WINTER SALE - Warm Up Your Playtime

Buy 3+ Toys and Save Additional 5% with WINTER5
Nesta Toys | Wooden Toys | Toddlers Play Independently

Simple Tips for Helping Toddlers Play Independently

by Nesta Toys in Early Learning

Independent play is a crucial developmental milestone for toddlers. It fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence. While it may be tempting to constantly entertain your toddler, encouraging independent play can have long-lasting benefits. Here are some simple tips to help your toddler develop their independent play skills:

Create a Safe and Inviting Play Space

  • Child-proof your home: Ensure that your home is safe for your toddler to explore independently. Remove any potential hazards and make sure all doors and cabinets are securely closed.
  • Provide a designated play area: Create a special space in your home where your toddler can play without interruption. This could be a corner of the living room, a playroom, or even a designated area in their bedroom.
  • Organize toys and materials: Keep toys and materials organized and accessible to your toddler. This will make it easier for them to find what they need and play independently.

Introduce Age-Appropriate Toys

  • Open-ended toys: Opt for toys that encourage creativity and open-ended play, such as building blocks, dolls, and art supplies.
  • Simple toys: Avoid overly complex toys that require adult assistance. Simple toys that are easy for your toddler to understand and manipulate are ideal for independent play.
  • Toys that stimulate different senses: Choose toys that engage multiple senses, such as musical instruments, textured balls, and colorful blocks.

Encourage Independent Play

  • Start small: Begin by allowing your toddler short periods of independent play time. Gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable playing on their own.
  • Model independent play: Show your toddler how to play independently by engaging in your own activities. This will demonstrate to them that it's okay to play alone.
  • Provide positive reinforcement: Praise your toddler for playing independently and encourage them to continue exploring their toys.

Offer Gentle Guidance

  • Avoid hovering: Resist the urge to hover over your toddler while they play. Give them space to explore and discover things on their own.
  • Offer suggestions: If your toddler seems stuck, offer gentle suggestions or questions to spark their imagination.
  • Be patient: Remember that developing independent play skills takes time. Be patient and supportive as your toddler learns to play on their own.

Incorporate Independent Play into Daily Routines

  • Quiet time: Set aside a designated quiet time each day for your toddler to play independently. This can be a great opportunity for them to explore their toys and develop their imagination.
  • Outdoor play: Encourage your toddler to play outdoors whenever possible. The natural environment provides endless opportunities for exploration and independent play.
  • Bath time play: Make bath time a sensory experience by providing your toddler with toys, cups, and other objects to play with.

Address Separation Anxiety

  • Gradual separation: If your toddler is experiencing separation anxiety, start by leaving them alone for short periods and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable.
  • Create a comfort object: Provide your toddler with a favorite object, such as a blanket or stuffed animal, to comfort them during playtime.
  • Maintain a consistent routine: A consistent daily routine can help alleviate separation anxiety and provide your toddler with a sense of security.

Remember, each child develops at their own pace. Some toddlers may take longer to develop independent play skills than others. The most important thing is to be patient, supportive, and create a safe and nurturing environment for your child to explore and grow.

In conclusion, independent play is an important part of a toddler's development, and it's essential to encourage it from an early age. With a safe and stimulating play environment, simple instructions, and your encouragement, your toddler can learn to play independently while developing their creativity, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence.

