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This Article Is About
- When You should start teaching your toddler body parts
- What body parts should my toddler know by 2 years old
- The Best activities for teaching toddlers their body parts
Are you looking to teach your toddler their body parts? If so you have come to the right place. Deciding to teach your toddler body parts is exciting! From the time that children are born they become more aware of their body over time. Take a newborn for example, not long after birth most newborns start to realize those little hands, and sometimes feet!
Teaching toddlers about their body parts is great for social development and early vocabulary skills. In terms of social development, children can better express their feelings and what may be bothering them when they can identify parts of their bodies.
In regards to early language skills, teaching toddlers their body parts will teach them the words. Associated with their body parts. Over time they will not only be able to point to their body parts, but they will begin to recognize and say them!
When Should You Start Teaching Toddlers About Body Parts?
There really isn’t a specific age to start teaching little ones their body parts. However, I do recommend you start early, as early as 6 months! Consistency is the key, starting early really gets little ones familiar with the words. Over time they will begin to recognize the words and make the connections!
What body parts should my toddler know by 2 years old?
It’s important to note that children learn and develop at their own pace. I know as parents we can sometimes get caught up on what we feel our little ones should know. Which honestly, can be very overwhelming for parents and children when we feel they aren’t meeting our marks.
But, keep in mind that children learn from reputation and consistency. As parents, we should constantly offer activities that teach them their body parts over time. Stay consistent, and offer lots of activities that teach your toddler about their body parts and they will catch on before you know it!
Nonetheless here is a basic outline of what your toddler may know based on their age:
Typical Development
1 to 1.5 years old: Might be able to identify 1 to 3 body parts when asked.
2 to 2.5 years old: May be able to identify the following baby parts when asked ( eyes, head, nose, ears, mouth, feet, tummy, hands)
3 to 3.5 years old: May be able to identify and say these body parts ( chin, arm, shoulders, knees, back, neck, eyes, head, nose, ears, mouth, feet, tummy, hands )
Activities To Teach Toddler Body Parts
Songs
The benefits of music are truly endless! Exposing children to music early on helps them to learn the meaning of words and sounds! Music also sparks all areas of child development ( emotional, social, motor, and literacy development)
When you start to teach your toddler about their body parts, incorporating music is a great starting point! Music is fun and really helps toddlers make the connections between what they are singing and learning.
Best Songs For Teaching Body Parts:
“ The Body Parts Song”
Tune Of “Where is Thumbkin”
Where are your eyes, Where are your eyes
Here it is, Here it is.
Touch it with your finger, Touch it with your finger
Just like me, Just like me ( Repeat with different body parts )
“ Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”
Head, Shoulders, Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head, Shoulders, Knees and toes, knees and toes
Eyes, and ears, mouth, and nose
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes
Knees and toes
Flashcards
Flashcards have been around for decades, it’s no secret that when used correctly, flashcards can be extremely helpful for little ones learning new skills! The use of flashcards is truly beneficial, contrary to what most parents may think. Flashcards can sometimes get a bad rap, but they are truly beneficial! As an early childhood educator, I often use flashcards alongside activities and other techniques to teach new academic milestones!
The Benefits
- Improvs fine motor skills when handling cards
- Increases word awareness! Children began to make visual connections between the words they are hearing and seeing on the flashcards!
- Overall improves cognitive development
Books
The value of books and stories is really priceless for children! Introducing books at an early age sparks curiosity and encourages your child’s imagination! The amazing benefits of books for toddlers are;
- Communication skills
- Social skills
- Cognitive development
- Language Development
- Encourages listening skill
- Also prepares them for early literacy and recognizing words!
Educational videos
When used correctly, screen time can actually be beneficial for young children!
When introducing screen time, try to offer it alongside whatever your little one is currently learning. When you pair educational videos with other teaching techniques children can get the best of both worlds. I don’t suggest relying on educational videos solely to teach your toddler academic milestones like their body parts, instead use it as another tool to aid in learning.
Educational videos that incorporate music are ideal, and they offer all the benefits of music and movement as well!
Bath time and diaper changes
Using your everyday routine to teach your toddler their body parts is IMPORTANT! I love incorporating whatever im teaching my daughter into her daily routine. I strongly believe it really helps in getting her to make those connections easily,
Bathtime is a great time to do so, I would start by Singing songs! You can also tell them their body parts when you start to wash them.
“Let’s wash your face now”
“ Can we wash your feet?”
“Let’s put your hands in the eater”
Just a few examples of things you could say at bath time to teach their body parts. Using the same technique during diaper changes and outfit changes is great too. I try to always tell my daughter what ill be doing next, or what im currently doing.
“ Mama is putting on your songs “
“ Now we are going to put on your shirt”
This article is about:
- When You should start teaching your toddler body parts
- What body parts should my toddler know by 2 years old
- The Best activities for teaching toddlers their body parts
