’s socks on a Pokey” with your rope to a toy with
your child to child and ask them to child. stuffed animal or doll child encourage them wheels. Help your
finger-paint with it on rub it in on different Hold them or walk in and encourage them or show them to put child pull it and say
a tabletop or on their body parts– yours a circle together, to take them off. Say the different parts “in” “Come here (toy) or
highchair tray while and theirs. “Let’s rub then fall down “sock off” or “take it when you sing the pull!’
they eat it. it in my arm, your leg together on a couch off”. parts.
etc.” or a bed.
www.albertahealthservices.ca
MARCH
Ideas for toddlers from 18 months to 3 years old
Parenting tip: Exercise and your toddler
Include daily physical activity into your regular routine and be active with your
child. Model and practice being active together.
Kick balls to learn about balancing. Listen to music and dance.
Play walking and running games (tag, “red light green light” etc.) Play follow the
leader. Set up obstacle courses. Try ball play, hitting and batting, throwing and
catching. Teach them how to ice skate with assistance. Involve them in water
play and swimming. Try hopping and jumping activities together.
The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that children 1 to 4
years old need to be active for at least 180 minutes (3 hours) at moderate
intensity spread throughout the day. Your toddler needs time and space for
active play!
Rhymes: Clap, clap, clap your hands Recipes:
(tune: “Row, row, row, your boat”) Pancake power: Add 1 mashed banana and 1/2 cup of iron
Clap, clap, clap, your hands fortified infant cereal to your favorite pancake recipe.
Clap your hands together
La,la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la Tomato pita: In half a mini pita, place diced tomato, (mixed with
Clap your hands together diced cucumber and avocado– optional), with feta cheese crumbles
Stomp your feet, nod your head etc. or grated cheddar cheese.
I saw a little bird Cantaloupe supreme: Cut cantaloupe in bite size cubes into a
I saw a little bird go hop, hop, hop (hop) bowl, Mix with vanilla or plain yogurt.
So I said “little bird, stop, stop, stop”
I was going to the window to say Snacking tip: Children’s stomach are small. Provide 2-3 healthy
“How do you do?” snacks between meals. Remember one cup of milk or water could
But he shook his little tail and way he flew! fill them up so try to balance between offering food and liquids at
snacks and meals.
If you have any concerns with your child’s development, please contact your local Community Health Services office.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
When you are filling Play with a large ball, With a beach ball, With an old Give your child Give your child an Make faces in a
the bathtub for your see if your child can bat it back and forth. newspaper crumble different size cups to assortment of foods mirror together with
child’s bath, give throw it from standing See if they can use up balls and fill a pour from one into on a plate: yogurt, your child. Talk
them a container of position and then see hands or feet to bop laundry basket or the other in the fruit chunks, pretzel about your emotions
bath toys and have if they can kick it it back and forth with box. Then hide a toy bathtub, or in a sink. sticks, cottage -make a happy face,
them put in one at a also. you. Roll it back and in the container and Say “pour it out” and cheese, raisins and a sad face, an angry
time and say “there forth also. ask your child to find “all gone”. applesauce) Name face, a silly face etc.
goes the boat in the it. “Where’s the each food and talk
tub” etc. (toy)? “ and “There it about tastes.
is!”
Dance with your When doing laundry, When playing with a When eating Take turns throwing Set a box or basket
child. Hold hands, especially, have your doll or an animal ask breakfast, or making stuffed animals, on its side and roll a
change the tempo- child help fold your child to make a snack, write out a balls, or bean bags ball into it. Or make
fast and slow, back washcloths, or tea them “jump, sit, lie number or letter on a into a box or basket. a stack of blocks and
and forth, round and towels, also help down, fall down, eat, paper and have them Talk about taking then roll the ball and
round, and then try them sort and match drink etc” to expand find on the cereal or turns “my turn, your knock them over.
tipping them socks. their knowledge of snack package. turn, good throw,
backwards also. verbs. nice try, you got it in,”
“Dip”! etc.
Mix shaving cream Place your child’s Have your child help Practice hand Play a listening game When dressing your Cut an oval shape
with food coloring in snack in a paper bag to make a special washing with your in the kitchen. Turn child, lay the clothing out of a piece of
a container and and roll down the top. snack, give them a child, before and on a timer, blender, out, and then ask paper and with cut
during bath time Encourage them to plastic knife to cut after meals and after pop some toast, clink them to “get your out facial features
allow your toddler to unroll it and open it to cheese, have spread diaper changes or glasses or pots and shirt, pants, socks (eyes, nose, mouth)
paint the walls, the get the snack inside. hummus on whole using the toilet, after then ask your child etc,” to expand their also, have your child
tub, and themselves Use words like grain crackers, place cleaning noses or “What was that?” clothing vocabulary glue on to the face.
with the “paint”. “open, and where’s food into a bowl or a even playing knowledge. Talk about where
the snack?” plate etc. elsewhere. Wash they go.
hands regularly!
