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Games That Require Attention & Recollection for Toddlers

Any parent knows the difficulties of keeping a toddler's attention for very long. Active little minds and active little bodies means toddlers often prefer running around than sitting and paying attention to you. Constant distractions and a world full of new information mean they often forget what you've just told them. But don't despair. Games and entertaining activity can help your child develop these skills while you enjoy spending time with them too.

Copy Cat
- Young children naturally learn by copying, so "mirror me" games will delight your toddler while teaching them to pay attention and encouraging them to remember and recall actions too. Sit opposite the child and make a clear but simple action, such as covering your face, clapping your hands, or touching your nose. Maintain eye contact with your child to retain her attention. Reward her with a smile and encouraging words every time she remembers your action and repeats it. This game will also help her develop coordination.
Photo Fun
- Encourage your child to pay attention to objects in front of him and use his powers of recollection with a simple photo game. Place three photographs in front of her, each featuring an important person or pet in her life. Point at each photo in turn and ask her to name the person or animal in each snap. Then turn the photos over and ask her to show you where the person or pet you name is. Turn the photos over, move them about and repeat the game again.
Hiding
- Get your toddler to watch as you hide four of her toys around the room. Then name one toy and ask her to go and find it and bring it to you. Repeat with each toy. Reward her with lots of enthusiastic words and big smiles for each one she finds. This game will encourage her to pay attention as she must watch where you place each toy, and recollection as she has to remember and recall which toy is in which place.
Outings
- Turn a visit to the park into a memory game. As you walk point out different animals and birds to your toddler. Tell her you want her to remember as many creatures you see as she can. Encourage her to repeat the names of the animals you've already seen as you walk to help keep his attention focused and the animals stay in her memory. When you get home ask her to tell him to tell you or another family member all the animals you saw earlier. Give her lots of praise and encouragement for all the animals she can remember.

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