If you’re looking for a few quick tips on how to teach toddlers body parts and the best way to do that! Then this is the article for you!
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Teach Toddlers About Their Body Parts: 3 Easy Tips
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 bodies over time. Take a newborn, for example, not long after birth. Most newborns realize those little hands and sometimes feet!
Here are 3 easy tips to help you teach toddlers body parts!
1. When you Should Start Teaching Body Parts To Toddlers?
There really isn’t a specific age to start teaching little ones their body parts. However, I 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 repeat them at some point.
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 )
2. The Body Parts You Should Teach?
If your toddler is interested in learning different body parts, you could start by teaching them those body parts first. It’s always good to follow your child’s interest and lead when learning new skills.
The most important body parts to consider teaching are:
| Eyes | Head |
| Ears | Nose |
| Mouth | Stomach |
| Private Parts | Toes |
| Hands | Feet |
3. Fun Activities To Teach Toddler Body Parts
Music & 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.
“ 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! Flashcards are truly beneficial, contrary to what most parents may think. Flashcards can sometimes get a bad rap, but they are truly helpful! 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 heard and saw on the flashcards!
- Overall improves cognitive development.
Books
The value of books and stories is really priceless for children! Introducing books early on 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. Children can get the best of both worlds when you pair educational videos with other teaching techniques. 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 offer all the benefits of music and movement!
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 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 always try to 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.”