During bath time, Sing this month’s Place a broom on the Roll a quilt or large With a toy phone or With five cotton
give a washcloth to featured rhyme with floor and encourage towel into a bolster old phone, have a balls, place a
your child and have your child: “Clap, your child to step or shape. Put it on the pretend conversation different "smell” ,
them wash a plastic clap, clap, your jump over the handle floor, and see if they with your child on the (perfume, vanilla,
toy or doll, and have hands” and “I saw a as well as the can climb over it, sit phone. Take turns vinegar, lemon juice,
them use it to wash little bird” bristles. on it like a horse and initiating. etc.) on each and
their body also. then get off. Great then have your child
Direct them as to for practicing smell and guess.
what to wash. balance.
www.albertahealthservices.ca
APRIL
Ideas for toddlers from 18 months to 3 years old
Parenting tip: Dental Care
Brush your toddler’s teeth twice a day with their own toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use an amount the size of a grain of rice.
It might help to sing a song or set a timer for about 2 minutes, so they learn how long it takes to do a good job.
Give water or milk in a cup at meal times. When thirsty offer them water during the day. Choose 100% juice and limit to 1/2 cup for
the whole day!
Avoid eating sweet, sticky foods and sugary drinks like pop, sports drinks, fruit flavored beverages, ice slush's and punches. Do not
give your kids energy drinks or drinks with caffeine!
Avoid using sippy cups or using cups with straws built in or bottles, to serve milk or juice. Only use water in these types of cups.
If you notice white lines or brown spots at the gum line, this is a sign of tooth decay.
Visit a dental professional once a year, with your child. Contact your local Community Health Services office for a dental program,
or see a dentist. There are dentists that specialize in tooth care for children, check with your local dentist office for more
information.
Rhymes: Hide and seek Recipe: Whole-Wheat Banana Bread
(to the tune of “Where is thumbkin?”)
2 ¼ cup whole-wheat flour
Where is (child’s name)?
Where is (child’s name)? ¾ teaspoon baking soda
What should we do? ¼ teaspoon salt
What should we do? 3 ripe bananas, mashed
Peek-a-boo (child’s name) ¼ cup plain yogurt
Peek-a-boo (child’s name) ¼ cup honey
I see you, I see you 2 eggs
⅓ cup oil (canola or vegetable)
Go Bananas rhyme
1 teaspoon vanilla
Act out actions
Peel, peel, peel bananas (pretend to peel) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease pan.
Slice, slice, slice bananas (pretend to slice)
Mash, mash, mash bananas (pretend to Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate
mash) bowl mix mashed bananas with yogurt, honey, eggs, oil, and
vanilla. Fold the banana mixture into the flour mixture until
Eat, eat ,eat bananas (pretend to eat) blended. Pour batter into pan. Bake for 40 – 50 minutes.
Go bananas, go ! (move and shake body)
If you have any concerns with your child’s development, please contact your local Community Health Services office.Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Gather a cup or Have an egg hunt Read a book or a Help your child to Make a puppet with Gather spoons and Create a special
container, and a with your child, hide magazine with your crawl up stairs and your child. If you do forks and two cups book “All about Me”
small toy. Then ask plastic eggs with age child. Ask them to show them how to not have one, then for sorting. Then ask with your child. Fill
them to place the toy appropriate prizes. point to the pictures come down safely. with a mitten or sock, them to put the with pictures of them
“in, under, on top of, Give them a basket you specify and see Use words like “be super glue googly spoon in one cup and and of family, pets,
behind” the cup or to put their eggs in, if they can turn the careful”, “on your eyes or sew on the fork in the other. their house etc.
container. count to make sure pages, without bum”, turn around”, buttons, nose (pom- Place and sort the Include their name,
all eggs were found. ripping. etc. pom) and tongue (cut pieces all together. their handprint, and
from felt) age. Read often!
