Exploring textures is an excellent activity for toddlers.
This simple activity encourages curiosity, the development of hand-eye coordination, and language development in describing textures. You will need a few materials to get started.
- An empty tissue box works best, but any box will work; just cut a hole in the top.
- Place a variety of objects inside the box. For example, shiny ribbons, scarfs, feathers, shells, rocks, bark etc.
- Encourage toddlers to explore the box’s content by using their senses. Model what this looks like, rub the fabric on your hand, smell it, rub two items together, and be sure to describe what you feel and see.
Have fun and alternate the material in the box to explore more textures!
Why do children bite and what can we do?
It is not uncommon for toddlers to bite, but it can be difficult to stay calm and know how to respond. This fact sheet give information about why toddlers bite and how to respond appropriately when biting occurs.
When angry or frustrated young children may exhibit aggression. Aggressive outbursts may range from yelling, biting, kicking or even self harm. An outburst may be a means to get attention because the child needs help to manage their feelings. Remaining calm and helping the child (and the other children around them) to feel safe is important, as their lack of self-control in the situation might be frightening to them. After a child has calmed down offer support and guidance to help them express their feelings in an appropriate way and encourage the child to talk to you about what happened.