Engaging Activities for Your One-Year-Old: Best Practices and Tips

Encouraging early literacy skills and fostering a strong bond with your one-year-old is crucial. From reading personalized books to engaging in simple, fun activities, this comprehensive guide offers a variety of age-appropriate activities designed to promote learning and joy.

Activities for One-Year-Olds (12 to 24 Months)

These activities are perfect for children ranging from 12 to 24 months. If your child isn't ready for an activity, hold off until they are. Here are some engaging options:

1. Play with a Blanket

This was a favorite activity with my kids, and it's a great way to build sensory skills and imagination. Encourage rolling, hiding, and peek-a-boo sessions.

2. Play Musical Instruments

Introduce your child to simple musical instruments like a wooden xylophone or a simple drum. This helps with motor skills and rhythm.

3. Sing Nursery Rhymes and Have a Dance Party

Singing and dancing together not only promote physical coordination but also teach musical concepts and develop their bubbly personalities.

4. Blow Bubbles

Bubbles are a fun and educational way to teach your child about air pressure, cause and effect, and following instructions.

5. Play with a Ball

Rolling and throwing a ball helps with fine and gross motor skills. You can also incorporate it into games to make it more engaging.

6. Play with a Balloon

A simple balloon can provide endless entertainment. You can play catch with it, teach them to float it, and even make balloon animals.

7. Look at Photos and Paintings

Show your child family photos or paintings and help them understand the stories behind them. This enhances their visual literacy and cognitive development.

8. Play with Blocks

Bropriate blocks can be used to teach number concepts, shapes, and colors. Building with them is a fun way to foster creativity and problem-solving skills.

Talking to Your One-Year-Old

While many parents use babytalk, research shows that using regular vocabulary significantly enhances a child's vocabulary and understanding. Encourage your child to repeat what they hear and use their words in context. By doing so, they'll learn more quickly and perform better in school.

Resources for Activities

Tupperware cardboard boxes with windows cut in the sides Wooden spoons Plastic colander Plastic bowls

Physical and Engaged Interaction

To ensure your child gets the most out of their activities, get down to their level physically and interact directly. Here are some suggestions:

Do art or craft activities together. Read picture books, showing them the pictures. Play with open-ended toys like construction blocks. Let them take the lead in play and imagination games. Take them to nature and animals. Throw balls with them and play in the sand. Take them to a playground and the zoo. Engage in simple gardening tasks with them. Bake something simple and yummy for afternoon tea.

The Best Thing to Do with Your One-Year-Old

The best thing to do with your one-year-old is to give them your undivided attention. Reading to them fosters a love of reading, and playing together regularly helps build their confidence and social skills. Encourage your child by dancing, singing, and enjoying every moment with them.