Kids learning games help kids learn about the world around them through exploration and play. Games for their learning can be complex like bought video games and computer apparatus, or simple like a cardboard box. I think both are important for a child’s development and every child needs a balance.
The types of learning experiences you expose your child to will depend a lot on the age and developmental stage of your child. Learning experiences and games must be developmentally appropriate and offer the opportunity to extend their current knowledge and skills. For example, it is no good putting a baby in front of a computer. They do not have the cognitive capability of understanding the stimulus. They need tactile toys that they can put into their mouths, as this is where they gain the information from.
Older children benefit from word games such as junior scrabble, Boggle Junior and rhyming games. But no matter what the age child, or your budget, there is something you can do to engage your child in learning. The trick is to know what developmental level they are at and what games are right for that level.
GAMES FOR BABIES
It is only through trying things out that babies learn about objects and what they can do. They think and are curious about what they can do with things. Through this play (which is their work) they learn attributes that lead to acquiring skills.
DROP THE SPOON
Why does your baby love to drop the spoon, or keys or toys that you give him/her almost as soon as you give them?
This is a game where each time they drop the object out of the pram or chair they see what happens. They want to know what the object can do and if they can do it again. So they bang, drop, toss, shake and squeeze to learn. This game also teaches cause and effect. Each time they drop it, usually an adult or older child come along and picks it up for them. They then repeat the actions over and over until they learned what they need to learn about the object and the way it can be manipulated.
Through games like this, babies begin to develop rules about objects. They learn that sometimes when they throw it too far away, they can no longer touch it. They learn that it makes a sound when it hits the ground. They visually see what it looks like going through the air until it hits the ground. They also learn later, that this rule not only applies to toys and spoons but bowls, cups, bottles etc.
It also helps with self-esteem as they have become a problem solver. You want your child to be good at maths and science? Much of those subjects is problem solving and this is where it begins…. in free play. When you understand the
TOUCH PLEASE
Cut squares of fabric the same size (for example 3×3 inch) and use as many different textures as possible. You could also use paper (for example sandpaper). Each square needs to be glued to a sturdy piece of corregated cardboard or poster board. In a supervised environment to make sure they don’t pull off and put in their mouths, let your baby touch the squares. Maybe they want to hold it themselves? Let them explore and watch them to see if they have a favourite. Don’t think that each square has to be smooth. Rough surfaces are good to explore as well.
HIDE IT
Put a bell, scarf or other object inside a bag and give it to your baby to explore. Shake it, rattle it, but don’t show them how to get inside. The problem solver in them may want to take a look. Some babies like the bag better than going to look what is inside and some may need a little help with you starting to open the top a little but not all the way.
Never use a plastic bag… always paper but material is even better and more safe. If using paper bags, always be around your child to make sure they don’t tear off a little and swallow it. Great for supervised exploration.
Games for Toddlers
Toddlers are starting to gain control over their bodies and are starting to do more. Their physical control allows them to run, jump and towards 3 years of age, start the basics of hopping on one leg.
To gain more control over their bodies, try a stop go game.
STOP AND GO
Put on some music and get your toddler to dance or move around. When the music stops, they have to stop. Toddlers love this learning game but have no idea the importance of what they are learning. It won’t take long before your little one gets what they have to do but in the beginning you will have to help them. Say STOP when the music stops and get them to stop moving. You may even want to use a hand sign (sign language) for the word stop. This can help to have a visual and an auditory cue.
By gaining control over their bodies in this way, although fun, what a tremendous advantage that is going to be when they are running out onto the road and you can yell STOP and have them stop on cue. Research has also shown that children who learn good inhibitory control as toddlers are more able to control themselves as teens (saying no to drugs etc). What parent doesn’t want that.
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