Ask you child to Pretend to be a Sing this month’s When dressing your Go for a longer walk With an assortment
name their body bunny with your featured rhyme with child, give them outside with your of containers, bottles
parts. “Where are child. Help them to your child: “Hide and choices. “Would you child, talk about and lids. Show your
your eyes, your nose, hop with both feet. Seek” and “Go like to wear the red walking up and child how to match
your feet, you arm, Say “hop, hop, hop” Bananas” shirt or the blue down as you go. the lids and see if
your head etc” and as you bounce. shirt?...the white or Count their steps. they can make it fit.
see if they will point the gray socks?” Good problem
to them. solving activity.
Have your child copy With a large box, Have a circle day. With masking tape, With blocks or books During snack time, sit When playing with a
your movements, make it into a car, Cut out a “circle” and create different create a special one of your child’s ball, encourage your
shake your head (for cuts doors that open, have them find shapes on the floor, maze in a room that favorite stuffed child to pass from
yes and no), move have them color or circles throughout the Encourage your child they must drive a car animals or dolls the one hand to the
your right hand then paint wheels and house or outside. to jump into the through from one beside them. other and talk about
your left hand, wiggle lights on. Have them Give them circle square, the triangle. side to the other. Pretend to feed them “right” and ”left”
your right foot them give “push” rides to shaped snacks– Or ask them to drive and give the toy a when playing.
your left foot etc. their toys or fasten a crackers, cut cheese their car or place a drink using an empty
rope on to “pull”. into a circle etc. toy in the circle, etc. cup.
With your child With a large ball, Cover your kitchen Sing “Old McDonald Place a bunch of Count the numbers
pretend to be practice kicking with table with a large had a farm” with pots and pans out on on a clock face.
different animals like your child. If they sheet, so that it animal toys or floor with lids. See if Draw a number and
dogs, cats, frogs, have trouble with touches the ground. pictures. When your child can match have them point to
ducks etc. Mimic the balance, sit them on Place a few pillows, singing the animal the lids to the pots. the number to
animal movements a stool and have toys and even share sounds show the match. Say the
and sounds, them try kicking the a special snack corresponding number.
sleeping, eating and ball. Say “kick!” inside the tent! animal.
drinking, with your
child.
www.albertahealthservices.caMAY
Ideas for toddlers from 18 months to 3 years old
Recipes:
Fruit dip
Encourage your child to dip pieces of fruit like strawberries, grapes and banana
and then dip into plain yogurt and eat!
Tuna dip
Mix tuna with mayonnaise and then use it as a dip for crackers or veggies like
carrots and celery.
Rabbit Roll-up
Wrap cheese strips in a lettuce leaf. Cut into bite sized pieces and serve.
Parenting tip:
Rhymes: Language development warning signs
On my Face (Tune;:Twinkle, twinkle little star) If you have answer “no” to any of the following questions with respect to
(point to body parts) your child’s language development and they are between the ages noted
On my face I have a nose below, then please contact your local Community Health Service office or
On my feet I have ten toes a Speech and Language Pathologist for further assessments.
I’ve got five fingers on each hand
Got two legs to help me stand Between the ages 18 and 24 months old:
There are so many parts of me Does your child talk? Does your child use more gestures than actual
That I am learning as you can see words? Does your child understand simple directions?
Wash the dishes rhyme Between 24 and 36 months of age:
Hold your child’s hands Does your child show frustration when trying to talk?
Wash the dishes, wash the dishes( swing their arms side Is your child’s speech difficult for you and other people to understand?
to side) Does your child put two words together in meaningful phrases?
Dry the dishes, dry the dishes
Turn the dishes over (on “over” swing your child’s arms Early detection of difficulties can make language skills easier for your
over their head and spin them around) child especially with early speech and language activities and
strategies.
If you have any concerns with your child’s development, please contact your local Community Health Services office.Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Take your toddler Play “what do you Scribble with your Give your child Play with cars, and Play an “over /under” With some stickers,
swimming. Start out see?” with your child on paper. Talk measuring cups or make car sounds game by providing decorate a page
with short sessions child. Encourage about colors. Take spoons or bowls to with your child (boy items (ropes, poles, together. Help them
and increase the your child to point to turns making marks stack or nest inside or girl) and make car hoops, pillows/ remove, place on
time as they get used objects and then and switching one another. sounds like “vroom, cushions stacked) that their finger and have
to it, consider label the objects they crayons. See if they “beep-beep” when they can climb, walk or them “stick” to the
attending parent-tot do not know. will trade you. something’s in the jump over. paper.
lessons also. way or “erch” when
they stop.
