Toys stimulate the imaginations of two year olds and offer opportunities for these toddlers to learn to play appropriately with others. Use a variety of games, dolls, action figures, puzzles and balls to foster creativity. In addition, there are many toys that teach the alphabet, beginning letter sounds, number identification and counting with nice graphics and catchy songs. Teachers should demonstrate how to play correctly with these items through modeling.
Books are great teaching tools for two year olds. Books foster a love of reading in toddlers. Books for this age group should be short and contain a lot of interesting pictures. Toddler teachers can choose books that contain stories, songs, chants or nursery rhymes. In addition, children can learn important beginning reading and math concepts from books that teach these subjects.
Two year olds are not too young to be shown letters and numbers. Toddler teachers should choose cards that have letters and numbers that are large enough for young children to see. While many two year olds may not be able to identify the letters and numbers right away, repetition can help them start to memorize these important reading and math concepts.
Crayons can be effective learning tools for two year olds. Big, thick crayons work best because toddlers can grip them better. Toddler teachers can draw shapes, numbers or letters for the children to color. The young children can work on their eye-hand coordination while attempting to draw with the crayons.
Glue can be an effective educational tool for two year olds. Toddlers can have fun pasting different strips of paper together under the guidance of an adult. Young children can also use their imaginations to glue various shapes together. These toddlers can begin to create small projects as well while following the close direction of their teacher.