No pond? No problem! We’re bringing frogs to the couch with songs, toys, and tiny science sparks perfect for your little explorer.
From cuddly critters to hopping fun, our 15-month-old explored frogs through song, touch, and a peek into real metamorphosis.
About This Play Plan:
This plan supports toddlers 12 months and up in building language, memory, and early science concepts through song, movement, and hands-on exploration.
Holding the frog toy while listening to a song about frogs makes the learning more engaging and meaningful. Introducing real images and the metamorphosis chart helps toddlers begin to understand life cycles while encouraging curiosity and new vocabulary.
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 with the song “5 Little Speckled Frogs” or any other nursery rhyme about frogs.
As you sing or play the song, notice how your toddler responds to it.
Encourage hands-on exploration:
Give your toddler a toy frog, such as the quilted frog from Lovevery’s Realist Play Kit.
Sing the song again, this time using the toy to demonstrate what is happening in the song.
Provide simple, age-appropriate explanations:
Show your toddler a picture of a real frog. You can say, “This is a frog. It makes the sound ‘ribbit'” (or in our case, I used our Hiligaynon sound for the frog: “kokak”).
You can also point out details on the frog, like eyes, webbed feet, and bumpy skin.
Expand on the activity:
Screen-Okay Option: Watch a short video of real frog metamorphosis. As you watch, relate it to the chart. Point to each stage and say, “Now it’s a tadpole… now it’s growing legs!”
Screen-Free Option: Introduce the frog metamorphosis chart and name the stages: egg, tadpole, froglet, and frog. Use simple language to describe what’s happening, such as “This is a frog’s eggs.”
If your child shows interest in this activity, consider going to a local park with a pond, so they can observe real frogs and hear them “sing.”
Reflect on how your child responded to the play:
- Did they show interest in the frog toy or the music?
- Did they try to imitate the song’s actions, like bouncing or jumping?
- How did they react to the real frog images or the metamorphosis chart? Did they point, look closely, or make sounds?
- Were they engaged when you named the stages? Did they repeat any words or gestures?
- Did you notice any new movements, sounds, or expressions that showed curiosity or recognition?
These small cues can offer insight into how your child is processing new ideas and engaging with early science concepts through play.
Materials List:
- A toddler-friendly song about frogs, such as “Five Little Speckled Frogs“
- A toy frog, such as the frog quilted critter from Lovevery’s Realist Play Kit
- A picture of a real frog, such as the one in Lovevery’s Animals I See mini-book
- A frog’s metamorphosis chart
- Optional: Short video of a real frog life cycle (This one has a voiceover, while this one does not.)
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
Our toddler has been listening to “5 Little Speckled Frogs” since she was a little baby. Around 14 months, she surprised us by singing the last part—“glug glug”—from the lyrics.
Around the same time, her play group had some frog toys set up on a log display, and she immediately gravitated to them.
That inspired me to create a frog-themed play plan and really emphasize the word “frog” during our time together. She joined in the singing while holding Lovevery’s frog critter from the Realist Play Kit, and she stayed thoroughly engaged while we watched videos of a frog’s metamorphosis.
It was also my first time playing the music video behind “5 Little Speckled Frogs”, she had a sort of confused look on her face seeing visuals tied to one of her favorite songs.
It’s also interesting that frogs make different “sounds” depending on the language. In English, we say “ribbit,” but in our language, Hiligaynon, it’s “kokak”, and in French, it seems to be “coa,” based on one of the books we read.
We’re keeping the frog critter on display now so she can hear and maybe practice saying “frog” more often. We’re happy to share that, so far, she knows what it is: When we asked her, “Where is the frog?” she walked over to the couch and picked up the quilted critter herself.
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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