Play a reaching Make a house and a Lay your child on Gather five objects Try a “paint with water” Look at a book
game. Hold an object garage with books their back and then (spoon, toy car, ball, book, (can purchase at together, point and
over your child’s and blocks. Drive a ask them to lift cup, sock,) put them drugstores and toy ask “what’s this?” if
head and just out of toy car into or put different body parts in a pile and mix stores). Pictures they do not respond
reach. Encourage people or animals in like two arms, two them up. Then ask appear when painted label the picture, but
them to reach up and pretend play with legs. Then place a “Where is the ___?” with water, use a if they do respond
with their arms and your child. ball between their And then “there it is!” paintbrush or cotton then say “yes that is
possibly up on their feet or their hands Make mistakes also: swab. Magic! a___” .
tiptoes to grab it. and lift up and down. “that’s not a ___” etc
When grocery Build a tower of Have a “rectangle” Play hide and seek Encourage your child Go for a walk with your Use matching game
shopping allow your blocks with your day. Cut out a with another person. to help clear their child and another cards, or playing
child to “touch” child. See if they can rectangle and have Have them hide and dishes from the table person, have each cards (“Go fish”, or
different items. Talk stack and balance them find rectangle then seek them out for washing. Have person hold hands “Old Maid” cards)
about what they feel over five blocks. shapes throughout with your toddler. them place in with your child. When and lay them out
and smell like. Use the house and yard. Say “Where are dishwasher or in the walking count to three and see if your child
words like “yummy”, Cut their snack you?” “Are you sink. Let them help and then swing your can make matches,
“big”, “cold”, etc (cheese, bread, fruit) under the table?” wash dishes in the child and say “Whee” of the cards that are
into a rectangle. “Behind the door?” sink. the same. Label too!
etc.
Draw a tree on a Before dressing your Place masking tape Show your child how When driving talk Encourage your
paper, then with your child lay your child’s x’s on the floor, and to crumble up about what you see. child to copy you as
child, place green clothes out on the encourage your child newspaper, and then “red light means we you draw with
paint on their pointer floor. Use words like to jump from one “X” practice throwing it have to stop,” “oh crayons. Draw lines,
finger and make “let’s put on your to another. Try into a container green light means we side to side, up or
prints for leaves. shirt, where is it?” playing music at the bucket or bowl. Say can go” When you go down and circles.
same time, and when “throw it in, or oh you over a bump , say See if they will copy.
the music stops they missed” “whoa, bumpy” etc.
sit!
www.albertahealthservices.caJUNE
Ideas for toddlers from 18 months to 3 years old
Parenting tip: Sun safety: Recipes:
Have your child wear a hat always when going outside. Try to also have Smoothie
them wear sunglasses. Apply children’s SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen 1/2 cup of frozen fruit of your choice (bananas, blueberries,
on all skin that is exposed to the sun, every time you go out and peaches, strawberries, or other favorite fruit)
especially when playing near or on water. Re-apply sunscreen every 2 1/2 cup plain yogurt
hours when in full sun. Try to play in the shade or bring an umbrella to 1/2 cup milk
the beach or park. Place ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
Mosquito safety: Fruit Salad
For children 18 months to 2 years, and ONLY if a high risk for Cut apples, peaches, bananas and grapes (halve or
mosquitoes is present than use a insect repellant (with less than 10% quarter grapes as needed). Arrange fruits on a plate
DEET) only 1 time a day. Use only sparingly, and avoid prolonged use. around a small bowl of plain yogurt for dipping.
May be made into a parfait by layering fruits, with yogurt
For children (2-12 years) of age, use a repellant (with 10% DEET or then fruit then yogurt in a small clear glass or bowl.
less) no more than three times day. Have your child wear long pants
and sleeves, at dawn and at dusk when mosquitoes are at their worst.
Avoid putting repellant on faces and hands. Put repellant on after
sunscreen for most effectiveness.
Rhyme: Slowly, slowly, very slowly
Slowly, slowly, very slowly goes the garden snail
Slowly, slowly, very slowly up the garden trail (Walk your fingers up their leg
or arm)
Very quickly goes the bee (fly your fingers like a bee)
Quickly, quickly, very quickly
You can’t catch me (try to “sting” them)
Quickly, quickly, very quickly runs the little mouse (walk your finger fast up
their leg or arm)
Quickly, quickly, very quickly into his little house (then tickle them under their
arms)
If you have any concerns with your child’s development, please contact your local Community Health Services office.Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Walk barefoot with Make a sandwich for With a paper When you are Color a sidewalk with Have a “square” day.
