6 Essential Skills Toddlers Should Be Practicing
Toddlers are tiny explorers with big learning potential. Between the ages of 1 to 3, their brains and bodies are growing at lightning speed—and what they do during this time lays the foundation for how they move, think, talk, and interact with the world.
At Luella Play, we believe in hands-on, screen-free learning that supports these critical milestones. Here are 6 essential skills your toddler should be practicing—and how a simple tool like the Luella Magnetic Playwall can make learning feel like play.
🖐️ 1. Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor development is all about strengthening those tiny hand muscles—important for future writing, eating, and self-care.
How to practice with the playwall:
Let your toddler pick up magnetic letters and place them on the wall. As they grasp, pinch, rotate, and reposition the pieces, they’re building dexterity without even realizing it.
🏃♀️ 2. Gross Motor Skills
Big body movements like standing, reaching, squatting, and stretching help develop balance and coordination.
How to practice with the playwall:
Place letters or shapes at different heights to encourage movement. Toddlers naturally stretch, tiptoe, or crouch—engaging their whole bodies while they play.
🧠 3. Cognitive Skills (Problem Solving & Memory)
Cognitive growth during toddlerhood includes recognizing patterns, solving problems, and using memory.
How to practice with the playwall:
Challenge your child to match letters, sort colors, or fill in missing pieces of a word or puzzle. These activities promote focus and spark that "I did it!" moment that builds confidence.
🗣️ 4. Language & Communication
Language skills develop rapidly at this age—both speaking and listening.
How to practice with the playwall:
Use the wall to talk through the alphabet, form simple words like “cat” or “sun,” or ask, “Can you find the letter B?” As your toddler hears and responds, they’re building vocabulary and expressive language.
💛 5. Emotional Regulation & Patience
Even playtime helps toddlers learn patience, persistence, and managing emotions when things don’t go as planned.
How to practice with the playwall:
Let your child explore at their own pace. Encourage them when they get stuck, and celebrate small successes. The wall becomes a place to learn that making mistakes is part of growing.
🤝 6. Social Skills
Learning how to share, take turns, and cooperate is vital for preschool and beyond.
How to practice with the playwall:
Use the wall together! Whether with siblings, parents, or friends, collaborative play encourages toddlers to listen, communicate, and wait their turn—all essential life skills.
Final Thoughts
Your toddler doesn’t need a tablet or a screen to grow. With just a little space on your wall, they can develop key life skills while laughing, learning, and discovering what they’re capable of.
💡 Luella Playwall turns any room into a toddler-friendly learning zone—beautifully designed, mess-free, and made to grow with your child.