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Teach Your Toddler to Use Sizes and Shapes to Solve Problems

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 17-18 Month Old Toddler

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Purpose of the Game:

  • To help your child pick the can or bowl that a toy is under three times in a row so that he can learn to use clues like sizes and shapes to solve problems. If you use tin cans for this game, be sure the edges are not sharp.

How to Play:

  • Sit with your child at a table or on the floor.
  • Tell your child to turn around and not to peek.
  • Put a toy under one of three different size tin cans or bowls.
  • Ask your child to guess which can or bowl it is under.
  • Change the position of the cans but always put the toy under the same can or bowl.
  • When your child guesses the right can or bowl, say, “Good, let’s try it a few more times to see if you know where the toy is always hidden.”

Remember, when playing any game with your child, be flexible. Change the way you play it and encourage your child to change the game too. Games should be fun


Learn more about Your Toddler: 17-18 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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