Parents often buy form boards and stacking rings for their toddlers as they are under the impression that toys like this facilitate the toddler s learning of colours, shapes and forms. There is no evidence to support this presumption. Children do not need to be bought special toys for this purpose as long as they have free access to household items. Children in this exploratory stage tend to take things apart and manipulate them, which may not be the best way to handle household items. Thus, the only advantage of these toys is if they are durable and inexpensive.
Puzzles are usually beyond a toddler s capabilities.
However, two and three piece puzzles are now available and could be tried out. Since your toddler s small muscles may not have developed enough to allow for the precise movements necessary to manipulate the puzzle pieces, look for those that have small knobs or handles attached to the pieces. Toddlers normally love to draw and colour. They will scribble on any surface including the walls. Initially, they have trouble holding the pencil or crayon and tend to make wild strokes.