These easy DIY toddler workbook activities practice counting, following directions, and recognizing words with simple pages you can draw by hand. For part 39, we’re doing three activities: Counting How Many, Circle or Cross, and Dotting the Sight Word.
I’ve been preparing these activities for my daughter since she was about two and a half, and she’s now three and a half! Over the past year, the activities have grown along with her. We started with freely dotting, coloring, and gluing, and now she’s practicing counting, simple addition, circling answers, drawing shapes, and recognizing words.
You can adjust each page to your toddler’s current skills and interests. Start with something familiar, keep the directions simple, and add a little more challenge when they’re ready.
Here is the link to my 100+ Workbook Activities Guide (workbook focused). I also have an 8 Week Activity Guide (list of themed activities to do at home/outside). I also made matching flashcards for Weeks 1-4 and Weeks 5-8!
Here are the links to the 3 main supplies I use – other than colored markers!
- Sketchbook – It doesn’t bleed through even with sharpie or markers.
- Dot Markers – Use this for color, number or letter recognition. There is so much you can do with these markers!
- Dot Stickers – Use this for color recognition and creative crafting. My toddler loves them!
Supplies
- A blank notebook or sheets of paper
- Markers
- Crayons, washable markers, or dot markers for your toddler
1. Counting How Many
For this activity, I divided the page into six sections. In each section, I drew a different number of pictures: hearts, trees, popsicles, houses, balloons, and bows. Under each group, I wrote four number choices.
I had my toddler count the pictures in each section and circle the correct number. She could point to each picture as she counted, then look at the numbers underneath to find her answer.
This activity practices counting each object once and connecting the total to a written number.
Ways to adjust the activity:
- Make it easier by drawing one to three pictures per section and offering only two number choices.
- Count together and have your toddler point to each picture.
- Make it more challenging by using larger groups or having your child write the number instead of choosing an answer.
- Try simple addition by drawing two groups of pictures in one section and counting how many there are altogether.
2. Circle or Cross
At the top of the page, I drew a simple code: circle the purple circles and cross out the red circles. Underneath, I filled the page with a mix of purple and red circles.
My toddler followed the code, circling each purple circle and putting an X over each red one. It’s a simple setup that gives her a chance to look carefully, remember the directions, and choose the correct action.
This activity practices visual discrimination, following directions, and pencil control.
Ways to adjust the activity:
- Start with only a few large circles and work through the first ones together.
- Make it easier by asking your toddler to circle just one color.
- Add more circles as your toddler becomes comfortable with the directions.
- For a bigger challenge, introduce triangles, squares, plus signs, or other symbols and give each one an action in the code.
3. Dotting the Sight Word
For this page, I drew a cloud at the top and wrote the word “and” inside it. Below the cloud, I wrote a mix of short words, including “and,” “is,” and “the.”
I had my toddler look for every “and” and circle it. You can also use a dot marker to dot each matching word, which is another fun way to complete the page.
This introduces recognizing and matching a written word. We can also point out the letters A-N-D and read the word together while she searches.
Ways to adjust the activity:
- Start with just a few words, written in large, clear letters.
- Use a single letter instead of a whole word if your toddler is still learning letters.
- Try your child’s name as the word to find.
- Add more words or use different target words as your child becomes familiar with the activity.
Let the Activities Grow With Your Toddler
One of my favorite things about making these workbook pages is being able to change them based on what my toddler enjoys and is ready to practice. The same counting page can start with two pictures and two answers, then become a writing or addition activity later.
Some days, we work through the directions together. Other days, she’s ready to try more on her own. These pages don’t need to look perfect or take a long time to prepare – they’re simply a way for us to spend time learning and creating together.
