First Concepts for Toddlers: Big, Small, Up & Down
Age 18–24 MonthsSubject Think & TalkClass Toddler 2Duration 3–5 minutes
Around eighteen to twenty-four months, toddlers love spotting differences: the big ball and the little ball, the box that opens and shuts, the cup that is full and then empty. This class uses eleven realistic pictures arranged in concept pairs — big and small, up and down, open and closed, full and empty, one and many, and in — shown one at a time in pair order, so each opposite appears right after its partner and the comparison is easy to see. Then the last game continues off screen: put a toy in a basket, take it out, and do it again.
There is no script and nothing to test. Show a pair, say the concepts clearly — ‘Big. Small.’ — and give your toddler time to look at the difference. Short, playful sessions of three to five minutes are all it takes.
Start Today’s Class ↓Eleven cards, one at a time, in matching pairs. Say each concept clearly — short and playful wins.
TODAY’S CLASS
Eleven cards, one at a time.
Card 1 of 11
Or simply scroll: all 11 cards are below.
Class complete — well done. However many cards your baby saw, however long it took, that was a full class. Rest is part of it too.
PARENT INSTRUCTIONS
How to Teach First Concepts
Show the two cards in a pair one after the other and say the concept clearly. For example: ‘Big. Small.’ Give your toddler time to look at the difference.
Repeat the concepts naturally using real objects and everyday moments. You can show a big ball and a small ball, open and close a box, or point out when a cup is full or empty.
Keep the activity playful. Your toddler does not need to name every concept or answer questions correctly.
Every child develops differently. Kiddo School age ranges are guides, not tests or developmental deadlines.
TRY TOGETHER
Little things to say.
Prompts for you, not for the cards — say them softly while your baby looks.
Big ball. Small ball.
Up! Now down.
Open the box. Close the box.
The cup is full. Now it’s empty.
One duck. Many ducks.
The ball is in the basket. Now take it out!
REAL-WORLD CONNECTION
Practice Around the House
Keep these activities parent-supervised and simple.
Big & Small: Find one big object and one small object.
Up & Down: Lift a toy up, then bring it down.
Open & Closed: Open and close a safe box or container together.
Full & Empty: Show a cup with water and an empty cup during an appropriate supervised activity.
One & Many: Show one toy, then a small group of toys.
In & Out: Put a toy in a basket, then take it out.
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FLASHCARDS
Prefer printed cards?
The cards from this class also live in the flashcards library — every card has its own page with the picture, the words to say together and a download button, ready for away-from-screen time.
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