your child through lunch together. Talk streamer let your outside for a walk, sidewalk chalk and Cut out colored
the grass or sand at about the steps, give child run around your play a look and find then squirt it with a squares and glue
the beach. Give your child a dull or yard or in the park game. Say “I see a water gun and watch them on a paper.
them a variety of plastic knife for with it. Try to chase flower, do you see it transform. Find squares in your
walking surfaces to spreading and catch them. it?” Continue with house, have a
walk on to strengthen condiments. Talk other things you may square shaped
this skill. about each step. see like rock, swing, snack (cheese
car, fence, etc. cubes, crackers etc)
Dress one of your Make a ramp with Mix together two Make a bridge or a Encourage your child When washing your Have your child help
child’s larger stuffed books and a tissue different kinds of tunnel by placing to help with little jobs. child at bath time, “clean up” toys. Give
animals with one of box. Drive cars or snacks (cut grapes blocks and books “Can you bring this to give them a them directions as
their T-shirts and trains up and then let and raisins) then together. Push cars your sister?”, “Can washcloth and ask you clean. “Can you
diaper and socks. them go down the separate them into or balls through the you help pick up them “Where is your put his book on the
Encourage your child ramp. Balls are fun two piles. Once “tunnel” or over the toys?” Then praise foot?” “There it is, table, please?” “Can
to undress and dress to do this with to sorted then eat! “bridge”. with “what a good let’s wash it.” you put this toy in
their buddy. especially if they are helper you are !” the box?” Always
going to catch. praise and thank!
Stack some blocks or Look at a book Play with play dough Cut out shapes and Give your child a Fill an inflatable ball
containers. Then together and say “I and make snakes then have your bucket of water and partially with water
present a ball to see a ___. Do you with your child. Poke toddler glue the an old paintbrush or and the rest with air.
knock them over. see the ___?” When forks or toothpicks shapes onto another rag and encourage Have fun rolling,
But first ask: “What they point to it, then into the snakes and piece of paper with a them to “paint” the shaking , and
will happen?” Then say, “there it is, you give them spots! glue stick. sidewalk or the throwing it to one
“oh no, blocks fell found it!” house. Always another.
down.” supervise your child
near water!
After washing the Go to a park and When changing their Sing this month’s With a sticker placed Have your child Gather five or six
silverware have your swing on the swings diaper, talk about the featured rhyme with at the top of a paper practice brushing or items and place
child place the forks together. Try to smell. Say “Pe-yew! your child: “Slowly, and one at the combing with a doll them in a line on the
and spoons etc. in catch their feet when stinky, stinky!” And slowly, very slowly...” bottom. Ask your or an animal and floor. Then ask
their corresponding you give them a hold your nose! child to draw a line then ask them to them “Where is the
place in the tray or push. When they are all straight from one to brush your hair and ___?”
drawer. clean say “mm, you the other. You can then their hair.
smell much better!” also ask them to “Pretty girl! or
circle around a Handsome boy!”
sticker.
www.albertahealthservices.caJULY
Ideas for toddlers from 18 months to 3 years old
Rhyme:
Grand Old Duke of York
The grand old duke of York (lift child in the air)
He had ten thousand men (set back on knees)
He marched them up to the top of the hill (lift up)
He marched them down again (lift down)
And when they were up they were up (up)
And when they were down they were down (down)
And when they were only halfway up they were neither up
nor down (up then down)
He marched them to the left (lean left)
He marched them to the right (lean right) Parenting tip: Learning to regulate emotions
He marched them round and round the town (move in
circle) When you stay calm, you help your child to calm themselves, and can then
And he marched them out of sight (drop knees and tilt help them to regulate emotions. If you are out of control, their behavior can
them back!) also escalate.
Provide warmth
Recipes: Be patient– remember they are learning.
Bull’s eye Accept your toddler’s feelings and let them know you understand.
Slice a hard boiled egg and put slices on a round whole Do not make fun of them or laugh at them when they are upset or afraid.
wheat cracker.