Previous Post Next Post

Related Posts

Top 10 Nursery Rhymes and Songs for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Top 7 Nursery Rhymes and Songs for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Here are the top 10 nursery rhymes and songs that are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers: Feel free to add fun actions as you sing along! 1. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Twinkle, twinkle, little star,How I wonder what you are!Up above the world so high,Like a diamond in the sky.Twinkle, twinkle, little star,How I wonder what you are! When the blazing sun is gone,When he nothing shines upon,Then you show your little light,Twinkle, twinkle, all the night. Twinkle, twinkle, little star,How I wonder what you are!   2. Old MacDonald Had a Farm Old MacDonald had a farm,E-I-E-I-O,And on that farm, he had a cow,E-I-E-I-O,With a moo moo here and a moo moo there,Here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo moo!Old MacDonald had a farm,E-I-E-I-O! Old MacDonald had a farm,E-I-E-I-O!And on that farm, he had a pig,E-I-E-I-O!With an oink oink here and an oink oink there,Here an oink, there an oink, everywhere an oink oink,Old MacDonald had a farm,E-I-E-I-O! Old MacDonald had a farm,E-I-E-I-O!And on that farm, he had a duck,E-I-E-I-O!With a quack quack here and a quack quack there,Here a quack, there a quack, everywhere a quack quack,Old MacDonald had a farm,E-I-E-I-O! Old MacDonald had a farm,E-I-E-I-O!And on that farm, he had a horse,E-I-E-I-O!With a neigh neigh here and a neigh neigh there,Here a neigh, there a neigh, everywhere a neigh neigh,Old MacDonald had a farm,E-I-E-I-O! Old MacDonald had a farm,E-I-E-I-O!And on that farm, he had a sheep,E-I-E-I-O!With a baa baa here and a baa baa there,Here a baa, there a baa, everywhere a baa baa,Old MacDonald had a farm,E-I-E-I-O! Feel free to add as many animals as you'd like! Each verse simply follows the same pattern with different animal sounds.   3. The Wheels on the Bus The wheels on the bus go round and round,Round and round, round and round,The wheels on the bus go round and round,All through the town. The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish,Swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish,The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish,All through the town. The horn on the bus goes beep, beep, beep,Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep,The horn on the bus goes beep, beep, beep,All through the town. The doors on the bus go open and shut,Open and shut, open and shut,The doors on the bus go open and shut,All through the town. The driver on the bus says, "Move on back,""Move on back, move on back,"The driver on the bus says, "Move on back,"All through the town. The people on the bus go up and down,Up and down, up and down,The people on the bus go up and down,All through the town. The babies on the bus go "Wah, wah, wah,""Wah, wah, wah, wah, wah, wah,"The babies on the bus go "Wah, wah, wah,"All through the town. The parents on the bus go "Shh, shh, shh,""Shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh,"The parents on the bus go "Shh, shh, shh,"All through the town.   4. Itsy Bitsy Spider The itsy bitsy spider went up the waterspout.Down came the rain and washed the spider out.Out came the sun and dried up all the rain,And the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again.   This rhyme is a favorite for young kids, and they love doing hand motions to go along with the lyrics! 5. If You’re Happy and You Know It If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands, (Clap, clap)If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands, (Clap, clap)If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it,If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. (Clap, clap) If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet, (Stomp, stomp)If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet, (Stomp, stomp)If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it,If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet. (Stomp, stomp) If you’re happy and you know it, shout hooray! (Hooray!)If you’re happy and you know it, shout hooray! (Hooray!)If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it,If you’re happy and you know it, shout hooray! (Hooray!) If you’re happy and you know it, do all three! (Clap, clap; Stomp, stomp; Hooray!)If you’re happy and you know it, do all three! (Clap, clap; Stomp, stomp; Hooray!)If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it,If you’re happy and you know it, do all three! (Clap, clap; Stomp, stomp; Hooray!)   6. Baa Baa Black Sheep Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool?Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full.One for the master, one for the dame,And one for the little boy who lives down the lane. Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool?Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full. Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool?Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full.One for the master, one for the dame,And one for the little boy who lives down the lane.   7. Five Little Monkeys Five little monkeys jumping on the bed,One fell off and bumped his head.Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" Four little monkeys jumping on the bed,One fell off and bumped his head.Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" Three little monkeys jumping on the bed,One fell off and bumped his head.Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" Two little monkeys jumping on the bed,One fell off and bumped his head.Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" One little monkey jumping on the bed,He fell off and bumped his head.Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" No little monkeys jumping on the bed,None fell off and bumped their heads.Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,"Put those monkeys straight to bed!"

