Age 1 (12-24 months)

The Toddler

The Toddler takes their first steps toward independence. This stage focuses on walking, first words, self-feeding, and the beginning of toddler autonomy. Children develop rapidly as they explore their expanding world with newfound mobility.

18 Skills•Skills #29-46

#29 First Steps & Walking

Role Model: Bluey
Resource: Pathways.org motor development resources

Why This Early?

Walking is a major milestone that opens up exploration and independence.

Teaching Tips

  • •Let them go barefoot indoors for better balance
  • •Avoid walkers - they delay walking
  • •Create safe spaces to practice

Recommended Toys

Fun with Sounds Wooden Discovery Blocks

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Walker Wagon Push Toy

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Rainbow Fabric Baby Ball

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Browse all toys →

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction10-12 months
Takes steps while holding onto furniture or hands
💡 Hold both hands and let them practice stepping. Furniture should be stable for cruising.
2
Developing12-15 months
Takes independent steps with wide stance
💡 Encourage walking between two adults. Celebrate every attempt! Falls are part of learning.
3
Mastery15-18 months
Walks confidently and begins to run
💡 Provide safe spaces to practice. Barefoot walking builds strength and balance.
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys

#30 First Words & Vocabulary

Role Model: Dr. Laura Mize
Resource: "It Takes Two to Talk" by Hanen Centre

Why This Early?

Language development in the first two years predicts later academic success.

Teaching Tips

  • •Talk constantly throughout the day
  • •Read books daily
  • •Respond to all communication attempts

Recommended Toys

Wooden Shape Sorting Grocery Cart

Melissa & Doug

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Browse all toys →

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction12-14 months
Says 1-3 words with meaning (mama, dada, ball)
💡 Celebrate first words! Repeat them back. Don't correct - just model correctly.
2
Developing15-18 months
Vocabulary grows to 10-20 words
💡 Name everything! Read books daily. Point and label objects throughout the day.
3
Mastery18-24 months
Uses 50+ words and begins two-word phrases
💡 Expand their phrases: "Ball!" becomes "Yes, big red ball!" The vocabulary explosion is coming!
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys

#31 Spoon & Fork Use

Role Model: Maria Montessori
Resource: "The Montessori Toddler" by Simone Davies

Why This Early?

Self-feeding builds independence and fine motor skills.

Teaching Tips

  • •Use child-sized utensils
  • •Accept mess as part of learning
  • •Eat together as a family

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction12-14 months
Holds spoon and brings to mouth (with spills)
💡 Use a small, easy-grip spoon. Expect mess! Pre-load the spoon at first.
2
Developing15-18 months
Scoops food independently with spoon
💡 Thick foods like oatmeal are easier to scoop. Let them practice at every meal.
3
Mastery18-24 months
Uses spoon and fork with minimal spills
💡 Introduce a toddler fork for soft foods. They're building independence!
Click to see details, teaching tips

#32 Open Cup Drinking

Role Model: Maria Montessori
Resource: "The Montessori Baby" by Simone Davies

Why This Early?

Open cup drinking develops oral motor skills better than sippy cups.

Teaching Tips

  • •Skip sippy cups - they delay open cup skills
  • •Use small cups with small amounts

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction6-10 months
Drinks from open cup held by adult
💡 Start with tiny amounts of water in a small cup.
2
Developing10-14 months
Holds cup with both hands and drinks with help
💡 Use a small, weighted cup. Guide their hands.
3
Mastery14-18 months
Drinks from open cup independently
💡 Keep amounts small. Spills are part of learning!
Click to see details, teaching tips

#33 Following Simple Directions

Role Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: Developmental psychology resources

Why This Early?

Following directions is foundational for learning and safety.