Provide structure
Cheese and applesauce Name the feeling and show them that you understand, and then limit the
Cut cheese into sticks and provide a bowl of applesauce behavior that could hurt them or other people (e.g. “I see you’re angry.
for your child to dip their cheese in. It’s okay to be angry, but it’s not okay to bite”)
Explain your reason. Keep it simple. (eg: Biting hurts people)
Sweet pepper snack Give them some 1 or 2 ideas they can try instead. (Examples: sit and
Cut up red, yellow and green peppers and provide calm down, take deep breaths, make a mad face, use words to tell how
hummus for your child to dip it in! they are feeling, walk away, hug a stuffed toy)
If you have any concerns with your child’s development, please contact your local Community Health Services office.Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
When washing your Cut a stencil shape Go for a walk, and With blocks, sort out When brushing their With newspaper or
child create lots of (circle, square) in the ask your child “Which the colors with your teeth, encourage an old magazine
bubbles and foam middle of a paper way should we go?”, child. Place all the your child to make an show your child how
when lathering their plate. Place a sheet “How far?” “Now blue ones together, “aaah” sound when to rip strips of paper.
hands. Sing the of paper underneath what?”, etc. Let them all the red ones you want to brush When you have
alphabet song while and have your child take the lead. together...etc. their molars and an finished ripping tape
you lather, so they color in the middle. Children can match “eee” sound when or glue to another
get in the habit of You may have to colors before they you want to brush paper and make a
scrubbing. hold or tape down know their names. their front teeth. collage.
the stencil.
In a basin or bucket When outside stand Give your child a When preparing a Sing this month’s When walking down On a mattress, or an
outside, give your child in front of fence or small riding toy to meal encourage your featured rhyme with a sidewalk air mattress, support
a washcloth and a toy your house with the push with their legs. child to cook too! your child: “The encourage your child your child and jump
or doll to wash. Talk sun behind you and Help them to climb Give your child a Grand Old Duke of not to step on the by holding their
about what to wash mixing bowl and a
first , next and label the
talk about shadows, on and off and give York”. cracks but jump over hands.
your shadow and them a push if they spoon. Have them instead. “Jump!”
parts of the item. mix a salad, stir batter,
Always supervise theirs. need.
mix pasta etc.
around water!
When walking with When sitting at the Have a “triangle” day. With a plastic Stage a puppet show With a medium sized
another adult or a table give your child Cut out triangles and margarine or yogurt for your child from ball, encourage your
teen, each hold one a straw and have glue them on a container, cut an “X” behind your couch. child to throw, hold
of their hands and them blow cotton paper. Find triangles into the matching lid. Use stuffed animals, and try to catch the
then on the count of balls or other straws in your house. Have Then show your child dolls or even socks ball.
three say “jump” and across the table. a pizza with triangle how to push different to act out a little skit.
swing and lift your pieces to eat; or cut objects like a ball,
child off the ground cheese into triangles spoon, toys, through
together. the hole.
Blow bubbles with When outside, play “What was that?” ask When walking, play Pretend to be a dog Collect some rocks Play with a bag that
your child, or show some music, hold your child to listen for “stop and go”. with your child. with your child on a has a zipper closure,
them how to move hands and dance on a sound, either inside Practice starting and Together “wag your walk together. Then show your child how
their hand so the the grass or run or outside. Talk stopping, pretend to tail, sit, lay down roll give your child a to open and close,
wind catches the through a sprinkler to about what it must be cars, while you over, dig and bury small basin with put a toy in and
bubbles also. keep cool. be, and ask them to walk or run. Talk bones, even drink water, and wash the close; then open and
try to copy the sound. about slow and fast water out of a bowl.” rocks. Talk about the get it out!
also. difference between
“wet and dry”.
www.albertahealthservices.caAUGUST
Ideas for toddlers from 18 months to 3 years old
Parenting tip: Car Seat safety
It is safest for a child to stay rear facing until at
least 2 years old, or they reach the maximum
height and weight for the car seat as stated by the
manufacturer.
Rhymes:
This is the way we … Once a child switches to the forward-facing car
wash your face, wash your face, wash seat, they need to reach the maximum weight or
your face. height limit of the seat (as stated by the
This is the way we wash your face so manufacturer) before they can use a booster seat.
early in the morning.
Recipes: (change tune to fit the task and time) All child safety seats must be held in place with a
seat belt or with the Universal Anchorage System
Mini pizza Tony Chestnut (UAS). Every vehicle is different so you need to
On a whole grain mini pita, spread Tony Chestnut check the vehicle owner's manual for how to use
1 tbsp. pizza or spaghetti sauce. Then the UAS in your vehicle. All forward facing child
(point to toes, knees, chest and head) safety seats must also be secured with a top tether
top with cheese, peppers, pineapple, Knows I love you strap. Follow the installation instructions that come
mushrooms etc. Mmm... Yummy! (point to nose, eye, cross arms over with the seat. Pull the straps tight enough so that
chest and point to “you”) the seat moves less then 2.5 cm (1 inch) in any
Berry– Mango frozen yogurt Tony knows, Tony knows direction.
