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Getting Dressed for Toddlers | Read-Aloud Routine Activity

Getting Dressed

A gentle read-aloud activity for toddlers aged 1 to 5, with simple clothing words, tapping games, and a printable page.

For parents and carers

This page helps toddlers practise everyday getting-dressed words like socks, shoes, jumper, coat, zip, sleeves, feet, and ready. It supports independence without pressure, using small steps and playful repetition.

Getting dressed safely

A grown-up should help with zips, buttons, tight clothing, shoes, and outdoor layers. Keep cords, small buttons, and loose accessories safe for young children.

Read-aloud story: Ready to Go

It is time to get dressed.
One sock goes on one little foot.
The other sock goes on too.
Arms go into the jumper sleeves.
Shoes go on. Tap, tap, tap.
The coat goes round the shoulders.
Zip goes up. Zip, zip, zip.
All dressed. Ready to go!

Simple toddler steps

1. Socks. Find two socks and try one foot at a time.
2. Jumper. Head in, then arms in sleeves.
3. Shoes. Match shoes to feet with a grown-up.
4. Coat. Arms in, shoulders warm.
5. Zip. Grown-up helps. Zip up and go.

Play the getting dressed games

Game 1: Put on the jumper

jumper on

Tap to put the jumper on.

Game 2: Put on shoes

shoes on

Tap to put the shoes on.

Game 3: Zip the coat

zip zip

Tap to zip the coat.

Printable getting dressed activity

Open a clean A4 colouring page with socks, shoes, jumper, coat, and simple tracing words.

Getting dressed

Parent FAQ

What age is this for?

This page is made for toddlers and preschoolers aged 1 to 5, with a grown-up reading and helping.

How can I help my toddler learn to get dressed?

Use small steps, simple words, loose clothing, easy shoes, and lots of time. Start with one job, such as socks in hand or arms in sleeves.

What clothing words can toddlers learn?

Useful words include socks, shoes, jumper, coat, zip, sleeve, foot, arm, warm, ready, on, off, and done.

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