3 min read
Another post about strange toddler behaviour...
We've talked about how why children like to carry heavy things or become obsessed with tiny objects.
This time we're talking about their need to line up toys (cars, stuffed animals, etc).
First, why they do this (and why it's important to support this behaviour)...
There are several developmental reasons why toddlers like to line up their toys:
1. Sensitive Period for Order - from approximately 6 months to 3 years, children are in a sensitive period for order. Lining up their toys is a way of creating order, which in turn gives children a sense of control, predictability, and comfort.
This may not make sense when we think of play, which is often thought of as being disorderly, but young children look for and create order where they can.
2. Gives Them More Information - Children are naturally curious and want to take in as much of their surroundings (and toys) as possible.
With all their toys lined up, they can see every single one of them. This allows them to notice the similarities and differences in their size and colour.
The process of lining them up allows them to touch every toy with their hands, providing important sensory input when doing so.
3. Repetition - Repetition is an important part of learning. Lining up their toys is a repetitive movement, helping them to develop and strengthen their fine motor skills and spatial awareness.
Young children enjoy repetitive activities because they’re satisfying. The child learns that with practice their skills get stronger, and the task becomes easier or gets done faster.
If your toddler is in the "lining up toys" phase, here's 5 activities they might like:
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