12 Early Childhood Activities That Support Child Development

Whether at home, in preschool, or during daily routines, these activities create opportunities for learning, exploration, and social interaction. 

Children may learn about size while stacking cups, practice language while describing a picture, or learn to take turns during a simple game. Developmentally appropriate activities consider a child's age, abilities, experiences, culture, and interests.  

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children's Principles of Child Development and Learning, early learning experiences should reflect how children develop and learn while accounting for individuality. 

Early childhood activities can provide opportunities to practice: 

• Communication and early language 
• Fine motor skills 
• Balance and larger body movements 
• Imagination and problem-solving 
• Social interaction 
• Attention and flexible thinking 
• Independence during daily routines 

These skills often overlap. For example, building a block tower may involve hand control, planning, communication, and cooperation at the same time. 

Fine Motor Early Childhood Activities 

Fine motor skills involve controlled movements of the hands and fingers. Children use these skills when they draw, turn pages, use utensils, fasten clothing, and handle small objects. Fine motor activities may also involve attention, planning, and following directions. 

A study published in Child Development, "Fine Motor Skills and Executive Function Both Contribute to Kindergarten Achievement," found connections among fine motor skills, executive function, and kindergarten achievement (Cameron et al., 2012). 

Below are some practical ways to practice fine motor skills with your child:

1. Sort Safe Household Objects 

Provide several large, child-safe objects in different colors or shapes. Children can place them into bowls, cups, or sections of a muffin pan. 

Try sorting: 

• Large blocks by color 
• Toy animals by type 
• Fabric pieces by texture 
• Large lids by size 

Ask simple questions such as, "Where does the blue block go?" or "Which one feels soft?" Use items that are safe for the child's age. Avoid small objects that may present a choking risk. 

2. Build With Modeling Dough 

Children can squeeze, roll, flatten, and shape modeling dough. These actions allow children to use their hands and fingers in different ways. 

Add child-safe tools such as: 

• A small rolling pin 
• Plastic cookie cutters 
• Craft sticks 
• Large toy stamps 

Some children may not enjoy the texture. Offer another material, such as a soft cloth, large building pieces, or reusable stickers. 

3. Tear and Paste Paper 

Let children tear paper into pieces and glue them onto a larger sheet. Tearing paper encourages children to use both hands and control their finger movements. 

An adult can draw a simple shape first. The child can fill it with colored paper. For example, use green pieces for a tree or blue pieces for a pond.  

Language and Communication Early Childhood Activities 

Language activities can happen throughout the day. Adults do not always need a formal lesson plan. Talking, reading, singing, and listening during daily routines create meaningful learning opportunities. 

4. Try Interactive Story Time 

Choose a short book with clear pictures. Pause to let the child look, point, comment, or ask questions. 

Try prompts such as: 

• "What do you see?" 
• "What do you think happens next?" 
• "Can you find the dog?" 
• "How does this page feel?" 

Children communicate in different ways. A response may include speech, a gesture, a facial expression, pointing, or selecting a picture. Allow enough time for the child to respond. Avoid answering immediately or requiring a spoken response. 

5. Make a Story Basket 

Place a few familiar objects in a basket. The basket might contain a toy car, spoon, stuffed animal, and small blanket. Take turns choosing an object and adding it to a story. The story does not need to make perfect sense. 

The purpose is to explore ideas and communication. Adults can model short sentences when a child needs support. They can also let the child point to or hold the next object. 

6. Sing Songs With Movements 

Songs that include clapping, pointing, marching, or simple gestures combine language and movement. Pause before a familiar word or action. This gives the child time to participate. 

The child can sing, move, use a gesture, or choose a picture. Repeating the same songs can be helpful. Familiar routines allow children to understand what comes next and join at their own pace. 

Sensory and Creative Early Childhood Activities 

Sensory play allows children to explore how materials look, feel, sound, or move. Children have different sensory preferences. 

Some may enjoy a texture that another child dislikes. Offer choices. Do not require children to touch materials that make them uncomfortable. 

7. Paint With Everyday Tools 

Children can paint with more than brushes. Try sponges, cotton swabs, toy wheels, or pieces of cardboard. 

Ask children to notice what happens: 

• Does the tool make lines or dots? 
• What happens when two colors mix? 
• Which tool makes the widest mark? 
• How does the picture change when you press harder? 

Focus on exploration instead of producing a specific picture. Children can use the tools in different ways. 

8. Create a Simple Sensory Bin 

Fill a shallow container with a safe material. Add large tools for scooping, sorting, or pouring. 

