Loading Trolley Run
Toddler loads objects into a push trolley or box, wheels them across the room, and unloads, living the transporting schema.
- Age13 months to 2 years
- Time5 to 15 minutes
- EnergyActive
- CostFree
- WhereIndoors or out
- Prep5 min
Your toddler loads objects into a push trolley or box, wheels them across the room, and unloads them, a big-movement game that lives out their urge to move things around.
How to do it
- Set out a push trolley, wagon, or sturdy box and a small pile of safe objects.
- Show your toddler how to load a few objects into the trolley.
- Let them push the loaded trolley across the room at their own pace.
- Help them unload the objects at the far end.
- Let them repeat the load, push, and unload cycle as many times as they like.
What you need
- Push trolley
- Safe objects
Signs it is working
Your toddler loads objects and pushes the trolley forward. They stay on their feet while pushing, adjusting balance. They unload and go back for more, doing the cycle again
If it is not quite clicking
A light trolley tips: Add a little weight low down or use a sturdier box. They only push and never load: Let them push first; loading follows. They push into furniture: Clear a straight run and walk the route with them
Make it yours
Younger (12-15 months): Use a weighted push toy they can lean on for balance. Older (2-3 years): Give a real job like carrying laundry to a basket. Siblings: An older child can load while the toddler pushes
Try this with your child.
Tell PLAI™ about your child and this moment. It shapes the activity to fit.
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