Play On the Go: Out and About with 2&3 Year-Olds

Whether at home or on the go with you, two and three year olds are constantly exploring their world! Here are some early literacy games you and your little one can play as you are shopping, driving, waiting in line, picking up groceries, and more! 

Sight Search: Being out and about is a great time to be on the lookout for what’s around. As you go, point out what you see. Do you see birds, trees, leaves, people? Ask your child, “How many do you see?” Take turns pointing to different things all over.

Shopping List Scribble: Writing a shopping list? Talk with your child about what you need. Read out loud what you write down: “Milk, eggs, cereal.” Invite them to write or draw on the list too and to tell you what they’re thinking about when they make those marks on the paper. 

Food Favorites: As you shop for groceries, point out some favorite foods to your child and see if they like them: “I love bananas, do you?” Then invite them to point out a favorite food. Tell them if you like it. Play back and forth as you move down the aisles.

Category Convos:  Tell your child about a favorite food. Ask them to name a food they like that’s in the same category, like fruit, but different. Keep count of how many different things you both like in the same category. Play the same game with something else, like clothes!

Animal Game: Here is a fun guessing game while waiting. Start with, “I’m thinking of an animal.” Then give your child clues to help guess what animal it is. For example, “I’m thinking of an animal who lives in our house and is black.” 

These games were excepted from Vroom-Tip Sheets Ages 2-3. If you liked these, check out more at  www.vroom.org. Tips are also available through the free Vroom app or by subscribing to Vroom by text! The time you spend with your child can help their brain grow strong. Brain building moments are all around you in the things you already do. Even a few minutes count!