Fun Things for a 1-Year-Old

The first year of a child's life is full of new discoveries and exciting milestones. By the time she reaches her first birthday, she is eagerly testing her abilities and meeting new challenges everyday. A one-year-old's learning is enhanced mainly through play so encourage your little one's interest with a selection of fun activities that will build her confidence and send her on the right path into toddlerhood.

  1. Toys

    • Children learn through playing with toys.

      Children love toys and parents can encourage their one-year-olds with a good selection of fun and educational toys that will help with fine and gross motor skills, as well as providing an introduction to the world around them. Children this age love to stack and sort objects, so stacking towers and shape sorters are always good choices. Musical toys will introduce one-year-olds to the wonderful world of sounds and melodies. They also introduce concepts such as the alphabet, shapes and colors. Ride-on/push toys keep your child on the move.

    Interactive Games

    • Interactive games teach one-year-olds about the world around them.

      Throughout his first year of life, you are your child's best playmate. This will continue as he advances into his second year and the toddler stage. Interactive games will enhance your child's learning and strengthen the bond between you both. Beyond the standard peek-a-boo games, there are many ways to interact with your child in a fun, educational way. Finger plays, such as "Itsy, Bitsy Spider" and "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" teach your child songs and related movements, as well as about his body parts. Let him get messy with water by filling a bath or sink and adding lots of cups and containers for filling and dumping. Encourage his budding artist by providing play dough, crayons and finger paints made from shaving cream and food coloring. Finally, make good use of the great outdoors by going for lots of walks, pointing out what you see and naming what your child sees.

    Books

    • Books open up a world of imagination to children.

      Reading is one of the most important activities you will ever do with your child. Books bring a child's imagination to life, which plays a critical part in fostering a love of learning. Make reading a positive experience. Create an inviting reading nook with a comfortable chair or floor pillows, plenty of shelves and good lighting. Stock the bookshelves with a variety of board books, flap books and picture books. One-year-olds are just starting to connect words with pictures so "first word" books are also a fun choice. Age-appropriate books for one-year-olds include "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," "The Napping House," "Counting Kisses" and "Corduroy," according to Parents magazine.

    Play Groups

    • Encourage socialization with play groups tailored to your one-year-old.

      Play groups are a wonderful way to introduce your one-year-old to other children. Although they are too young to engage other children in reciprocal play, one-year-olds love to be around other kids. Encourage their budding social skills by enrolling you and your child in classes tailored to this age group. Check your local area for Mommy and Me yoga, music and movement and gym classes. For general play groups, MOM's Club International offers chapters all over the world where moms and children get together for activities most days of the week.

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