Made For Play
Explore child development through play, find inspiration for your next DIY project, and discover tips for selecting the perfect toys for your little ones.
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Key Childhood Development Milestones
Childhood Milestones By Age From sitting up on their own to recognizing letters and numbers, kids’ early years are filled with important developmental milestones. So much so that it can leave parents feeling overwhelmed and pressured to help their kids “check all the boxes.” But take that pressure off – the good news is that with a supportive environment, most kids reach their physical, cognitive, and social milestones just fine. Even so, knowing the basic milestones for each age group can help you determine if you should ask your child’s pediatrician about their development. While it seems like apps, books, and information on babies’ milestones are everywhere, finding info developmental milestones for toddlers and preschoolers can be a bit tougher. To make things simple, here are some of the childhood developmental milestones the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics use as markers of healthy development for kids ages 2 and up. 2 Years Social & Emotional Copies others Shows interest in other children. (At this age, they still mainly play near other kids but will also start playing with them occasionally. For more on the difference between the two, check out our article on Types of Play). Growing in independence Shows defiant behavior (Yep. Though it’s still important to set clear boundaries, pushing those boundaries is actually an important part of your child’s development. Language & Communication Can point to objects/ pictures as you name them. Can name some items in a picture book Knows names of familiar people/ body parts/ objects Says 2 - 4 word sentences Follows simple instructions Cognitive Finds things even when hidden under two or three covers Begins to sort shapes and colors (They don’t have to be perfect at this by any means!) Completes sentences and rhymes in familiar books Plays simple make-believe games Builds towers of 4 or more blocks Physical Can stand on tiptoes Kicks a ball Begins to run (Toddling, non-graceful runs are A-Okay at this age!) Climbs onto and down from furniture without help Walks up and down stairs while holding rails/ hands for support 3 Years Social & Emotional Shows affection and concern for friends Understands possessive pronouns (i.e. mine, his, hers, etc.) Takes turns during games Can usually separate from parents/ main caregivers easily Dresses and undresses self Language & Communication Follows 2 -3 step instructions Can name most familiar things Understands prepositions (i.e. in, on, around, etc.) Names friends Uses pronouns (i.e I, me, we, etc.) and some plurals Others can understand their speech most of the time Converses with 2 - 3 sentences Cognitive Plays make-believe with dolls, animals, and people Complete 3 - 4 piece puzzles Understands the concept of the number “2” Can copy a circle with a pencil or crayon (It doesn’t need to be a perfect circle!) Builds towers of more than 6 blocks Turns jar lids and door handles Physical Climbs well Runs easily Pedals a tricycle (3-wheel bike) Climbs onto and down from furniture without help Walks up and downstairs, one foot on each step 4 Years Social & Emotional Enjoys doing new things Is increasingly creative with make-believe play Prefers to play with other children over playing alone Cooperates with other children (Usually… of course, some disagreements are inevitable!) Talks about likes and interests Language & Communication Knows some basic rules of grammar, such as correctly using “he” and “she” Sings or says songs and poems from memory Tells stories Can say first and last name Cognitive Names some colors and some numbers Understands the idea of counting (even if they don’t count perfectly yet) Begins to understand time (This doesn’t mean they can tell time yet. Rather, they start to loosely understand concepts of days, hours, past, and present). Can remember and retell parts of a story Understands concepts of “same” and “different” Can use scissors Can draw a person with 2 - 4 body parts Copies some capital letters Tells you what he thinks is going to happen next in a book Physical Hops/ stands on one foot for 2 seconds Can catch bounced balls (most of the time) Pours, mashes, and sometimes cuts own food 5 Years Social & Emotional Wants to please and be like friends More likely to agree with rules Likes to sing, dance, and act Can distinguish between real and make-believe Language & Communication Speaks very clearly Tells a story with full sentences Uses the future tense Can say name and address Cognitive Counts 10 or more things Copies triangles, rectangles, and other geometric shapes with pencil or crayon Draws a person with at least 6 body parts Can write some letters / numbers Knows about everyday items like money Physical Stands/ hops on one foot for 10 + seconds Hops and maybe skips Can do a somersault Controls a fork, spoon, and sometimes a table knife well Can use the bathroom independently Swings and climbs What Can You Do to Support Your Child’s Development? First off, keep in mind that every child will meet milestones at different times. While these guidelines are helpful for determining if your child is developing properly, development isn’t a race and we shouldn’t rush our kids to be ahead or stress if they don’t check every single milestone exactly on their birthday. (Though always talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns about missed milestones). That being said, there are plenty of low-stress, low-pressure things parents can and should do to support healthy development for their toddlers and preschoolers. Fortunately, most of these things are as simple as talking, playing, and reading with your kids! Play pretend with your child and follow their lead and ideas. Provide simple toys that promote pretend play such as dolls and toys that promote dramatic roleplay like dress-up costumes, play kitchens, and playhouses. Provide simple toys that promote cognitive development and fine motor skills such as puzzles and blocks. Read with your child every day. Reading is one of the best ways to improve children’s language and cognition, and it will provide inspiration for their own stories and pretend play. Provide craft materials and writing utensils for your child to practice with. Talk and interact with your child as you would prefer to be talked to. They’ll mimic your behavior, so model politeness and patience as much as possible (even when they’re throwing tantrums or testing boundaries). Give your child more and more opportunities for independence as they grow. For example, you can allow them to dress themselves and help out with household chores. If your child doesn’t attend daycare or preschool, set up playdates to provide opportunities for them to interact with their peers. Provide opportunities for active physical play outdoors. Swing sets, balls, climbing/balance toys can help with the development of gross motor skills. Remember, no toy is as important for your child’s development as you are! Still, we all want to know that we’re providing our kids with toys that help, rather than hinder, their physical and cognitive development. For developmentally-friendly toys your kids will love playing with, check out KidKraft’s wide range of play kitchens, dollhouses, building toys, playhouses, swing sets, climbers, and more!
