This document is available in PDF format if you prefer.
Bubbles.
Let your toddler try to blow bubbles or watch
you blow bubbles through a straw.
Bubbles are fun to pop and chase, too.
Kitchen Play.
Fill a plastic tub with cornmeal or oatmeal. Put in kitchen spoons, strainers, measuring cups, funnels, or plastic containers. Toddlers can fill, dump, pour, and learn about textures and use of objects as tools. Tasting won't be harmful.
Make Instant Pudding.
Let your toddler "help" by dumping pudding, pouring milk, and stirring. The results are good to eat or can be used for finger painting.
Play Hide and Seek.
Your toddler can hide with another person or by herself for you to find. Then take your turn to hide and let your toddler find you.
Play in the Water.
Put squeezable objects in the bathtub, such as sponges or squeeze bottles, along with dump-and-pour toys (cups, bowls).
Play "Where Did It Go?"
Get two containers (coffee cups or cereal bowls) that look the same and a small toy. Hide the toy under one container while your toddler watches.
Ask her to find it. Eventually you can play the old shell game
(moving the containers after you hide the toy).
Pretend Play.
Encourage your toddler to have a doll or stuffed toy do what he does -- walk, go to bed, dance, eat, and jump. Include the doll in daily activities or games.
Put Objects Together.
Simple puzzles (separate pieces) with knobs are great.
Putting keys into locks and letters into mailbox slots is fun, too.
Sort Objects.
Your toddler can help you sort laundry (put socks in one pile and shirts in another). Play "clean up" games. Have your toddler put toys on specified shelves or boxes.
Adapted from ASQ-3TM User's Guide by Squires, Twombly, Bricker, & Potter. © 2009 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.