Developmental Milestones of a 22-Month-Old: A Foundation for Nature-Based Learning

At approximately 22 months, children typically reach several key developmental milestones across various domains, which serve as a crucial foundation for engaging in nature-based learning experiences.

Physically, toddlers at this age exhibit increased gross motor skills, demonstrating proficiency in walking, running, and often attempting to climb. They are also refining their fine motor skills, showing greater dexterity in manipulating objects and engaging in activities like stacking. The heightened mobility and eagerness to explore their physical capabilities make outdoor environments ideally suited for supporting their physical development. The varied terrains and natural obstacles found outdoors challenge and enhance their gross motor skills, including balance, coordination, and strength.

Intellectually and cognitively, 22-month-olds are experiencing rapid language development, with an expanding vocabulary and the ability to understand simple instructions. They display a growing sense of curiosity about the world around them and are beginning to engage in basic problem-solving. Their burgeoning intellectual curiosity can be readily stimulated by the novelties and sensory richness inherent in the natural world. The outdoors presents a wealth of stimuli – new sights, sounds, smells, and textures – that provide abundant opportunities for learning and exploration, thereby fostering cognitive development through direct, hands-on experiences. Simple activities, such as identifying familiar objects outdoors or participating in basic scavenger hunts, align with their current cognitive abilities.

Emotionally and spiritually, children around this age are developing a stronger sense of self-awareness and expressing a wider range of emotions. They are also starting to show early signs of empathy. Nature provides a calming and emotionally supportive environment where toddlers can explore and express their feelings. The diverse sensory experiences offered by nature can have a soothing effect, reducing stress and anxiety. This relaxed atmosphere can encourage toddlers to express their emotions more freely and begin to develop healthy strategies for managing them.

Linguistically, toddlers at this stage are typically using more words and starting to form short sentences. They are also demonstrating improved comprehension and responsiveness to language. The natural world offers a rich and engaging context for language development, introducing new vocabulary related to plants, animals, and various natural phenomena. Engaging with nature provides concrete examples for new words and concepts. Caregivers can effectively support language development by labeling objects, describing actions, and asking questions related to the natural environment. Discussions about colors and textures observed in nature further contribute to their linguistic growth.

Creatively, 22-month-olds are increasingly engaging in imaginative play, exploring different materials, and expressing themselves through various forms of art. Nature provides an inexhaustible source of inspiration and materials for fostering creativity and imaginative play. Natural elements such as leaves, sticks, stones, and mud can be utilized in countless ways to encourage imaginative scenarios and artistic expression. Activities like Play-Doh nature impressions and creating art with sidewalk chalk are well-suited for this developmental stage.

Morally and socially, toddlers are beginning to grasp the concepts of sharing and turn-taking. They are also interacting more with their peers and showing early indications of empathy. Outdoor activities naturally facilitate social interactions and the development of early moral concepts like sharing and kindness. Many outdoor games and explorations involve collaboration, the sharing of resources, and taking turns , all of which are essential for developing social skills and understanding fundamental moral principles. Caregivers play a crucial role in guiding these interactions and reinforcing positive social behaviors.

Culturally, while direct understanding of diverse cultural perspectives is still emerging at this age, nature-based activities can serve as an initial platform for introducing the idea that different cultures may have varying relationships with the environment and express emotions in diverse ways. Stories, songs, and art from different cultures often feature nature as a central theme. Incorporating these elements into the program can provide early exposure to various cultural viewpoints and foster an initial appreciation for the diverse ways humans interact with the natural world.