Sensory Play Activities for Toddlers
No time to dye rice and make fancy sensory bins? No problem. While Instaworthy sensory bins with elaborate themes might be all the rage on social media, there are so many other ways to provide your toddler with sensory play opportunities. In fact, our favorite sensory play ideas require very little prep! Here are some simple, fun sensory activities for toddlers that come together in five minutes or less! Food! If your eighteen-month-old seems more interested in smushing sweet potatoes than eating them, don’t worry. That time in the high chair actually counts as sensory play! For one thing, meal times let your toddler safely explore new tastes, something that’s tough to do with most play materials. But it’s more than just taste! The smell, temperature, texture, and even sounds of all their favorite (and not-so-favorite) foods provide rich sensory experiences that help their growing brains…even if nothing actually ends up in their stomachs. Play Dough Play dough is a great way to combine sensory play with constructive and creative play, allowing your toddler to squish, feel, and mush as they create and build. Crafts Between squishy fingerpaint, sticky glue, fuzzy pipe cleaners, and more, craft materials provide a wide variety of sensory experiences – not to mention plenty of fine motor practice too! Keep a variety of materials on hand and create a mess-friendly craft space. Easels or dedicated craft tables can help keep the mess contained while still giving them a space to explore! Sound Shakers & Musical Instruments Old spice jars and other small containers make great shakers for little hands! Add different materials like dried rice, beans, marbles, or craft supplies so your toddler can explore the different sounds each object makes. To avoid messes and choking hazards, be sure the lids are on securely and hot glue them closed if necessary! Chickpea Playfoam Did you know that the liquid from a can of chickpeas can be whipped into a foam that’s perfect for sensory play? Next time you crack open a can, save the liquid, add food coloring if desired, and let your toddler help you whip it with your electric mixer. In a few minutes, you’ll have a taste-safe foam for squishing, splashing, and playing. Sandboxes We like to think of sandboxes as the original sensory bin! And unlike a plastic bin of colored rice in your kitchen, they keep the mess outside! They’re also more versatile as your toddler can dig, bury, and build with sand in ways they can’t with an indoor sensory bin. Consider adding a sandbox and a few gardening tools to your backyard play setup, so that you have a zero-prep sensory bin ready to go at all times! Ice Play Set out a few bowls with water of varying temperatures (none too hot, of course!), a bowl of ice cubes, and a few kitchen tools like spoons, measuring cups, and tongs. The slippery ice and stark differences in temperature provide tons of fun sensory input. Plus, your toddler will love transferring ice with the different tools, and you’ll love the fine motor practice they get along the way! For a simpler version, simply provide a bowl of ice at their next bath! They can play with a few at a time so the cubes don’t all melt at once. Balance, Climbing, & Swinging While we usually think of sight, taste, touch, sound, and smell when we think of sensory play, play that develops your child’s vestibular system actually counts as sensory play as well! The vestibular system is responsible for our sense of our bodies in space. It’s how we keep our balance and sense where we are even when our eyes are closed. Balance beams, swings, and climbing materials are all great for vestibular development! For equipment-free activities, play games where you and your toddler spin around, balance on one foot, or find an object while blind-folded.
