June 1, 2025

If you’re getting ready to set up a toddler classroom, you already know one thing: toddlers are always on the move. They’re crawling, climbing, stacking, scooping, and exploring absolutely everything. And that’s exactly what they should be doing.

From about 12 to 36 months, toddlers go through huge developmental leaps, and your classroom setup can help support every one of them. The right space makes it easier for them to move safely, explore freely, and build the skills they’ll carry into preschool and beyond.

In this blog, you’ll get toddler classroom setup ideas like how to lay out the room, what materials to include, and how to create a space that’s safe, engaging, and designed for toddlers just as they are: curious, energetic, and always learning!

What should be in a toddler classroom?

Toddlers are busy, and your classroom should be ready for it. From crawling and climbing to pretend play and early art, toddlers need materials that match their pace and support their development.

Because toddlerhood spans such a wide range (roughly 12 to 36 months), you’ll need to plan for both early movers and kids who are becoming more independent by the day.

Here’s what to include:

• Child-sized furniture: low tables, chairs, and open shelving they can access on their own
   

• Soft flooring: rugs or mats to cushion all the crawling, toppling, and rolling around
   

• Books: sturdy board books with simple language, bright pictures, and interactive elements—stored within easy reach
   

• Cozy corner: a quiet space with pillows, soft seating, and books for when they need a break from the action
   

• Climber with soft padding: a small structure with mats underneath for safe gross motor play
   

• Sensory and manipulative materials: stacking toys, nesting cups, shape sorters, and textured items that are safe to mouth
   

• Dramatic play props: soft dolls, pretend food, oversized toy tools, dress-up items like scarves or hats
   

• Practical life tools: small brooms, containers for pouring and dumping, scoops, and simple cleaning tools
   

• Gross and fine motor toys: push toys, rubber balls in different sizes, large toy cars (not matchbox size), and ride-ons
   

• Figurines: animals, people, and vehicles to support storytelling and pretend play
   

• Art materials: jumbo crayons, washable markers, paint sticks, toddler-safe glue sticks, and thick paper
   

Everything should be sturdy, easy to clean, and large enough to avoid choking hazards. Go for open-ended materials that invite exploration and can grow with your group across the year.

How to set up a toddler classroom that supports movement 

This is the age when big things start to click—like balance, coordination, and fine motor control. One day they’re crawling... the next day they’re walking (hello, walking!). The way you set up your room can help support all of that movement while keeping things safe, organized, and easy to supervise.

Layout tips:

• Leave plenty of open space. Toddlers need room to move freely—especially early walkers and climbers.
   

• Use low shelves and rugs to define areas. Keep things visually clear without blocking line of sight.
   

• Anchor furniture. Anything they might pull up on should be sturdy or secured.
   

• Create clear paths. Toddlers love to move—give them open routes for push toys, walking practice, and spontaneous dance breaks.
   

• Add soft mats under climbers and movement zones. Encourage gross motor play without the bumps and bruises.
   

• Rotate materials often. Switch things out as skills develop and interests shift.

The best toddler classroom layouts aren’t packed with stuff—they’re open, flexible, and ready for action.

What learning materials are best for toddlers?

The best toddler learning materials support movement, exploration, and skill-building—all at once. At this age, learning happens through doing: scooping, stacking, throwing, scribbling, and experimenting with cause and effect. The materials in your classroom should help toddlers build both gross and fine motor coordination while keeping things safe and fun.

For gross motor development, look for materials that get toddlers moving:

• Soft balls in a variety of sizes and textures
   

• Ramps and low climbers with padded landings
   

• Push toys, wagons, and walking carts
   

• Ride-on toys for indoor use
   

• Tunnel crawlers
   

• Foam blocks or stepping stones for climbing and balancing
   

• Mini slides or rocking toys
   

• Mats or balance pads for active play
   

For fine motor development, offer toddler learning materials that build control and coordination:

• Stacking cups and nesting bowls
   

• Chunky blocks and interlocking bricks (large size)
   

• Shape sorters and ring stackers
   

• Pegboards with large pegs
   

• Pop beads or snap-together toys
   

• Scoops, tongs, and small containers for pouring and transferring
   

• Large lacing beads (with adult supervision)
   

• Puzzles with knobs or chunky handles
   

For creative play, choose toddler art materials that are safe, sensory, and satisfying to use:

• Jumbo crayons and washable markers
   

• Paint sticks and watercolor trays
   

• Thick brushes and sponge rollers
   

• Toddler-safe glue sticks and glue dots
   

• Stickers and contact paper for simple projects
   

• Sensory trays with salt, sand, or play-dough
   

• Textured paper and cardboard shapes
   

• Easy-to-grip stamps and stamp pads
   

You don’t need a packed shelf, just a thoughtful selection of toddler classroom materials that meet your group where they are. Keep it simple, sensory, and sturdy, and rotate materials to match their changing interests and skills. These toddler classroom ideas help build focus, coordination, and confidence — one small (sticky) step at a time.

Want more toddler classroom ideas?

PST offers a wide range of online courses focused on toddler development, classroom environments, and responsive care. Whether you're setting up a new space or looking for fresh ideas to support your little learners, we've got you covered.