Possible materials include: 

• Water 
• Shredded paper 
• Large fabric pieces 
• Large plastic blocks 
• Sponges 

Closely supervise sensory activities. Choose materials that match the child's age, abilities, and support needs. Avoid water beads, small pieces, and other materials that could be swallowed. Stop the activity if materials become damaged or unsafe. 

9. Explore Music and Sound 

Place a few safe sound-making objects in front of the child. These might include a sealed shaker, small drum, wooden spoon, or sturdy container. 

Practice making sounds that are: 

• Loud and quiet 
• Fast and slow 
• Long and short 

Adults can copy the child's rhythm and then invite the child to copy a new one. This keeps the activity social without requiring complex instructions. Children who are sensitive to sound may prefer quieter tools or more distance from the sound. 

Movement-Based Early Childhood Activities 

Movement-based early childhood activities give children opportunities to practice balance, coordination, and body awareness. 

The World Health Organization's Guidelines on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and Sleep for Children Under 5 Years of Age recommend age-appropriate movement opportunities as part of healthy development.

Activities should also match the child's environment and support needs. 

10. Make an Indoor Movement Path 

Use pillows, tape lines, or floor markers to create a simple path. Children can step over a pillow, walk along a line, crawl under a table, or toss a soft ball into a basket. 

Keep the area clear of sharp furniture and slipping hazards. Secure materials that may move during the activity. Adjust the path as needed. For example, a child may move around a pillow instead of stepping over it. 

11. Play an Animal Movement Game 

Invite children to move like familiar animals. They might waddle like a duck, stretch like a cat, or stomp like an elephant. 

Offer choices instead of requiring imitation. A child can select an animal picture, make an animal sound, or describe how the animal moves. This flexibility provides different ways to participate. 

12. Go on a Nature Search 

During an outdoor walk, look for simple features such as: 

• Something green 
• A round rock 
• A bird or insect 
• A rough surface 
• A quiet or loud sound 

Children should leave unfamiliar plants, animals, and unsafe objects where they are. The activity can focus on looking, listening, pointing, and talking.  

How Adults Can Support Early Childhood Activities Through Play 

Adults can support early childhood learning without directing every part of play. Begin by noticing what interests the child. Then offer a comment, question, choice, or new material. 

Research published in Pediatrics notes that play supports healthy development and provides opportunities for children to build cognitive, social, emotional, and language skills (Yogman et al., 2018). 

Helpful approaches include: 

• Give the child time to respond. 
• Use short, clear directions. 
• Show the activity before expecting participation. 
• Offer two choices when possible. 
• Recognize effort, curiosity, and problem-solving. 
• Adjust materials for comfort and access. 
• Stop or change the activity if the child becomes overwhelmed. 

Avoid comparing one child's progress with another child's progress. Development can vary, and children may demonstrate skills in different ways. 

If a parent or caregiver has concerns about a child's development, communication, movement, or participation, they should speak with the child's healthcare provider or another qualified professional. 

These early childhood activities create opportunities for play and learning. They do not replace an individualized evaluation, early childhood program, or professional service. 

Making Early Childhood Activities Part of Daily Life 

Early childhood activities do not always require special materials or a formal lesson plan. Learning can happen during everyday routines. A child can count socks while helping with laundry, name foods during a meal, or practice pouring during water play. 

Start with activities that match the child's interests. Keep them brief and flexible. A child may repeat one activity many times. They may also use the materials in an unexpected way. That exploration is part of learning through play. 

The most useful activities for preschool children are often simple, safe, and adaptable. When adults respect children's interests and offer different ways to participate, play becomes a meaningful part of each day. 

About Easterseals Southern California's Child Development Services 

Easterseals Southern California supports children and families through services designed around their individual circumstances, strengths, and goals. Learn more about Easterseals Southern California's Child Development Services.

References

• Cameron, C. E., Brock, L. L., Murrah, W. M., Bell, L. H., Worzalla, S. L., Grissmer, D., & Morrison, F. J. (2012). Fine motor skills and executive function both contribute to kindergarten achievement. Child Development, 83(4), 1229-1244.
• National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2020). Principles of Child Development and Learning and Implications That Inform Practice.
• World Health Organization. (2019). Guidelines on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep for Children Under 5 Years of Age.
• Yogman, M., Garner, A., Hutchinson, J., Hirsh-Pasek, K., Golinkoff, R. M., Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health, & Council on Communications and Media. (2018). The power of play: A pediatric role in enhancing development in young children. Pediatrics, 142(3), e20182058.