Benefits of Sensory Play
If you’re a toddler or preschool parent, you’ve probably seen the #sensoryplay tag on your feed at least a few times… usually accompanied by a bin of dyed rice and small toys. And while cute, themed sensory bins may be a fad, sensory play certainly isn’t! It’s a critical part of early childhood with huge development benefits, and it goes far beyond sensory bins. Here’s what you should know about sensory play and why it matters! What is Sensory Play? As you could probably guess, sensory play is play that engages the senses. Of course, that includes the big five – sight, touch, taste, sound, and smell – but it also includes our sense of balance and location (more on that later). Many sensory play activities focus on touch, encouraging kids to explore different materials and textures through good ol’ messy play (i.e. sensory bins, play foam, slime, etc.). But anything that engages the senses and your child’s attention and focus can count as sensory play. So when your toddler helps you cook and comments on the smells and sounds of food in the pan, they’re getting a great sensory play session too! Playing with scented bubbles in the bathtub, shaking maracas, and having fun taste testing new foods are all examples of sensory play too. Sensory Play for the Proprioceptive and Vestibular System Sensory play extends even beyond the five senses to our less commonly-known senses: proprioception and equilibrioception. Our proprioceptive system is responsible for our sense of place in a given space. It’s how we can feel where we are in relation to other things, even when our eyes are closed. Our vestibular system is responsible for our equilibrioception, or sense of balance. Activities that engage these systems like swinging, balancing, climbing, spinning, and walking backwards can all be considered sensory play as well! Why is Sensory Play Important? Supports Cognitive Development Sensory play actually helps develop the neural pathways (i.e. nerve connections) in babies and toddlers’ brains! The rich sensory inputs and problem-solving challenges that come with sensory play help support healthy cognitive development, laying the foundation for future learning. Refines Motor Skills Many sensory play opportunities also include fine or gross motor practice. Things like pouring items in a sensory bin or rolling out playdough build fine motor skills, while activities swinging and balancing refine their gross motor skills. Encourages Exploration and Curiosity By providing rich sensory experiences for your toddler, you help them discover the world around them. When they get a chance to explore new sensory experiences, their curiosity and natural drive to experiment and problem solve are sure to take over. Enhances Learning and Memory Kids, and adults for that matter, learn more effectively when multiple senses are engaged. This is why so many preschool and elementary teachers try to combine sensory play with learning activities. Activities like tracing letters in shaving cream or using hand motions and songs to learn new concepts are just a few examples of how sensory play can make academic learning easier and more fun for kids. Feeling inspired to incorporate more sensory play into your toddlers’ life? Check out our Sensory Play Ideas for Toddlers to get started!
Beyond Imagination: Unleashing the Full Potential of Sensory Play
As parents, we're constantly seeking ways to support our kid’s growth and development… and keep them busy while we try to make dinner. One thing that ticks both boxes? Sensory play. The term might sound fancy, but it simply refers to any activity that engages the senses—touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste– in a way that’s fun for your child. From squishy textures to vibrant colors, sensory play offers a myriad of benefits that go far beyond just keeping your little ones entertained – although it does that too! Here’s how the many benefits of sensory play can help your tot learn, grow, and thrive. Enhancing Cognitive Growth through Sensory Play So how does sensory play help cognitive development? When kids manipulate materials with new textures, colors, smells, and sensations, they're not just having fun, they're also building new neural connections that prime their brains for future learning. Sensory play also comes with plenty of opportunities to practice problem-solving skills. It often presents fine motor challenges that require concentration and perseverance. Tasks like scooping, pouring, and manipulating small objects often require kids to go through a few phases of trial and error. All the while, they’re gathering information, trying new things, and performing their own experiments with the materials. The Therapeutic Power of Sensory Play Have you ever noticed how soothing it can be to sink your hands into a bowl of sand or run your fingers through water? Sensory play has therapeutic benefits for kids and adults alike. It can help children regulate their emotions, reduce stress, and improve focus. This type of play is especially beneficial when they're feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Creating a sensory corner at home with various tactile materials can serve as a safe space for your child to unwind and find comfort. Sensory Play for Special Needs Children The benefits of sensory play for special needs kids can be profound. For kids with sensory processing disorders or other special needs, sensory play can provide a structured and enjoyable way to explore different sensations. Activities that feature sensations your child already loves can become go-to tools for calming and self-regulating when other sensory inputs are overwhelming. On the other hand, sensory activities that stretch them out of their comfort zone just a bit can gradually help them to tolerate new sensory inputs. By tailoring sensory activities to their preference and tolerance level, you can introduce them to new sensations at their own pace. The Science Behind Sensory Play While it might seem like pure fun, sensory play is backed by science. Research shows that sensory play can help increase kids’ focus and capacity for learning, establish new neural connections, and support overall cognitive development. In short, sensory play experiences help wire the brain's pathways for learning. As children manipulate different materials and engage their senses, their brains are building connections that help them develop language, problem-solving skills, and creativity. So, the next time your child is elbow-deep in finger paints, know that they're not just making a mess—they're making important brain connections too! Family Bonding through Sensory Play Sensory play isn't just an activity for your child; it's an opportunity for quality family time! Joining in on sensory play can help you and your child laugh, explore, and bond. Pulse, we think you’ll be surprised at how fun it actually is to play with kinetic sand or squish homemade chickpea play foam! In conclusion, sensory play is more than just a way to keep your child occupied—it's a powerhouse of developmental benefits. From enhancing cognitive growth to calming the “I-didn’t-nap-today” tantrums to fostering sweet family bonding moments, the possibilities are endless. So bust out the playdough, the slime, the homemade sound shakers, and let your littles squish, sniff, and explore, and create. Need some sensory play ideas to get started? Our favorite Sensory Play Activities for Toddlers are fun and easy to set up!
