Nursery Prep Activities for Toddlers

Teach your toddler to say a cheerful goodbye to whatever they were doing — a sweet closure routine that eases every transition.

A structured goodbye ritual at the window that makes separations predictable and safe.

Sit on a cushion, listen to a short story, and sing a song together — a gentle rehearsal for nursery circle time.

Practise putting on clothes by dressing a doll or teddy first — building motor skills and confidence.

Practise getting dressed independently with a gentle sand timer — turning a daily battle into a fun challenge.

Set up a low water station with a small jug and cup so your toddler can pour their own drink independently.

Sing a specific short song at every goodbye to create a predictable parting ritual.

Practise saying hello, waving, and making eye contact when someone arrives — building social confidence at home first.

Draw a picture of parent and child connected by a string that stretches everywhere.

Practise opening containers, bottles, and wrappers — the exact skills your toddler needs for independent snack time at nursery.

Parent hides briefly behind furniture and always returns with a big greeting.

Practise carrying, opening, and finding items in their own bag — building the independence nursery mornings require.