At play with a toddler and a tray

This is a simple way to promote a little one-on-one interactive play time with your toddler….

This is a little game I found fun to play with my grandson before he was walking or fully crawling but was able to sit up securely on his own. Just gather up a tray and an object the toddler likes to play with. I started with a tray and a ball…

Place the tray in the toddler’s lap and the toy on the tray. Slightly tilt the tray in different directions so the toddler can see the object move around on the tray and then give the toddler a chance to reach out and grasp the object…

My grandson would naturally reach out to try and pick up the ball…

With a little effort, he would successfully pick up the ball…

And if he dropped the ball back onto the tray, I would once again slightly tilt the tray to make the ball move or my grandson would give the ball a little push and he would make it move…

And after a few minutes of play, my grandson would decide it was time to do something else so we would visit tray play again at another time…

With each new time my grandson would come back to the tray, I would add a new toy to the tray…

Some toys were more interesting to my grandson than others. Through this simple activity, we were exploring the process of visual tracking, reaching, grasping, fine motor control, cause and effect, and a little time playing together…

Super simple idea for toddler play!

Available on Amazon

 

Links to Grow On

Baby Play: Water Play Tray from Learn with Play @ home

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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