Play and Learn

A LOOK AT HOME CONSTRUCTIVE PLAY CAN HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN

Play and Learn

While you might heave a sigh of relief every time your child settles down to play, it might surprise you to learn that play has many more advantages besides just keeping your child busy and occupied for a large part of the day.

Recent studies have shown that good and constructive play actually helps children learn. Most importantly, it helps children better understand and get along with other people.

Play also helps and motivates your baby to cope with and master his world. Your baby explores himself, you, the world around him and the dynamics of movement through play. You will find that his learning process continues right through adolescence, only the lessons change.

Given below are a few age-appropriate suggestions on how to get your child to learn while he plays:

For newborn babies

Read out aloud

The top tool for learning at any age! Start by reading to your baby from books filled with bright colours, bold pictures and rhythmic language. As your child gets older, allow him to choose books that reflect his interests.

Unbreakable mirrors

You will notice that simple things we tend to take for granted really hold the attention of small babies.

Though your child may not identify with his reflection because babies do not develop a sense of the self until they’re at least a year old, he will enjoy looking at it. Also, the play of light and colour will leave him fascinated.

Pop-up toys

Not only are these fun bit they also help n honing the skills of your baby. They aid coordination in order babies and help them make the connection between cause and effect.

For toddlers

Hammering sets

These sets are usually inexpensive and keep small children busy for a long time. The set allows kids to hammer pegs or balls through holes and end up teaching your child all about spatial relations and cause and effect, while also letting them expend some of that boundless toddler energy.

For pre-schoolers

Play dough

There’s colourful dough available at all stores and if you want to make it at home, go ahead and conjure up some by mixing equal parts of flour and salt with a little water. You can colour the dough with food colouring. It also lasts a long time in the refrigerator. They provide with an adequate vent for your child’s creative inclination.

Blocks

Whether inexpensive or fancy, blocks are a winner for kids of just about any age. It lets them be as creative as they want and they end up building some pretty fascinating structures.

And don’t worry, building block towers and knocking them down can be equally educational activities. He’ll be rearing to get started all over again!

For school-going kids

Magnets, magnifying glasses and telescopes

To encourage a budding love of science, pick up these tools of the trade. Even a basic set of magnets from the hardware store and a pile of paper clips can be tons of educational fun.

Board games

Take out the old board games for a night of family fun. Checkers and chess teach strategy, Scrabble provides great spelling and vocabulary practice and Monopoly gives math skills a workout.

Just be sure to choose age-appropriate games to avoid boredom.