Rainy days do not have to mean screen days. Young children learn through everyday play, and simple things from around the house are often their favourite toys.
Build and knock down
Blocks, cardboard boxes, plastic cups or food containers make great towers. Counting the blocks as you stack them, or naming the colours, adds a little early maths and language without any pressure.
Kitchen music
- Give your toddler a pot and a wooden spoon, and play loud and quiet, fast and slow.
- Fill a few sealed plastic bottles with rice, pasta or beans to make shakers.
- Sing favourite songs together and add actions.
Messy play, made easier
Put a towel or an old sheet on the floor and offer a tray with water and cups, homemade play dough, or a few dry pasta shapes to scoop and pour. Stay close, and keep small items away from children who still put things in their mouths.
Quiet corner time
Build a den from a blanket and two chairs, add cushions and a few picture books, and read together. A torch makes it extra exciting.
Short bursts of play are perfect for little ones. Follow your child’s lead, join in, and let them repeat the same game as often as they like: repetition is how young children learn.