Place 1/2 a mango (remove pit and (point to toes, knees and nose)
skin), 2 cups of frozen mixed berries Tony Chestnut For installation instruction refer to the safety seat
and 1 cup plain yogurt into a blender. Knows I love you instruction manual and your vehicle manual. Take
Serve immediately soft or place into a That’s what Tony knows the child safety seat “yes test” online at
popsicle mold. Freeze, run under (point to toe, knee, nose) www.myhealth.alberta.ca or
warm water to pop out to serve. Note www.healthyparentshealthychildren.ca
popsicle sticks can be a choking
For more information contact Health Link Alberta
hazard.
at 811
If you have any concerns with your child’s development, please contact your local Community Health Services office.Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
When doing the Make a play piggy Have a “teddy bear” Take a ball to the When your child is in Once your child can
laundry, do a sock bank with a coffee day. Have your child park. Have your the bath tub, create blow out well. Give
load together. Once can with lid you have do all their activities child roll it down the cool hairdos with your child a straw and
dry, pair them up cut a slit into. Then with their doll or slide, and then roll it shampoo. Spike it or in a pan of water and
dish soap encourage
with your child. See with lids or saved stuffed animal. They back up to them. curl it and show your them to blow and make
if they can find the frozen juice can lids, can eat, sleep, play Play catch! child in a hand held bubbles. Add food
match! have your child place together all day. mirror their fancy do! coloring for extra fun.
the “coins” into the Supervise...make sure
slot. they blow not suck!
Play with a shape Have a “red” day. When eating, give Encourage your child When getting ready Give your child an Throw a Frisbee or
sorter or a puzzle. Wear red clothes, your child only a little and show them how to go outside ask egg carton to play an ice cream lid to
Assist them with serve foods that are bit of a food they love to whisper. Tell them your child to get their with. Put some one another and try
words say “it fits” or “red”. Color a piece and see if they will something very shoes. Then to get crackers, raisins into to catch. Great
“no that one is of paper red and then ask or gesture for special in a whisper. your shoes. Can the egg cups and exercise!
different, it does not take it throughout the “more”. Encourage Teach them how to they bring the right practice opening and
work, try another house and match but do not frustrate change their voice. ones? closing as well as
one”. things to it that are them. snacking.
red.
With your child Fill a pan with water Have your child Bury some toys or Place different size Give your child a Place a shoe, a
decorate coloring outside and have practice going up rocks in the sand and boxes, containers or small box to push spoon and a cup in a
pictures. Use your child put their and down stairs. then help your child baskets on the floor, around to pick up line and ask your
different colors, don’t feet in it. Then Encourage them to dig them out with make a train. See if toys, pretend it is a child. “which one do
worry if they don’t encourage them to crawl or walk. Let their hands or with a your child “fits” into “pick up” truck. Pick you......drink with?,
color in the lines, just get out and make them decide. If shovel. any of them. Which up toys, put in truck eat with? wear? See
direct them as to footprints on the walking support by one do they like the then drive to drop if they gesture to the
what they should steps or on the holding their hands. best? Help them to them off! object, then do the
color. sidewalk. Supervise! climb in and out. action with the
object.
Play doctor or nurse Sing this month’s Make a picture Give your child a Play a rolling game When bathing your
with your child. featured rhymes with puzzle. Cut the choice between foods together. Roll on the child, fill only a little
Pretend that their your child: “This is picture of a cereal “Would you like lawn, roll down a hill bit, then seat your
stuffed animal or doll the way we…” and box or a greeting peaches or banana? at the park, roll child facing the taps
is sick. Take their “Tony Chestnut” card picture into Show your child the across the floor, or and let them put their
temperature, put on three pieces. Then two as well and see if on a blanket with hand under the
Band-Aids, listen to have your child try to they will point or say pillows under it. running water. Talk
their heart, etc. put them back the word. If not say about and let them
“banana?” feel “cold” and “hot”.
together.
“peaches”?
www.albertahealthservices.caSEPTEMBER
Ideas for toddlers from 18 months to 3 years old
Parenting tip:
To help your child strengthen their listening skills:
When you are giving your child a direction- make sure you connect
before you direct.
Speak within three feet of your child.
Establish good eye contact. Instead of saying “look at me” direct your
child’s eyes, try “I see your eyes are looking at the toy could they look
at my eyes”.
Use your child’s name in the direction “Kim, I need you to…”
Keep the direction short and simple. Ask them to repeat it, so you
know they processed it.
When they are talking to you make sure you model good listening
skills in return, show that you are listening, get down to their level, use
good eye contact etc.