Teaching Tips

  • •Use simple, clear language
  • •Pair words with gestures
  • •Be patient - processing takes time

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction10-12 months
Responds to "no" and simple requests
💡 Use consistent words and gestures. "Give me the ball" with outstretched hand.
2
Developing12-18 months
Follows one-step directions ("Get your shoes")
💡 Give one direction at a time. Wait for completion before the next.
3
Mastery18-24 months
Follows two-step directions ("Get your shoes and bring them here")
💡 Chain simple directions together. Praise following through!
Click to see details, teaching tips

#34 Stacking & Building

Role Model: Handy Manny
Resource: Simple wooden blocks

Why This Early?

Stacking develops fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and cause-effect understanding.

Teaching Tips

  • •Provide various sizes of blocks
  • •Let them knock towers down - it's learning!

Recommended Toys

Fun with Sounds Wooden Discovery Blocks

HABA

View

Walker Wagon Push Toy

HABA

View

Rainbow Fabric Baby Ball

HABA

View
Browse all toys →

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction12-14 months
Stacks 2-3 blocks before they fall
💡 Use large, easy-to-grip blocks. Demonstrate stacking and let them try.
2
Developing15-18 months
Stacks 4-6 blocks with concentration
💡 Celebrate towers! Knocking them down is just as fun as building.
3
Mastery18-24 months
Builds towers of 6+ blocks and simple structures
💡 Introduce different shapes. They're learning physics!
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys

#35 Pointing & Gesturing

Role Model: Dr. Laura Mize
Resource: Baby sign language resources

Why This Early?

Pointing shows joint attention - a crucial social-cognitive skill.

Teaching Tips

  • •Model gestures frequently
  • •Respond enthusiastically to pointing

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction10-12 months
Points to objects of interest
💡 Pointing is a major milestone! Name what they point to.
2
Developing12-15 months
Uses gestures to communicate (waving, clapping)
💡 Teach simple signs: more, all done, milk. Gestures bridge to words.
3
Mastery15-20 months
Combines gestures with words to communicate
💡 Respond to all communication attempts. They're working hard!
Click to see details, teaching tips

#36 Climbing

Role Model: Alex Honnold
Resource: Pikler triangle resources

Why This Early?

Climbing builds strength, coordination, and risk assessment.

Teaching Tips

  • •Provide safe climbing opportunities
  • •Teach them to get down safely

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction12-14 months
Climbs onto low furniture with effort
💡 Supervise but don't prevent safe climbing. They need to learn their limits.
2
Developing14-18 months
Climbs stairs on hands and knees
💡 Teach them to go down backwards. Stay close but let them try.
3
Mastery18-24 months
Climbs up and down stairs with rail or hand
💡 Practice on safe climbing structures. Confidence comes with practice.
Click to see details, teaching tips

#37 Simple Pretend Play

Role Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: Simple dolls and toy animals

Why This Early?

Pretend play is crucial for cognitive and social development.

Teaching Tips

  • •Model pretend play
  • •Provide simple, open-ended toys

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction12-15 months
Imitates simple actions (feeding doll, talking on phone)
💡 Model pretend play. "Let's feed the baby!" They learn by watching.
2
Developing15-18 months
Engages in simple pretend sequences
💡 Provide simple props: dolls, toy food, play phone. Join their play!
3
Mastery18-24 months
Creates own pretend scenarios
💡 Follow their lead in pretend play. Their imagination is developing!
Click to see details, teaching tips

#38 Scribbling

Role Model: Scribble
Resource: Large crayons and paper

Why This Early?

Scribbling develops fine motor control needed for writing.

Teaching Tips

  • •Use chunky crayons for small hands
  • •Focus on process, not product

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction12-15 months
Makes marks on paper with crayon
💡 Use large, chunky crayons. Tape paper down so it doesn't move.
2
Developing15-18 months
Scribbles with purpose and variety
💡 Offer different colors. Don't ask "What is it?" - just enjoy the process.
3
Mastery18-24 months
Scribbles with controlled strokes
💡 They may start making circular motions. This is pre-writing!
Click to see details, teaching tips

#39 Helping with Simple Tasks

Role Model: Maria Montessori
Resource: "The Montessori Toddler" by Simone Davies

Why This Early?

