Toddlers are working hard to develop muscle strength and control, both in the large muscles of their arms, legs, and trunk and in the smaller muscles of their fingers and toes. As a child care provider, you can encourage muscle development by setting up space for active play, both indoors and out. Allow enough room for children to explore freely, and remember that toddlers need more space than older children.
You can also encourage muscle development by providing many of the following types of toys:
- boxes of all sizes
- push and pull toys
- riding toys
- buckets and baskets to fill and empty
- nesting cups to stack
- shape sorters
- balls to roll, bounce, and throw
You can help toddlers build muscles by encouraging pushing and pulling, filling and emptying, and walking forward and then walking backward. Teach them how to hop like a rabbit, jump like a kangaroo, slither like a snake, and waddle like a duck. Encourage children to control their muscles by tiptoeing, then walking, then running. Find ways to encourage children to stretch, bend, and squat.
For more ideas, check out the eXtension Alliance for Better Child Care articles on supporting large and small motor development and play activities to encourage motor skills.
