Summer Camps for Toddlers
First let’s define a “toddler” as a child between the ages of 2 and 3 years old. Typically there aren’t many summer camps for toddlers for a variety of reasons. Probably the biggest reason is because toddlers aren’t as capable developmentally as older children. However, that shouldn’t stop you from doing your own summer camp at home for toddlers.
Summer Camps at home don’t have to be elaborate or require a lot of time and money for you to prepare. With that being said, let’s explore what these adorable toddlers can do. By the ages of two and three years old children can follow two and three step directions as well as identify and sort objects by shape and color. Knowing that, you can plan your activities accordingly.
Activity ideas to have your own summer camps for toddlers at home:
- Sort Objects - Do you have any type of colorful blocks (Duplo Legos?), shapes or stacking cups? Reinforce the object color and type as you sort. This is the beginning of simple math concepts.
- Read Together - Make time to read aloud to your child. Start to teach concepts such as “beginning” and “end” when you start and finish the story.
- Singing Camp – Kids love to sing. Teach your child simple songs such as “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “I’m a Little Teapot.” Reinforcing the lyrics builds recall.
- Musical Day – Combine your singing camp with music time. If you have kid-friendly instruments at home, great. If not, make your own or use a wooden spoon on a pot for your drum. Put rice or beans in a tightly sealed container and shake for a maraca. Have a whistle? If not, if you can whistle, whistle along with the tune. Whistles and simple flutes are usually available at dollar stores.
These are some ideas to get you started to create your own summer camps for toddlers at home.
How much time to spend on activities? Being a mom of a toddler I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. And each child is different so you alone can best gauge your child. Typically 2 yr olds can spend up to 10 minutes on an activity when engaged with an adult or other children. Three year olds can spend up to 15 minutes. That’s not to say your child wouldn’t spend longer on any activity. You may have to spread your camp out during the course of the day, but it’s your camp so have fun with it! Sing some songs, sort some objects, have a snack break, have some play time, get back to camp by reading a story.
We hope you find these tips helpful from the Around-Town Mom. Lots more age-appropriate location-centric tips are available in my new book, Kidding Around Town.
Kidding Around Town is based on research that shows early involvement and learning encourages dendrite development in the brain resulting in a smarter child. To assist in this development process Kidding Around Town provides 100s of local destinations and age-appropriate activities to help guide you with your outing adventures.
HURRY & take advantage of our introductory special offer!
Ms. Cates is available for speaking opportunities to explain brain development and learning. Contact her at: info@aroundtownkids.com