From Dollhouses to Dreamscapes: Fostering Storytelling and Pretend Play
Remember back when you and your siblings would dress up, set the stage with pretend play toys, and force your parents to watch the play you’d just made up? Or when you and your friends could spend hours acting out elaborate pretend play ideas? Those moments of imaginative play were more than just fun – they’re powerful drivers of kids’ development, including their emotional and social growth and language development. Unfortunately, today’s kids may not get to experience those moments quite as often, with screens and busy schedules eating into playtime. But by making stories and pretend play a priority in your kids’ lives, you can help bring the same magic into their childhood. So, if you're a parent looking to unlock the power of imagination for your littles, read on as we dive into the benefits of pretend play and practical tips for helping your kiddos discover their inner storyteller. The Benefits of Storytelling and Pretend Play Enhanced Creativity and Imagination Imagination is the fuel of pretend play, and cultivating it benefits our kids throughout their lives. Whether they're crafting a daring escape plan for their stuffies or telling you a story about a unicorn-dragon hybrid, they're flexing their creative muscles. This ability to envision and create something out of nothing is the foundation for successful problem-solving and innovative thinking later. Improved Social and Emotional Skills As kids step into different pretend roles, they often act out complex feelings and social dilemmas. They might practice scenarios of friendship, sharing, and empathy, which can help them develop better interpersonal skills. And when they engage in pretend play with peers, they practice social skills like compromise, collaboration, and negotiation as they decide who gets to be the queen or the dragon or who gets to be the chef in charge of the pretend play kitchen. Reduced Stress and Anxiety Believe it or not, those harrowing adventures through the dark forest or outer space can be therapeutic. Pretend play provides an outlet for kids to process their emotions and fears in a safe environment. By taking on different roles, they can explore situations that might be challenging for them in reality – and in their own world, they always come out victorious! This can be particularly helpful in addressing feelings of stress and anxiety, helping them develop resilience and coping mechanisms. Ways to Foster Storytelling and Pretend Play Dirty toys can be a breeding ground for all sorts of unwelcome guests. Dust, allergens, bacteria, and even mold can accumulate on toys that aren't cleaned regularly. These culprits can lead to allergies, respiratory issues, skin irritations, and even more severe infections in some cases. By prioritizing toy hygiene, you're safeguarding your child's well-being. Set Aside Time for Reading, Storytelling, and Pretend Play We get it – our schedules can get ridiculously busy. But dedicating regular time to reading, storytelling, and pretend play can have huge benefits. Keep your bookshelves stocked by visiting the library regularly; read engaging, immersive stories that spark your child’s imagination, and give them opportunities to tell you their own stories or to act them out through play. Whether it's a silly superhero mission or an adventure through the fairy kingdom, these moments allow your child's imagination to flourish and give them the undivided attention they crave. Join In! Don't just be an observer – jump into the world of make-believe alongside your child! Whether you're the sidekick in their superhero escapades or a wizard in their fantasy kingdom, your involvement shows them that their imagination is valued and celebrated! Be the Best Audience We know that you can’t always drop everything to listen to your kiddo’s stories. But try to carve out a few times where you can. For example, maybe after you’ve told a bedtime story to your child, they get to tell you one that they’ve made up themselves. When they do, try to be the most enthusiastic audience they've ever had! Ask questions and show genuine interest. This encouragement boosts their confidence and motivates them to keep dreaming, imagining, and playing! Provide Props for Storytelling and Pretend Play Imagination doesn't need a lot of bells and whistles, but a few props can certainly spark creativity. Dollhouses, dolls or action figures, costumes, building toys, and even old cardboard boxes can become the inspiration for your child's pretend adventures. The key is to offer a variety of items that can be repurposed in multiple ways – who knew an empty paper towel roll could become a magic wand, a pirate’s telescope, and baker’s rolling pin? Or that a dollhouse could become a castle, a rocket ship, a boarding school, and a villain’s lair? For dollhouses, pretend play sets, and more toys that spark imaginative play, shop KidKraft’s full line of open-ended wooden toys. Because “Made for Make Believe” isn’t just our motto – it’s a belief that drives every toy we create.
