Hands & independence

Tiny laundry helper

Spread, stack and loosely fold small washcloths.

8 minutes

What you'll need

Three clean washcloths · Low basket

Before you start

Can grasp and release a large object

Best fit: indoors · calm energy · low caregiver effort · low mess

How to play

  1. Shake one cloth open.
  2. Bring two corners together.
  3. Stack it in the basket without correcting precision.
Make it easier

Simply spread and stack the cloths.

Standard

Spread, stack and loosely fold small washcloths.

Extend it

Sort by colour before folding.

What you might notice

Use of fingertips, palms and both sides of the body.

Keep it safe

Use intact clean washcloths with no loose threads and a rigid open floor basket with no lid or handle. Stay within arm's reach, keep fabric from face and neck, stop mouthing, and count and store everything.

Why it may be useful

This everyday task offers practice with hand control, two-handed coordination and growing independence.

practice guidance

Provides practice opportunities; it is not a therapy or assessment of motor development.

Raising Children Network (2025) — Toddler play: ideas, games and activities

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