Guest Blog Post: Purposeful Play for Toddlers

Welcome to the first guest blog post! Jessica, a special education teacher, mom, and founder of Every Learner Counts, is partnering with New Mama Goose to give away one of her awesome toddler learning boxes and is sharin

g her knowledge on how to guide your toddler through purposeful play. Keep reading to learn more!

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Jessica, mom, special education teacher, and founder of Every Learner Counts

If you have ever found yourself watching your toddler dump the same set of blocks for the tenth time that morning, or cycling through the same three toys just to get through the day, you are not alone.

Those early years are magical, but they can also feel like a blur of snacks, diaper changes, and the same toy being handed to you over and over again. It is easy to fall into a “play rut,” especially when life gets busy and the days start to blend together.

The good news? You do not have to add more toys to your living room or spend hours setting up elaborate activities to make playtime exciting and meaningful. With a little intention, you can turn even the most ordinary moments into powerful learning opportunities for your toddler.

That is where purposeful play comes in. Purposeful play is all about giving your toddler fun, engaging activities that also help them learn new skills, without it feeling like work for either of you. The best part is that you do not need fancy equipment or hours of prep to make it happen.

What Is Purposeful Play?

Purposeful play is simply playing with a plan.

Instead of random toys and activities, you offer experiences that help your child build specific skills such as fine motor coordination, early math, language development, and social-emotional awareness.

The “purposeful” part does not mean it is rigid or structured. It just means you are being intentional with what you offer.

Easy, Skill-Building Activities to Try at Home

Vocabulary and Movement Cards Turn learning new words into a game. Pick a themed card, such as an ocean animal or a mode of transportation, and follow a fun movement guide together. If your card says “dolphin,” you can jump and splash like you are swimming in the sea. Your toddler builds vocabulary while getting some energy out.

Yoga for Littles Toddlers can benefit from simple yoga poses that encourage body awareness, balance, and calming strategies. Lay out a mat, pick a pose card, and practice together. You might be surprised how much they enjoy imitating you.

Sink or Float Fill a small tub with water and gather a few items from around the house. Let your child guess if each one will sink or float, then test it out. This is early STEM learning at its finest as they predict, test, and discover.

Feelings Choice Board Help your child identify and name emotions by showing them a visual board with different facial expressions. Ask, “Which one shows how you feel right now?” It is a great way to build emotional vocabulary and empathy.

Why It Matters

Purposeful play builds confidence, strengthens bonds between you and your child, and supports all areas of development from problem-solving to language to emotional growth.

And here is the best part: you can meet your toddler exactly where they are. Whether they are just starting to name colors or already counting to ten, activities can be adapted so they feel challenged but never overwhelmed.

Making It Even Easier

If you love the idea of having engaging activities already planned and ready to go, that is exactly what Every Learner Counts’ monthly themed learning boxes are here for.

Each box is filled with hands-on, skill-building activities created by a seasoned special education teacher turned new mom who wanted to blend her professional expertise with the everyday magic of raising a little one.

With three tiered options to choose from, you can pick what fits your family best so you spend less time searching for ideas and more time actually playing. Every activity is designed to meet your toddler right where they are, helping them grow, succeed, and feel proud along the way.

And this August, New Mama Goose and Every Learner Counts are pairing up to do a giveaway of an ELC toddler learning box! Find out more details and how to enter at www.newmamagoose.com/giveaway.