Learn more
Demystifying Fractions: Montessori Math Lesson

Demystifying Fractions: Montessori Math Lesson

Fractions are often presented as abstract symbols in textbooks, leaving children struggling to grasp their true meaning. The Montessori approach to fractions takes a different path, using concrete materials and sensory experiences to build a solid foundation for understanding. The Power of Ten Frames The key element in this approach is the ten frames material. These wooden or metal frames contain circular insets, some whole and others divided into two, three, four, and up to ten equal parts. Each segment has a knob for easy manipulation, and red coloring for clear visual distinction. Labels with corresponding fractions complete the set. Unveiling Fractions: A Step-by-Step Progression The learning process is designed to be gradual and engaging. Here's a breakdown of the typical steps: Building the Whole: The child begins by familiarizing themselves with the whole circle and a golden bead representing "one." Breaking the Whole: The red circle is divided into halves, demonstrating that it can still represent "one whole" when put back together. Equivalence in Action: The child explores how two halves, three thirds, or four fourths can all represent the same whole circle. Naming the Parts: The concept of fractions is introduced, and children learn to name individual pieces as halves, thirds, and so on. More Than One Piece: Fractions with multiple pieces are explored. Children learn to identify and name fractions like 5/6ths or 8/10ths. Writing it Down: The final step involves introducing written notation. Children learn to draw the fraction line and write the numerator (number of pieces) above the line and the denominator (total number of pieces) below it. Equivalence: Understanding the Relationships A key concept explored with the ten frames is equivalence. The child discovers that different fractions can represent the same whole. For example, they learn that two quarters can fill the same space as one half. This understanding becomes crucial for future operations with fractions. Beyond the Classroom: Activities for Fun and Learning The learning journey shouldn't end at school. Here are some engaging activities to reinforce the concept of fractions at home: Building Block Bonanza: Use building blocks with slips of paper showing different fractions. Children can match the blocks to the corresponding fractions, developing their recognition skills. Shape Exploration: Explore fractions with different shapes. Count the segments and assign names to each part, showcasing how shapes can be divided into various fractions. Fractionizing Food: Get creative in the kitchen! Involve children in cutting fruits, vegetables, pizzas, or cakes into equal parts. Discuss the different fractions represented by each piece, making learning relatable. Playful Dough Division: Use play dough or chapati dough to create a hands-on experience. Divide the dough into fractions following labeled guides. This allows children to manipulate and understand fractions in a tactile way. By incorporating these activities, we transform the abstract world of fractions into a fun and engaging exploration for children.   5 Fraction Games for Kids 1. Fraction Pizza Party Materials: Playdough, plastic knives, fraction cards How to Play: Each player gets a ball of playdough to represent a pizza. Players take turns drawing a fraction card and cutting their pizza into the specified number of slices. The first player to "eat" their whole pizza by correctly identifying and creating fractions wins! 2. Fraction War Materials: A deck of cards How to Play: Deal out all the cards to players. Each player flips over two cards simultaneously. The first card represents the numerator, and the second card represents the denominator. The player with the larger fraction wins the round. 3. Fraction Bingo Materials: Bingo cards with fractions, fraction markers How to Play: Call out fractions, and players cover the matching fraction on their bingo card. The first player to get a row, column, or diagonal of fractions wins. 4. Fraction Memory Match Materials: Fraction cards with matching pairs (e.g., 1/2 and 2/4) How to Play: Lay out all the cards face down. Players take turns flipping over two cards at a time. If the cards match (equivalent fractions), they keep the pair. The player with the most pairs at the end wins. 5. Fraction Scavenger Hunt Materials: Fraction clues hidden around the room How to Play: Hide clues with fraction problems or riddles around the house or classroom. Players follow the clues to find the next clue, solving fraction problems along the way. The first player to complete the scavenger hunt wins. These games can be adapted to different age levels and fraction concepts, making them versatile and engaging for learners of all abilities.

Learn more
Ten Beads and Boards: Building a Strong Foundation in Number Sense, montessori math, montessori activity

Ten Beads and Boards: Building a Strong Foundation in Number Sense

The Ten Beads and Boards material is a cornerstone of Montessori mathematics education, designed to introduce children to the fundamental concept of place value. By manipulating concrete materials, children develop a deep understanding of numbers, quantities, and the decimal system. Aim:1. To learn the traditional names of the tens from 10 - 90.2. To realize that 20 (twenty) is nothing but “2 tens”, etc.3. To realize how the numbers progress form 1 ten to the next – (1-99)   How It Works The material consists of wooden boards with labeled compartments and sets of ten beads and individual beads. Through hands-on exploration, children learn to: Associate quantities with symbols: Children connect the number of beads with the corresponding number word. Understand place value: They grasp the concept of tens and units as building blocks of numbers. Develop number sense: Children develop a strong intuition for number relationships and patterns. Prepare for arithmetic: The material lays the groundwork for addition, subtraction, and multiplication. The Learning Process Introducing the Ten Beads and Boards material should be a gradual and engaging process. Begin with simple concepts and gradually increase complexity. Key steps in the learning process: Introduction to tens: Introduce the concept of ten as a group of ten ones. Counting in tens: Count by tens using the bead bars, emphasizing the pattern. Building numbers: Compose numbers from 11 to 99 using tens and units. Exchange: Demonstrate how to exchange ten units for one ten. Number patterns: Explore number patterns and sequences.   Extending Learning To reinforce learning, incorporate these activities: Number line: Create a number line using the bead bars and number cards. Counting games: Develop games that involve counting by tens and ones. Storytelling with numbers: Create stories based on number quantities. Real-life connections: Connect the material to real-life situations (e.g., money, time).   Benefits of Ten Beads and Boards The Ten Beads and Boards material offers several advantages: Concrete learning: Hands-on manipulation enhances understanding. Visual representation: The material provides a clear visual representation of numbers. Number sense development: Children develop a strong intuition for numbers and quantities. Preparation for higher math: The material lays the foundation for place value, addition, and subtraction. By using the Ten Beads and Boards material, children develop a solid understanding of numbers, which is crucial for future mathematical success. Beyond the Classroom The concepts learned with Ten Beads and Boards can be extended to everyday life. For example, children can count objects in tens, use the material to help with shopping lists, or play number-based games with family members. By incorporating the Ten Beads and Boards material into early childhood education, we provide children with a powerful tool for developing a strong foundation in mathematics.   Montessori Inspired Toy Collection - Inspire your child's natural curiosity with our Montessori-inspired toy collection. Crafted from sustainable beech wood and soft cotton, these toys are designed to promote sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and cognitive development. Safe, non-toxic, and certified by BIS and ASTM.

Learn more

Leave a comment

Your cart

Your cart is currently empty.

Not sure where to start?
Try these collections: