--- title: Older Toddlers (18-36 months) | SDStepAhead description: Discover engaging activities for older toddlers (18-36 months) and learn about the South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines. --- [Skip to content](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-toddler#main-content) [(605) 773-3678](tel:+16057733678) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. Close - Age-Level Continuum - [Infants (Birth - 12 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/infants) - [Younger Toddlers (8-21 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/young-toddler) - [Older Toddlers (18-36 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-toddler) - [Younger Preschooler (33-48 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/younger-preschooler) - [Older Preschooler (45-60+ months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-preschoolers) - [Transition to Kindergarten](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/transition-to-kindergarten) - Learning Domains - [Approaches to Learning](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/approaches-to-learning) - [Social Development & Emotional Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/social-emotional-development) - [Communication, Language, & Literacy](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/communication-language-literacy) - [Cognitive Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/cognitive-development) - [Health & Physical Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/health-physical-development) - [Appendix A: Supporting Children With Disabilities](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-a-supporting-children-with-disabilities) - [Appendix B: Supporting Dual Language Learners](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-b) - About - [Purpose, Children’s Success & Working Together](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sd-stepahead) - [Guiding Principles](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/guiding-principles) - [SDELG Organization](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/sdlg-organization) - [Using SDStepAhead](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sdstepahead) - [Glossary](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/faqs) - [Find Services](https://sdstepahead.com/find-services) - [Professional Development & Resources](https://sdstepahead.com/resources) - [Contact](https://sdstepahead.com/contact) SEARCH [![SD Step Ahead Logo](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/StepAhead-Logo-Color.png?width=858&height=194&name=StepAhead-Logo-Color.png)](https://sdstepahead.com/?hsLang=en) - Age-Level Continuum - [Infants (Birth - 12 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/infants) - [Younger Toddlers (8-21 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/young-toddler) - [Older Toddlers (18-36 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-toddler) - [Younger Preschooler (33-48 months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/younger-preschooler) - [Older Preschooler (45-60+ months)](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/older-preschoolers) - [Transition to Kindergarten](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/transition-to-kindergarten) - Learning Domains - [Approaches to Learning](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/approaches-to-learning) - [Social Development & Emotional Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/social-emotional-development) - [Communication, Language, & Literacy](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/communication-language-literacy) - [Cognitive Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/cognitive-development) - [Health & Physical Development](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/health-physical-development) - [Appendix A: Supporting Children With Disabilities](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-a-supporting-children-with-disabilities) - [Appendix B: Supporting Dual Language Learners](https://sdstepahead.com/learning-domains/appendix-b) - About - [Purpose, Children’s Success & Working Together](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sd-stepahead) - [Guiding Principles](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/guiding-principles) - [SDELG Organization](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/sdlg-organization) - [Using SDStepAhead](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/about-sdstepahead) - [Glossary](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/faqs) - [Find Services](https://sdstepahead.com/find-services) - [Professional Development & Resources](https://sdstepahead.com/resources) - [Contact](https://sdstepahead.com/contact) ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Home%20Page%20-%20Main/older-toddler-homeliving%20Home.jpg) # Older Toddlers (18-36 months) ##### **When children are between the ages of 18 and 36 months, they are undergoing significant development across various [*domains*](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en). Large motor skills are improving, and [*fine motor*](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) skills are more refined. [*Problem-solving*](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en)skills are developing further, relationships, cooperative play, and emotional regulation has improved. As they become more independent, [*self-care*](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) skills such as dressing, or hygiene are activities they "want" to do on their own.** ##### **Keep in mind that each child develops at their own pace, and there can be considerable variation in the timing and sequence of milestones.