Special thanks to KinderCare for making this post possible.
Did you know your child is learning, even when it feels as though they’re not? There is a neat concept called “learning through play.” This means your child is learning various skills and concepts, just by participating in everyday play! Check out these tips for learning through play to make everyday a learning adventure for your little one., and you’ll see that even senseless-silly fun is an important part of learning! How amazing is that?
Offer Opportunities
Your child may not understand how they are learning through play, but you do. One thing you can do to help them with this is to offer them opportunities to learn as they play. Offer them a way to problem solve as the play with a particular toy or as they climb the monkey bars. Something as simple as these activities allows them to use their brain and think for themselves.
Make Play Fun
Kids learn best when they are engaged. You could sit your child in front of a TV to help them learn, but play is much better. The secret to keeping them engaged is to make play fun. Use bright colors, get loud, get excited, and allow them to use their imagination.
Encourage Play
Honestly, some kids aren’t going to play unless you encourage them. Show them how fun it can be to play in mud, build a sand castle, or throw a ball. Finger painting, playing with magnets, and playing with water are all very FUN ways to play but to also learn. Kids learn so much just by moving water from one object to another. If you think they aren’t learning, just watch their little brain think for a second.
Use Age Appropriate Toys
If your child isn’t learning through play, try to provide them with age appropriate toys. To have a guideline here are some ideas-
- Infants –anything that shakes, lights up, or makes noises
- Preschoolers- anything that builds, stacks, pushes, pulls
- Elementary- sporty things, books, blocks, outdoorsy things
- Upper elementary- board games, crafts, science stuff, exploration activities, nature
These are just some ideas to help get your mind moving in the right direction. Keep in mind that a kid doesn’t even need a toy to learn. They can learn simply by playing tag or running in circles! Kids are always learning something, no matter what they’re doing.
See more at: adventureahead.kindercare.com