Toddlers have a natural desire to help - nurture it!

Teaching Tips

  • •Include them in daily tasks
  • •Praise effort, not perfection

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction12-15 months
Puts items in trash or laundry basket
💡 Make it a game! "Can you put this in the basket?" Celebrate helping.
2
Developing15-18 months
Helps with simple chores (wiping, carrying)
💡 Give them a small cloth to "help" wipe the table. Process matters more than results.
3
Mastery18-24 months
Participates in household routines willingly
💡 Include them in daily tasks. They WANT to help at this age!
Click to see details, teaching tips

#40 Ball Play

Role Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: Soft balls of various sizes

Why This Early?

Ball play develops coordination, timing, and social interaction.

Teaching Tips

  • •Use soft, lightweight balls
  • •Practice rolling before throwing

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction10-14 months
Rolls ball back and forth with adult
💡 Sit facing each other with legs spread. Roll gently and celebrate returns!
2
Developing14-18 months
Throws ball (any direction)
💡 Any throw counts! They're learning to release. Practice outside.
3
Mastery18-24 months
Kicks ball forward and throws with aim
💡 Introduce kicking. Large, soft balls are easiest.
Click to see details, teaching tips

#41 Undressing

Role Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: "The Montessori Toddler" by Simone Davies

Why This Early?

Self-care skills build independence and self-esteem.

Teaching Tips

  • •Undressing is easier than dressing - start here
  • •Use easy-on/easy-off clothing

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction12-15 months
Pulls off socks and hat
💡 Start with loose items. They love taking things off!
2
Developing15-18 months
Removes shoes and pulls down pants
💡 Use elastic waist pants. Velcro shoes are easier than laces.
3
Mastery18-24 months
Undresses with minimal help
💡 Undressing comes before dressing. Let them do what they can!
Click to see details, teaching tips

#42 Book Interaction

Role Model: LeVar Burton
Resource: Board books with flaps and textures

Why This Early?

Interactive reading builds vocabulary and love of books.

Teaching Tips

  • •Read the same books repeatedly
  • •Let them choose books

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction12-14 months
Turns board book pages (may skip pages)
💡 Let them "read" to you! Point to pictures and name them.
2
Developing14-18 months
Points to pictures when named
💡 "Where's the dog?" Wait for them to point. Celebrate correct answers!
3
Mastery18-24 months
Names pictures and has favorite books
💡 Read favorites repeatedly. They may "read" along with familiar books.
Click to see details, teaching tips

#43 Emotional Expression

Role Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel Siegel

Why This Early?

Emotional intelligence begins with naming and accepting feelings.

Teaching Tips

  • •Name emotions consistently
  • •Validate all feelings

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction12-14 months
Shows clear emotions (joy, frustration, fear)
💡 Name their emotions: "You're frustrated!" This builds emotional vocabulary.
2
Developing14-18 months
Seeks comfort when upset
💡 Be available for comfort. Secure attachment supports emotional development.
3
Mastery18-24 months
Begins to use words for feelings
💡 Teach feeling words: happy, sad, mad, scared. Read books about emotions.
Click to see details, teaching tips

#44 Puzzles & Shape Sorting

Role Model: Ben Olafson
Resource: Simple wooden puzzles

Why This Early?

Puzzles develop spatial reasoning and persistence.

Teaching Tips

  • •Start simple and build up
  • •Puzzles build problem-solving skills

Recommended Toys

Fun with Sounds Wooden Discovery Blocks

HABA

View

Walker Wagon Push Toy

HABA

View

Rainbow Fabric Baby Ball

HABA

View
Browse all toys →

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction12-14 months
Removes puzzle pieces
💡 Start with single-piece puzzles with knobs. Taking out is easier than putting in.
2
Developing14-18 months
Places simple shapes in sorter
💡 Start with circle (easiest). Demonstrate and let them try.
3
Mastery18-24 months
Completes 3-4 piece puzzles
💡 Simple puzzles with clear pictures. Celebrate completion!
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys

#45 Rhythm and Movement

Role Model: Ella Jenkins, Emile Jaques-Dalcroze
Resource: The Dalcroze Method, Music for Little Mozarts, Kindermusik

Why This Early?

