1. Where's the ducky?
This sounds too simple to even be mentioned but I would like to stress the importance of this simple little game for repetition and language development. It provides an opportunity to repeat a phrase over and over again for the meaning to sink in and those little learning pathways to be formed. You hide a ducky or toy under a cup/ box and say "where's the ducky" (use hand actions as well), pick up the cup and say "there it is" (point). Toddler will soon learn the hand actions and to pick up the cup.

2. Name starts with.
The game goes "I'm thinking of somebody and their name starts with…d...d...d (make the sound of the letter not the name of the letter). Use people that are in your immediate family. Tell the child the answer the first few times so they learn how to play. Take turns with toddler.

3. Where does it live?
As an intro to this game you will need animal toys that you categorise into their habitats. It also helps to have pictures of animals in different habitats from picture books or cards. Discuss where they live… a monkey lives in a jungle, a kangaroo lives in the Australian bush, a pig lives on a farm. The game then goes, "Does a duck live in the jungle?... no? …the bush?…no? where does it live?" "Does a monkey live on a farm?" etc. Take turns with toddler to ask question.

4. Colour hunting
Simply have a basket or bag each and say, "Today's colour is red, lets go hunting". Collect as many things from around the house that are red. This game also works to encourage toddlers to pack away, "Let's pack away all the blue toys first…..things with yellow on them… now toys that have a bit of green…

4. Treasure Hunt.
My daughters favourite! Hide anything - a favourite toy, a home made treasure, some lollies or other treats. With toddlers keep it easy - we usually play in one room and I usually hide the toy under a pillow or behind the curtain - places I know my two will look. If they are having trouble help with comments like "is it under the table...no…behind the curtain…no…under the pillow…yes you found it!"

5. Memory game - Who has gone?
For the older toddler. Show the toddler 3 to 5 objects. Put a pillow over them while you take one away - then show again and ask which one is missing? With my daughter I use her dolls house dolls. I say someone has gone for a walk - who is not here now?