GAMES FOR TODDLERS AND TOYS
Games for Toddlers and Twos
Game: Two Little Blackbirds

How the game is played: With singing and hand motions, the adult leads the children in a song.

    Two little blackbirds sitting on the hill
    (Start with your hands behind your back.)
    One named Jack
    (Bring one hand to the front with your pointer finger extended.)
    One named Jill
    (Bring your other hand to the front with pointer finger extended.)
    Fly away, Jack!
    (Put the hand and finger representing Jack behind your back.)
    Fly away, Jill!
    (Do the same with your "Jill" hand.)
    Come back, Jack!
    (Bring "Jack" back to front.)
    Come back, Jill!
    (Bring "Jill" back to front.)

You can make up additional verses, such as the ones below.
    • Two little blackbirds sitting in the snow. One named Fast. One named Slow.
    • Two little blackbirds sitting on a cloud. One named Soft. One named Loud.
    • Two little blackbirds soaring in the sky. One named Low. One named High.

Tips for adults: Act out the words you're singing to emphasize the opposite pairs. If you're using the "fast/slow" variation, move your finger quickly or slowly.
What the game teaches: Opposites and imitation.
Game: Walking, Walking

How the game is played: The verse is sung to the tune of "Frere Jacques" and the participants move according to the words of the song. They walk when singing about walking, hop when they sing about hopping.
Walking, walking,
Walking, walking,
Hop, hop, hop!
Hop, hop, hop!
Running, running, running,
Running, running, running,
Now we stop.
Now we stop. 

Tips for adults: Keep the circle of motion the right size for your group: large enough not to create traffic jams but small enough to keep the kids in the circle.

What the game teaches: Different types of gross motor movement, including how to be still.
Game: The Hokey-Pokey

How the game is played: An oldie but goodie. Everybody stands in a circle and does the motions to the corresponding words of the song. Toddlers won't know right from left at this point, but they'll understand the body part and can follow your lead.

    • You put your left foot in,
    • You put your left foot out,
    You put your left foot in, and you shake it all about!
   • You do the Hokey Pokey
    (Raise hands in the air and wiggle fingers.)
    • And you turn yourself around
    (Turnaround in a full circle.)
    • That's what it's all about!
    (Clap with each syllable.)

Tips for adults: Choose body parts that toddlers know, and throw in a new one now and then. Make sure to sing slowly enough that the kids can follow along.

What the game teaches: Names of body parts, following directions.
Game: Over the Water

How the game is played: A simple verse is sung and each child gets a turn to be the "star" of the song. Before each verse, the adult asks, "Anna, what would you like to catch?" and Anna might say, "A tiger." The verse is repeated with each child's name and chosen animal until everyone has had a turn.

    • Anna over the water
    (Move one hand across the body like a rippling wave.)
   • Anna over the sea
    (Move the other hand across the body in same way.)
    • Anna catch a tiger
    (Grab in front of you to "catch" the animal.)
    • You can't catch me!
    (Point at self or let the child chase you.)

Tips for adults: Sometimes kids will need help with choosing an animal. Keep the momentum going by encouraging swift decision-making. Giving the child a choice between two animals he or she knows is a good strategy.

What the game teaches: Listening, waiting, and taking turns.
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