Zoom into learning with this fun and simple play plan! Whether you’re buckling up for a ride or watching cars go by, it’s the perfect way to help your toddler connect the word “car” with the world around them.
From pictures to ramps to our real family car, the word “car” is becoming more than just a sound.
About This Play Plan:
This play plan introduces the basic concept of what a car is and what it’s for: getting people from one place to another. By combining real-life experiences, toys, and simple vocabulary, your toddler begins to connect the word “car” with the real cars they see and ride every day.
How to Use This Plan:
- Gather Your Materials: Check the list below for everything you’ll need.
- Follow the 5E Tabs: Each tab provides step-by-step guidance, creative ideas, and reflection prompts to make the experience more meaningful.
- Let Your Child Lead: Observe how your child interacts with the materials and adjust based on their interests and developmental stage.
Spark your child’s curiosity:
Start by reading a simple board book about cars.
As you read, say the word “car” clearly, and use sound effects like “vroom vroom!” or “beep beep!” as you point to the car images.
Encourage hands-on exploration:
Then let your toddler explore with toy cars, such as Lovevery’s Race and Chase Ramp or the pull toy with the bunnies as the passengers.
Roll them down ramps, push them across the floor, or “drive” them from one side of the room to the other.
Provide simple, age-appropriate explanations:
As your toddler plays with the toy cars, use simple language to repeat other common words associated with it, such as “Ready, set, go!”, “Vroom, vroom” and “Drive the car”.
When your toddler places the passengers inside the car, you can also say “Say things like, “The bunnies riding the car”.
Expand on the activity:
Show your toddler the car flashcard, and then point to your real car (or a photo of it) and say, “This is a car.”
Then take the concept into the real world.
While you’re riding in your car, point out other cars: “That car is red,” “Look, that car has four doors,” “That car is turning!”
You can also walk through a parking lot and name different types of cars. Let your toddler observe and absorb; no need to quiz or prompt.
Reflect on how your child responded to the play:
- Which part caught their interest—rolling cars, reading the book, or spotting real cars outside?
- Were they curious about how cars move or where they go?
- Any new sounds or motions you heard them repeat, like “vroom” or pushing a car back and forth?
- Did they seem to recognize when you said “car” or look toward one when mentioned?
By keeping things playful, sensory, and connected to real life, your toddler is building early understanding of a car’s purpose… all while having fun on the ride.
Materials List:
- A toddler-friendly car-themed board book
- Toy cars (e.g. Lovevery’s Race and Chase Ramp)
- Lovevery’s Car Textured Card (or any picture of a real car with the word “car”)
- Optional: Pull toy car with stuffed animals or figures inside
- Access to a real car ride or a parking lot walk to observe cars in action
Tips for the Grown-Ups:
Follow the Child’s Lead:
Observe how your child interacts with the playthings. Let them guide the session by following their interests. If they show a preference for exploring textures, sounds, or colors, embrace it. Be a silent observer, ready to expand their learning with gentle, supportive language.
Create a Calm, Inviting Space:
Set up a clutter-free area that encourages focused exploration. Use natural light and simple setups to inspire curiosity. If the weather permits, take the play outside for a richer sensory experience, connecting with the natural world.
Encourage Open-Ended Play:
Embrace imaginative twists and unexpected uses for the toys. If the activity takes a surprising turn, celebrate this as a sign of growing cognitive flexibility and problem-solving.
Our Own Play Experience
Cars are a part of our everyday life. We ride in our trusty Toyota and see rows of parked cars right outside our window.
But even though the Lovevery car texture card has been in our collection since our daughter was 7 months old, she only recently began to show interest, especially after we introduced the Race and Chase Ramp and the pull puzzle from the Adventurer Play Kit. It felt like the perfect time to start helping her understand what a car is.
While she hasn’t said the word “car” yet, we consistently use it in everyday language to build familiarity. We say things like “Let’s go to the car” before heading out, and during car seat time, we sing, “Sit down, sit down, you’re rocking the car” (a playful twist on “rocking the boat”). This little song has helped reduce her resistance to getting buckled in; she listens, smiles, and even sits still when we sing it.
“Ready, set, go” has become one of our most fun expressions. It started during her early walking days, and now, she eagerly says “Go!” when we pause after “Ready… set…” During Race and Chase play, she loves releasing the cars when she says the word; it’s a simple but powerful way to connect language with action and build confidence.
We’re also building vocabulary by pointing to the real cars from our balcony and naming them: “That’s a red car,” “That one is big,” or “That one is going fast.” It’s all about repetition, playful connection, and giving her the words she’ll eventually use on her own.
Please Note: I am a proud Lovevery subscriber and fan, and many of the play plans shared here feature Lovevery playthings. However, this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lovevery. All ideas and recommendations are my own, based on my experiences as a mom who values meaningful, play-based learning.
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