** ## Areas of Child Development ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/happy%20family%20portrait%20outdoors%20where%20they%20all%20look%20happy%20and%20smiling.jpeg?width=1000&height=682&name=happy%20family%20portrait%20outdoors%20where%20they%20all%20look%20happy%20and%20smiling.jpeg) ### Approaches to Learning Children are born with an inclination to learn. This is reflected in behaviors and attitudes such as curiosity, [***problem-solving***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en), maintaining attention, and persistence. [Approaches to Learning Developmental Indicators](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/approaches-to-learning-3?hsLang=en) ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Crying%20kid%2c%20emotional%20scene.jpeg?width=1000&height=665&name=Crying%20kid%2c%20emotional%20scene.jpeg) ### Social Development and Emotional Development Children's feelings about themselves and their relationships with others is the foundation for personality development. These characteristics and skills impact every other area of development.   [Social Development & Emotional Development Developmental Indicators](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/social-emotional-development-3?hsLang=en) ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Little%20boy%20drawing%20on%20a%20white%20wall.jpeg?width=1000&height=681&name=Little%20boy%20drawing%20on%20a%20white%20wall.jpeg) ### Communication, Language & Literacy From birth, children are learning [***language***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) and developing the ability to communicate. Talking, singing, reading, and responding effectively when children express themselves are great investments supporting learning. [Communication, Language & Literacy Developmental Indicators](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/communication-language-literacy-3?hsLang=en) ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/adorable-toddler-playing-with-cars-toys-table-home.jpg?width=9504&height=6336&name=adorable-toddler-playing-with-cars-toys-table-home.jpg) ### Cognitive Development This fascinating area of development includes understanding how children acquire, organize, and use information in increasingly complex ways. Through [***play***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en), skills are developed as the foundation for exploring and understanding more sophisticated concepts. [Cognitive Development Developmental Indicators](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/cognitive-developmentages-stages/cognitive-development-3?hsLang=en) ![](https://sdstepahead.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Happy%20cute%20child%20playing%20and%20having%20fun%20at%20kindergarten%20with%20colorful%20balls.jpeg?width=1000&height=667&name=Happy%20cute%20child%20playing%20and%20having%20fun%20at%20kindergarten%20with%20colorful%20balls.jpeg) ### Health & Physical Development Physical growth, muscle development, nutrition, [***self-care***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en), health and safety practices are included in this area. Safe and healthy practices support the ability to learn more effectively in all areas. [Health & Physical Development Developmental Indicators](https://sdstepahead.com/ages-stages/health-physical-development-3?hsLang=en) ## Activities for children 18 to 36 months. Try these simple [***activities***](https://sdstepahead.com/about-sdelg/whats-ahead?hsLang=en) with your 18–36-month-old child for their wide-ranging development, strengthening relationships, promoting learning, and fostering lifelong skills and attitudes. By investing time and effort in meaningful interactions and experiences with young children, caregivers play a crucial role in shaping their growth, happiness, and future success. Activities are divided by the five Domains: Approaches to Learning, Social Development and Emotional Development, Communication, Language and Literacy, Cognitive Development, and Health & Physical Development. 18 to 36 months [18 to 36 months Approaches To Learning activities](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Domain%20Activities%20by%20age/ATL%2018-36.png?hsLang=en) [18 to 36 months Social Development & Emotional Development activities](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Domain%20Activities%20by%20age/SDED%2018-36.png?hsLang=en) [18 to 36 months Communication, Language & Literacy activities pg.1](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Domain%20Activities%20by%20age/CLL%2018-36%20p1.png?hsLang=en) [18 to 36 months Communication, Language & Literacy activities pg.2](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Domain%20Activities%20by%20age/CLL%2018-36%20p2.png?hsLang=en) [18 to 36 months Cognitive Development activities pg.1](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Domain%20Activities%20by%20age/CD%2018-36%20p1.png?hsLang=en) [18 to 36 months Cognitive Development activities pg.2](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Domain%20Activities%20by%20age/CD%2018-36%20p2.png?hsLang=en) [18 to 36 months Health & Physical Development activities pg.1](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Domain%20Activities%20by%20age/HPD%2018-36%20p1.png?hsLang=en) [18 to 36 months Health & Physical Development activities pg.2](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Domain%20Activities%20by%20age/HPD%2018-36%20p2.png?hsLang=en) ![Cover of the South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines 2023 publication](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/Used%20for%202024%20ELG/Screenshot%202023-11-01%20102158.png "Cover of the South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines 2023 publication") ## Want it all in one place? ### Get your copy of the South Dakota Early Learning Guide. [Download Now](https://sdstepahead.com/hubfs/PDF%20Files/SDEarlyLearning-2024-web.pdf?hsLang=en) Back to Top [![Return to SD Step Ahead Supporting Early Learners](https://44290554.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na2.net/hub/44290554/hubfs/Home%20Page%20-%20Main/Logo/StepAhead-Logo-Stacked-White.png?width=250&name=StepAhead-Logo-Stacked-White.png)](https://sdstepahead.com/?hsLang=en)   Our mission is to promote healthy child development by educating, inspiring and assisting parents and caregivers. 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