Ages 12‑18 Months

Count things together in books and find the same things in your home. Point out colours and shapes.
Give your toddler simple directions: "Put your truck and doll in the toy box, please."
Make special books with your toddler and read or enjoy them together.
Keep adding to the range of things that you give your toddler to play with.

Realize things still exist even when he or she cannot see them.
Find things in pictures when asked.
Learn about the world by touching and moving things. Your toddler may fit things into holes, mix and dump sand, or stack items and knock them down.
Expect events to follow in routines and be predictable.
Follow simple directions, such as “Come and show me the ball.”

Group similar things, such as socks, shoes, or blocks.
Use imagination in play. For example, your toddler may move toy trucks around on the floor.
Handle playdough, crayons, and paints.
Show understanding of some colours and shapes.
Show increased memory skills by asking for something you took away earlier.

Keep adding to the range of things that you give your toddler to play with.
Talk about events and people that your toddler remembers.
Count things together in books and find the same things in your home.
Point out colours and shapes when you talk to your toddler.
Give your toddler simple directions: “Put your truck and doll in the toy box, please.”
Make special books with your toddler and read or enjoy them together.
Read books with your toddler and encourage her or him to talk about and point to the pictures.
Encourage your toddler to make music and dance with shakers, pots, and pans.