Toy Tidy Scoop

What you need

• a basket or box
• a few chunky toys

How to do it

1. Scatter a handful of toys on the floor.
2. Hand your toddler the basket and say 'help me tidy'.
3. Name each toy as they drop it in, then cheer when the basket's full.

Why it matters

Sorting and carrying toys into a basket builds early responsibility and gives them a real, finishable job.

What they're learning

helpful routines

Joining in a tidy-up job now grows into taking responsibility for chores and shared spaces later.

hand-eye coordination

Picking up and dropping toys into a basket sharpens the aim and grip used later for posting and stacking games.

following simple instructions

Responding to 'put it in the basket' builds the listening skills needed for following instructions at nursery.

What to look for

Watch for them picking up a toy and carrying it to the basket without being shown each time.

A tip

Keep the pile small so the game ends in success rather than fizzling out halfway through.

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