Finding simple ways to keep toddlers learning at home does not have to involve expensive supplies or complicated prep. These toddler book activities were easy to create using paper, markers, crayons, scissors, glue, and dot stickers. Each page was designed to support fine motor skills, creativity, and early learning through simple hands-on pla!
We’re back with another round of simple and engaging toddler book activities! These activities were designed to strengthen fine motor skills, encourage independence, and support early learning skills through hands-on play!
This week’s activities focused on cutting, stickers, gluing, tracing, and coloring using materials that were easy to prepare at home.
Here is the link to my 80 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!
1. Mystery Cutting Activity
For our first activity, I drew six different squares with pictures hidden inside each one.
Then, I created little paper curtains by cutting a square and then cutting strips, leaving 3/4 inch at the top to glue on top of the drawn squares. My toddler used scissors to cut away the strips and reveal the surprise picture underneath.
This activity helps develop:
- Scissor skills
- Hand strength
- Bilateral coordination
- Fine motor control
The hidden pictures made this activity extra exciting and motivating!
2. Turn On the Lights Sticker Activity
For this pretend play activity, I drew a long string of lights and draw a little black dot on the line for her to place a dot sticker up to “turn on” the light bulbs.
My toddler used colorful dot stickers to fill each light bulb and bring the string lights to life!
This simple activity supports:
- Fine motor development
- Pincer grasp
- Hand-eye coordination
- Color recognition
3. Glue Along the Lines
For this activity, I drew different shapes and swirl lines across the page.
My toddler traced the lines with glue and then placed mini paper squares directly on top of the glue paths.
This activity encourages:
- Glue control
- Precision
- Hand-eye coordination
- Following visual paths
Adding the small paper squares creates an extra fine motor challenge while keeping the activity fun.
4. Connect the Dots
We’ve been practicing lots of tracing and connect-the-dot activities lately, so this one was a great fit.
I divided the page into sections featuring an ice cream cone, flower, star, and watermelon. My toddler connected the dots to complete each picture.
I intentionally kept the number of dots small so the activity felt achievable and frustration-free.
This activity helps build:
- Pre-writing skills
- Pencil control
- Visual tracking
- Sequencing skills
5. Shape Coloring Practice
Our final activity was a simple coloring page featuring different shapes.
My toddler practiced coloring inside each shape while also working on shape recognition.
This activity supports:
- Creativity
- Pencil grip development
- Coloring skills
- Shape recognition
Final Thoughts
These toddler book activities are easy to prepare and provide meaningful opportunities for learning through play. From cutting and stickers to gluing and coloring, each activity helps strengthen important early childhood skills while keeping learning fun and engaging.
If you’re looking for simple ways to encourage fine motor development at home, these activities are a great place to start.
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