An effective — and fun — way to stimulate a child’s development is through
play-based learning. Children naturally enjoy engaging in fun activities like playing games, singing songs, and building with blocks. What they may not realise is that they are learning valuable skills whilst having fun. Research has discovered the link between positive early experiences and strengthened
brain connections.
Parents can help direct children to the kind of endeavours that advance:
- Communication and language abilities
- Creativity and imagination
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Fine and gross motor skills
Here are some learning experiences that help stimulate a child’s development that can be done at long day-care, preschool, and in the home.
1. Play games
Playing games teaches children many valuable skills, including turn-taking and following directions. Some of the most beneficial games require children to use their hands because they help with hand-eye coordination. Children also discover how to physically interact with the world around them, which includes their peers. As a bonus, activities like patty cake and puppets also build communication and language skills with adults and peers.
2. Enjoy the arts
Creative art play develops cognitive, motor, and social abilities in children. Drawing with crayons, finger painting on canvas, and modelling with clay all teach children a healthy respect for the arts whilst stimulating their brains. Art play helps children:
- Build their independence.
- Develop fine motor skills.
- Learn about primary and secondary colours.
- Make decisions.
- Use their imaginations.
Painting and drawing are not the only ways to incorporate the arts into a play-based learning environment.
Dance and
music build motor skills and allow children to practice self-expression, which is essential for growing self-confidence. Studies in neuroscience also support the finding that music
stimulates brain function in young children. Additionally, music can enhance attention and concentration, language, and math skills.
3. Learn a second language
Learning a language at any age has
benefits for the brain. For
fluency, the best time to learn is before the age of 10. Language learning creates new pathways in the brain that improve memory and mood. Bilingual children must learn how to access different parts of their brains when speaking their primary and secondary languages. To make it more fun for children, parents or other adults can learn the new language with them. Children reap the benefits even if they learn only a few helpful words or phrases in another language.
4. Go on day trips
Who doesn’t enjoy a good adventure? Children especially love exploring their surroundings, including local attractions like aquariums, museums, and zoos. Even daily trips to the park or a local nature preserve can have the same brain-stimulating effects. Outdoor activities can be a valuable learning moment for young minds. Some scientists go as far as to call it the
superfood for young minds. Incorporating day trips is a great way to glean the benefits.
Choosing play-based childcare
Choosing a day-care centre that emphasises
play-based learning can help reinforce the concepts taught in the home. Creative Childcare Centres embrace play-based childcare and learning opportunities for children.
Book a tour today to learn more.