Shape Play
Everyday materials can be perfect playthings!
Help kids color in the shapes and cut them out, then have fun creating together! You might:
- Arrange the shapes in different ways to build pictures. Can you make a house? A boat? A tower? An airplane?
- Hold up a shape, then work together to form that shape with your bodies.
- Create a picture with the shapes and make up a story about it.
- Pass a shape back and forth pretending that it’s different things: “Look! This triangle can be a hat! Now it’s an airplane! Now it’s an umbrella!”
- Hide the shapes around the house and play “Shape Hunt.”
If you don’t have access to a printer, you can cut apart a sheet of paper similarly (no need to match exactly)!
Parenting Moment: Describing
The way you talk with children matters! Your words have power.
Parenting Moment: Imitating
Playing is learning! The way you play with children matters… your actions and words have power.
Parenting Moment: Reflecting
The way you talk with children matters… your words have power!
Parenting Moment: Enjoying!
Showing you enjoy your time together with your child builds your special bond. And when you’re being positive, your little one is more likely to do the same.
The Power of Following Children’s Lead
Joining children in their play offers so many opportunities to encourage, communicate, bond, spark and share joy, teach, show warmth and kindness, and help them thrive.
Milestones: Your 18-Month Old
All children grow and develop at their own pace; use this chart to guide your expectations and observations so you can talk to your child’s pediatrician about questions or concerns.
Milestones: Your Baby’s First Year
All children grow and develop at their own pace; use this chart to guide your expectations and observations so you can talk to your child’s pediatrician about questions or concerns.
