Playtime isn’t just for fun—exploring and interacting is how your toddler learns and develops. Research shows that play impacts everything from a child’s physical abilities and vocabulary to problem-solving, creativity, teamwork and empathy. 

The toddler stage is a great opportunity to build the foundational skills they need to succeed in preschool and kindergarten. 

Fine and Gross Motor Skills

Every wiggle, bounce and crawl helps toddlers build what are called motor skills—how they move their bodies. These are broken into two types:

• Gross motor skills: Big movements, like running, jumping or climbing.
• Fine motor skills: Small, detailed movements, like picking up toys, holding crayons or feeding themselves.

All of these are important for learning to do everyday tasks and prepare for preschool and kindergarten.

How to Play with Your Toddler

Between 1 year and 36 months, toddlers enjoy learning how things work. They test what happens when you pull, pinch, drop and carry things. Your bundle of energy needs a safe space to test the limits of the world around them, and you play an important role in creating that environment for them.

12 to 24 Months

• Toy Washing Station: Fill a bin with water, sponges and a few washable toys. Your toddler can scrub, squeeze and splash—building grip strength and finger coordination.
• Dance Party: Turn up the music and get moving! Encourage your toddler to dance, spin and jump. Dancing helps build balance, body awareness and confidence.

2 to 3 Years

• Scribble: Let your toddler experiment with crayons or markers—no rules needed. Scribbling improves their hand strength and prepares them for writing later on.
• Obstacle Course: Use blankets, boxes or pillows to create a mini indoor obstacle course. Crawling, climbing and jumping help them learn how to control and move their body through space.

Play Builds Confidence

When you cheer your child on during play, you’re doing more than encouraging fun. You’re helping them:

• Build independence and creativity
• Practice problem-solving and persistence
• Strengthen social-emotional skills like empathy and teamwork

Every time you join in their play or cheer them on, they feel supported—and that makes them more confident about trying new things.

Worried About Motor Skills

If your child struggles with crawling, walking, holding objects or doing things other kids their age are doing—or if they’ve stopped doing a skill they had before—it’s okay to be concerned. Talk to your pediatrician or contact AzEIP. You know your child best, and acting early makes a big difference.