play ideas for 14 mo

[millingtonsmummy]

Hi,

Can anyone give me any ideas on how I can start to introduce more structure to DD's play?

At the moment it feels like all her toys come out of the toy box, get scattered around the floor, rammed into with her walker and then put back in the toy box at the end of the day. I've started putting some toys away for a week or so and then getting them out again, she seems to play with them with much more interest after this.

Any art & craft ideas I could try?

Thanks!

[flockwallpaper]

I found this 12-14 month stage a bit of a tricky age - in a month or so she will probably be able to appreciate a lot more, particularly if she is walking.

Arts and crafts wise: DS liked aquadraw, although needed close supervision as he was still putting things in his mouth. We would sometimes draw around hands and feet, or puzzle shapes. I tried play doh and painting too, although I felt he was a bit young. Wasn't really into painting and he'd just poke the play doh for a bit then get bored.

We do break up play time at home with a session of puzzles (very basic ones), or reading a book, or watching CBeebies, or we put on a CD of nursery rhymes and bang some instruments in time to the music /do some actions.

I'll be watching this thread with interest as ideas are always welcome

[singalongamumum]

That's pretty much what play is at this stage! You could try simple things like putting favourite objects in a box/ on the sofa/ on a chair/ on the floor, saying ooh and taking them out again. Repeat! My DS loved his stackable cups at this stage and began to show an interest in stacking rings. You could make a slide with a bit of wood and roll balls down it... or just roll balls! Splashing in the sink is lovely and tactile, or rolling around and tickling usually fills a few minutes!

The best games will probably come if you watch what your DD is doing- it may look like nothing/ chaos but she will be doing something and repeat it a few times. Add words/ noises and make a joke. That should cover it!

Ripping paper is good fun on the arts/ crafts line and she may like to hold a pencil and scribble.

She sounds like she's not quite ready for anything too structured- don't rush it, she is doing what her brain needs her to do in order to move onto the next stage. It won't be long and things will start coming together all of their own accord.