When children are having fun, they don’t realize that they are also learning. Playtime is an integral part of the learning process and is the backbone of early development in children. Most parents and experts say that the early years are so important that this is the best time to teach a child a certain hobby or skill. After all, starting them young will help give them ample time to learn more.
Even one-year-olds are learning, exploring their environments, playing with whatever they can get their hands on. At this age, every interaction and instance of experience that the child experiences will become a deciding factor for the development of the child’s behavior and physical health shortly. That said, engaging your child with fun activities is one of the best ways of accelerating brain function while also exercising their key motor skills. But what are some fun activities that they can do while still learning? Here’s what you can try out.
Playing Music
Most parents will start introducing music to their children at a very young age. Certain studies show that music is an excellent way of improving the part of the brain that regulated speech and hearing. Of course, your child can do more than listen to music. Your child can play various fun instruments, such as drums, cymbals, and even cooking equipment like pans and pots. When they start making noise, this will encourage them to create even more “music.” After some time, they will start having a beat. Right after, you can start showing them the different types of instruments that make different types of sounds.
When they’re older, they’ll start to have a new-found interest in musical instruments. Once they are already old enough for more complex instruments, you might want to commission the expertise of a professional who can teach them guitar lessons. Honing your child’s skills will help improve their coordination and communication skills while setting them up for success in the future.
Solving Puzzles
Analytical skill is a factor that needs to be developed in the first few years of a child’s development. Puzzles can come in many forms and is a great way of preparing your child for pre-school. It’s important not to stress them out with the puzzles, though. Giving them time and space to think the puzzle through is a great way of practicing their patience.
Playing House
By far, this is one of the best ways of stimulating your child into having better social skills as they roleplay as a homeowner. You don’t necessarily have to make an intricate playhouse when you can have a cardboard box. In some cases, people will make a make-shift “fort” with whatever fabric they have in the bedroom. It’s best to make this stimulating for them and fun by coming up with different scenarios. For instance, you can “knock” on their door and ask them if there’s someone home, and they’ll need to respond to you.
There are practically near-endless activities that you can do with your son or daughter to teach them essential life skills. Want them to hone their skills in cooking? You can always get them some toy utensils. Hone their analytical skills? Puzzles are the best way of making them sharp. Still, it’s important to let your child have fun and not stress them out so much. After all, the experience is the best teacher.
Ultimately, there is no be-all-end-all activity that you can do with your child. You can switch it up by experimenting with new types of activities. They are never too young to learn, and it’s best to instill key principles into their mind at such a young age. Engaging them with simple activities can help boost their brain function.