Need an easy, no prep toddler activity? How about a time filler for some tiny tots? If you’re in a pinch and need to wrangle some ragamuffins, “Can Ya Do It?” requires no prep or supplies!

I came up with this game a couple years ago, in a moment of desperation while babysitting my nephew. I had two toddlers and a baby on my hands, and the toddlers were growing weary of their toys. Their activity level was ramping up, and I could see the crazy gleam starting in their eyes…

We all know toddlers are not good at coming up with their own activities. Well, certainly they can always find something to do. But it’s often not the right thing to do.

So, I needed to focus these active little minds and give them a constructive way to get their wiggles out. I’m generally not one for songs or silly things. It’s just not my style. But I love to challenge kids, to get their minds and motor skills working, and encourage them to try new things. Thus, “Can Ya Do It?” was born. I have employed this activity many times now, with various groups of kids, and it never fails!

How to Play

The premise is very simple: demonstrate a skill, and ask the kids if they can do it. Then wait while they try. And repeat.

Examples:

“Can you stretch your arms way up high?”

“Can you touch your toes?”

“Can you march in place?”

It’s somewhat like Simon Says, but with a slightly different aim. With each question, you demonstrate whatever it is you’re asking, to catch the kids’ attention and encourage them to try it themselves. And with it phrased as a question and a challenge, it motivates the kids to stay engaged and try whatever you’re demonstrating.

Making It Fun

One of the keys to keeping them engaged is to have a good balance of: (1) things they can easily do, (2) things that are somewhat challenging, and (3) things that you know they can’t do, but will want to try anyway, or at least enjoy watching you do it. What belongs in each category will obviously vary based on the ages of the kids.

Start off with a couple easy things, so they will have success and be motivated to keep trying. Throw in the challenging things to stretch their skills. And then throw in the hard things just for fun, like snapping your fingers, whistling, making an elephant noise, etc.

Things to Try

Can You…:

• Stand on one leg?
• Stand on your tippie toes?
• Slap your knees?
• Hop in place?
• Spin around?
• Put your hands behind your back?
• Stretch out wide?
• Do a thumbs up?
• Soar like an eagle?
• Flap your arms like a duck?
• Wrinkle your nose like a rabbit?
• Roar like a dinosaur?
• Neigh like a horse?
• Make yourself big like a tree?
• Wink?

Give It a Theme

One time I went with a themed version. We pretended that we were firefighters, and I went through a series of questions acting out a scene. For example:

Can you…:

• Put your firefighter jacket on?
• Pull up your boots?
• Strap on your oxygen tank?
• Grab the hose?
• Climb the ladder?
• Spray the water? [With sound effects, of course.]
• Climb back down the ladder?
• Wind up the hose?
• Hop in the fire truck?
• Drive back to the fire station?

“Can Ya Do It?” is a simple but effective way to focus their attention, get their bodies moving, and build some new skills!

Looking for more fun and easy kid activities? Try out Jumpstart!