Developing a sense of rhythm and beat at this age lays the foundation for musicality and supports gross motor development. It also encourages self-expression and body awareness.

Teaching Tips

  • •Use a variety of music with different tempos and rhythms.
  • •Incorporate props like scarves or shakers to encourage movement.
  • •Model enthusiasm and joy in musical expression.

Recommended Toys

Fun with Sounds Wooden Discovery Blocks

HABA

View
Browse all toys →

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Responding to music with whole-body movement.
2
Developing
Clapping or tapping to a steady beat.
3
Mastery
Imitating simple rhythm patterns.
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys

#46 Singing and Vocalization

Role Model: Ella Fitzgerald
Resource: First Steps in Music for Infants and Toddlers by John Feierabend, The Kodaly Method, Songs for Wiggleworms

Why This Early?

Singing is a powerful tool for language development, helping toddlers learn new words, practice imitation, and develop memory skills. It also strengthens the parent-child bond and provides a joyful outlet for emotional expression.

Teaching Tips

  • •Sing to your child daily, especially lullabies and simple folk songs.
  • •Use exaggerated facial expressions and gestures to make singing more engaging.
  • •Pause during familiar songs to encourage your child to fill in the blanks.

Recommended Toys

Fun with Sounds Wooden Discovery Blocks

HABA

View

Wooden Shape Sorting Grocery Cart

Melissa & Doug

View
Browse all toys →

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Babbling and cooing in response to music.
2
Developing
Imitating simple sounds and tones.
3
Mastery
Singing short, recognizable phrases from songs.
Click to see details, teaching tips, & toys

🧸Recommended Toys(8 items)

These carefully selected toys support the developmental skills for this age group. Click on a skill to find more toys that develop that skill.

Fun with Sounds Wooden Discovery Blocks

HABA

A set of 6 wooden blocks, each with a unique acoustic effect, including a rattle, bell, and squeaker. These blocks encourage auditory exploration and sensory development.

Skills Developed
MusicMotor SkillsCognitive
View on Amazon

Walker Wagon Push Toy

HABA

A sturdy wooden walker that provides support for toddlers learning to walk. It also has a seat for a favorite doll or stuffed animal and a small storage space for other toys.

Skills Developed
Motor SkillsCognitive
View on Amazon

Rainbow Fabric Baby Ball

HABA

A soft, colorful ball with different textures and a rattle inside. It's perfect for rolling, tossing, and sensory exploration.

Skills Developed
Motor SkillsSensoryCognitive
View on Amazon

Wooden Shape Sorting Grocery Cart

Melissa & Doug

A wooden walker and shape sorter in one. Toddlers can push the cart and sort the chunky wooden food shapes into the corresponding holes.

Skills Developed
Motor SkillsCognitiveLanguage
View on Amazon

GO Tots Barnyard Tumble

Melissa & Doug

A wooden barn with a silo that toddlers can drop the GO Tots into and watch them tumble out the bottom. It encourages cause-and-effect learning and fine motor skills.

Skills Developed
Motor SkillsCognitive
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Rocking Horse

Little Tikes

A classic and durable rocking horse that helps toddlers develop balance and coordination. Its smooth edges and low-to-the-ground design make it safe for young riders.

Skills Developed
Motor SkillsCreative
View on Amazon

Rainbow Stacker Classic Toy

Fisher-Price

A classic, colorful stacking toy with five rings and a wobbly base. It helps babies and toddlers with hand-eye coordination, size differentiation, and color recognition.

Skills Developed
Motor SkillsCognitive
View on Amazon

Object Permanence Box

Montessori Generation

A wooden box with a drawer and a hole on top. A ball is dropped into the hole and disappears, then reappears in the drawer, teaching the concept of object permanence.

Skills Developed
CognitiveMotor Skills
View on Amazon