Play is the central activity of young children. Play is the main way that young children explore, interact with, and enjoy the world around them. It’s where their inborn curiosity and creativity shine and where they can practice problem-solving and persistence. Play is self-motivating and is the best context for young children to practice making decisions and overcoming barriers. Discover what play looks like in one-year-olds and how caregivers can support it.
Exploring through play
What children are doing:
Much of the play of one-year-olds (ones) involves exploring things around them using their senses. They are drawn to toys and materials that they can manipulate - that they can do different things to or that respond in different ways. Ones are learning about cause and effect and are very curious to know "What can I do with this…" and "What happens if I…."
What caregivers can provide:
- Toys that are open-ended, that ones can use in different ways.
- Toys that respond in different ways to curious ones' actions.
What caregivers can say and do:
- Give ones time and space where they can explore and experiment with toys and materials on their own.
- Follow ones' lead when they invite you to play with them. Don't be too quick to show them what to do or help them.
Using their bodies in active play
What children are doing
Ones not only use their senses and their whole bodies to explore. Playing includes climbing, running, pulling, pushing, and dancing. Ones enjoy all the different ways their bodies can move and the different things they can do with it.
What caregivers can provide
- Lots of time and space for active play.
- Toys and equipment, both indoors and out, that allow ones to use their whole bodies in different ways and to independently practice new physical skills.
What caregivers can say and do
- Encourage ones to test out the different things they can do with their bodies. Let them experiment with a bit of risk and challenge; be available to step in when they are getting frustrated or are in danger of hurting themselves.
- Minimize the amount of time that ones are physically limited (ex. in walkers or highchairs). They need their whole range of motion to develop strength, balance, and coordination.
Imitating in play
What children are doing
Ones imitate many of the everyday actions they see adults do, from drinking a cup of coffee to talking on the phone. This is the first hint of pretend play.
What caregivers can provide
- Baby dolls and stuffed animals.
- Toy dishes, food, and other common kitchen items.
- Common household items, or toy versions (broom, shovel, mirror, comb, hats/scarves, etc.).
What caregivers can say and do
- Encourage imitation-based play by commenting on it and extending it. ("Is the baby sleepy? Night-night, baby. Does she need a blanket?")
- Ones play completely independently or play next to another child but not with him/her. Ones may try to take each others' toys, so have enough on hand that you can keep competition to a minimum.
Responding to music
What children are doing
Science has shown that babies are born with sensitivity to the basic elements of music and process it in the brain in a similar, though much simpler, manner as adults. Ones recognize familiar songs and develop a preference for the kinds of melodies and tempos surrounding them. They respond to music by moving, wiggling, stomping, twirling,and dancing.
What caregivers can provide
- Music with a variety of levels of energy - ones get excited by fast, lively music and can be calmed by slower, more soothing music.
- Favorite children's songs that are simple, repetitive, and fun (and that caregivers don't mind hearing over and over).
What caregivers can say and do
- Provide a variety of music: classical, new age, pop, Latin, etc. When playing different musical styles, notice the reactions of each child as they hear it.
- Use music intentionally as a primary activity to connect to children and provide enjoyment.
- Incorporate singing into interactions with children - sing during routines and transitions, and sing finger play and action songs when interacting with individual children during playtime.
Keep in mind: Play is the perfect context for children's learning because it connects body, mind, and emotion in young children. It's satisfying and enjoyable, it's physically active, and it's mentally engaging. Children's play has meaning and purpose. Watch children as they play and ask: What concepts is he trying to understand? What skills is she practicing? What is so interesting about that toy, material, or activity?
Choking cautions
Young children can choke on small objects and toy parts. All items used for children under three years of age and any children who put toys in their mouths should be at least 1¼ inch in diameter and between 1 inch and 2¼ inches in length. Oval balls and toys should be at least 1¾ inch in diameter. Toys should meet federal small parts standards. Any toys or games labeled as unsuitable for children under three should not be used.
Other items that pose a safety risk and should not be accessible to children under three include, but are not limited to: button batteries, magnets, plastic bags, objects, coins, balloons, latex gloves, and glitter.
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