Home Learning Activities for 2-Year-Old Children

Cognitive

• By age 2, most children are beginning to work out everyday problems by using logical reasoning, which means they are ready to start sorting and matching objects by color and shape, says PBS Parents. To encourage these new learning skills, make your own puzzle at home. Create a square or rectangle border on a bare floor using painter's tape, then let your child fill up the space using a toy wooden block set that includes cylinders, rectangles and other shapes. There is no right or wrong way to complete this activity; the learning comes from taking the time to choose and manipulate blocks to fit the shape of the space.

Emotional and Social

• According to KidsHealth, 2-year-olds are beginning to progress from parallel play to more interactive play. When arranging play dates at home, organize group games, such as the "parachute" game, to encourage this kind of interaction. Instead of a parachute, use a bed sheet that is large enough so each child can grasp a part of the outside. Give simple directions for the kids to follow, such as "up," "down" and "under." During this activity, children learn about listening, waiting and working together. Reinforce the concept of taking turns by letting the children alternate sitting beneath the sheet as the others move the sheet up and down, creating a billowing dome around the chosen child.

Sensory and Motor Development

• Modeling clay offers so many possibilities for creative fun and learning -- especially if you make it at home and let your 2-year-old help. Permit your child to assist in the mixing and measuring of 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of warm water, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoons oil, 1/3 cup of salt and a few drops of food coloring. Heat the contents over medium heat until the dough thickens -- that's your job, of course, so give your little one another activity away from the stove. After the dough cools completely, clear an area where your child can knead, squeeze and pound the dough until it's well-blended and ready for any art creation she feels like making. From start to finish, this activity is engaging your child's sensory, fine and gross motor skills.

Language

• According to WebMD, on average, 2-year-olds have a vocabulary of at least 50 words, though they likely understand many more. To help your child expand her language skills at home, make an alphabet scrapbook together. Start with 26 sheets of paper and write a letter of the alphabet on each page. Help your child cut out or tear pictures of objects from magazines. Label each picture with the name of the object, so your child can visually match the first letter of what's depicted with the letter on the page. Paste the pics on the appropriate page and say the corresponding word with your child. This will teach her to recognize the word and understand its context.