When they have mastered responding to one direction, then try to give Rhymes:
them two directions one after another and see if they can complete Where are my clothes? (Tune: Frere Jacques)
both tasks like: “Can you close the door and then put your ball away in Shoes and socks, shoes and socks
the toy box?” Where are they?
Where are they?
Get your shoes and socks
Get your shoes and socks
Recipe: Thank you (child’s name)
Pumpkin soup Thank you (child’s name)
Cook 1 1/2 cups of diced onion and 1 1/2 cups of diced red pepper in a Can use other clothing items also!
soup pot over medium heat until soft.
Sitting in my high chair (Tune: Shortening Bread)
Add 2 cups canned pumpkin and 2 1/2 cups milk. Sitting in my high chair, high chair, high chair
Blend mixture in food processor or blender until smooth. Sitting in my high chair banging my spoons
Return to pot and add 1/4 tsp. cumin and pepper to taste. Cook on low heat Bring on the carrots, bring on the peas (substitute other
for 15 minutes and serve. foods)
Won’t somebody feed this baby please!
If you have any concerns with your child’s development, please contact your local Community Health Services office.Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Make some cookies Have your child stand When dressing your Place your child’s Hide one of your Wash an empty milk
or a cake together. on a stair, on a curb child. Ask them hand on a piece of child’s stuffed jug and cut off the
Let them help put in or even a thick book “what goes on first?”, paper and trace animals in a room. bottom, tape the
the ingredients. Mix and then have them then “what is next?”, around it with a Then say to your edges with masking
and stir together and jump off towards you. and “what is last?” crayon or pencil. Let child “Your teddy tape so it is not
take turns. Talk Then say “All done!” them trace around bear’s hiding. Where sharp. Use it like a
about each step. your hand also. Try is it?” “Is it on the megaphone or
Bake and watch. feet too! chair?” “Is it under trumpet and make
Enjoy! the couch?....etc. sounds together.
Tape or record your When cleaning up Have a “blue” day. Go for a walk and Sing an action song When looking at a Spin in a circle with
child singing or toys together, make Wear blue clothes, collect rocks and with your child and book with your child, your child. Talk
talking. Then watch up or sing a clean up serve foods that are leaves in a bag with move to the ask “what’s this?” If about going around,
or listen to it together song, sing it until “blue”. Color a piece your child. When movements like: they respond, then and around, faster,
after. everything is put of paper blue and you get home “Hokey Pokey”, repeat the word slower, stop and go.
away. then take it separate them into “Wheels on the Bus”, again. If they do not
throughout the house two piles. “Ring around the respond, talk about
and match things to it Rosie” etc. the picture and what
that are blue. it is and does, and
sounds like.
Play an “on/off “ Tape shapes to the With a broom, or a Play dress up with With some aluminum Hide three noisy
game with your child. floor, like a circle, short hockey stick your child. With an foil, crumple into a items such as a
Allow them to turn square, triangle. pretend that it is a assortment of hats, loose ball, then with timer, a rattle and a
lights on and off or Then have your child horse. Show your scarves and capes a wooden spoon squeak toy under a
the radio. Describe move to jump onto a child how to ride it (towels). Put on have your child towel. Make a
the action as they shape. Talk about and say “yee haw!” different combos of hammer the foil into sound with one and
turn things off and which one they are “ride em cowboy/ items on yourself and a small ball. Then uncover to see if
on. on. cowgirl!” encourage your child after, pretend to play your child chooses
to put on also. hockey with it and the one that made
the wooden spoon. the sound.
Collect six smooth Give your child a ride Sing this month’s When cleaning up Make magic mud Rake a pile of leaves When grocery
stones, place three in on a blanket swing. featured rhyme with after a meal or after with your child. Mix 1 and let your child shopping with your
the freezer and three Have your child lay your child: “Where play dough or a craft, cup of cornstarch jump and roll in the child. Ask them
in a pan of hot water. down on a blanket. are my clothes” and tape a picture of an with 1/2 cup with pile. Alternatively if where are the
Then put them all the Hold the corners of a “Sitting in my animal to the water. Allow your you do not have bananas/ the cheese
table, talk about blanket with another highchair” wastebasket and say child to feel, scoop leaves you could etc...and see if they
which ones are hot adult. Lift your child “Feed me!” and play with it. jump or roll in a pile can find and point
and cold. slowly and gently Encourage all the Easy clean up! of cushions and them out to you.
scraps get placed
swing them. pillows.
inside!
www.albertahealthservices.caYou can also read
