Ages 24‑30 Months

Cognitive Development

• Play matching games. For example, match jars and lids together, or sort a mix of puzzle pieces and crayons back into their separate boxes.
• Keep adding to the range of objects and toys that you are providing. Give your toddler a broader range of art supplies and talk together about the drawings and colours.
• Allow time for your toddler to solve a problem; don't rush to help.
• Let your toddler fill in the blanks while singing a song or reading a book.

What Your Toddler is Likely to Do

• Pretend‑play with others.
• Begin to match and sort shapes, pictures, and some colours.
• Understand that things are different shapes and sizes.
• Become aware of the sequence of numbers, when spoken.
• Show an increased attention span.
• Begin to solve problems by trial and error.

Other Things Your Toddler May Do

• Sort groups of objects into sets.
• Complete simple puzzles.
• Combine toys and games in more complex ways, such as using playdough in dramatic play.
• Understand the concept of future time (soon, tomorrow) but not past time (yesterday).
• Begin to understand one‑to‑one actions, such as setting one plate per person.
• Recall past experiences.

How You Can Help Cognitive Development

• Continue to breastfeed.
• Praise your toddler’s successes.
• Keep adding to the range of objects and toys that you are providing.
• Give your toddler a broader range of art supplies and ask her or him to talk about the drawings and colours.
• Allow time for your toddler to solve a problem; don’t rush to help.
• Include shapes and colours in daily routines.
• Keep counting: “Let’s count the blocks you used in your tower.”
• Let your toddler fill in the blanks while singing a song or reading a book. Play matching games. For example, match jars and lids together, or sort a mix of puzzle pieces and crayons back into their separate boxes.
• Read books with your toddler and encourage interaction with the pictures.
• Play singing and actions games with music.