Most parents become a little apprehensive if children reach the school age and are still just busy playing. Parents and caregivers sometimes believe the kids are simply passing time aimlessly with toys and games. What the grown-ups need to know is that children can learn and develop through play, too.
In no way should adults underestimate what play can do to a child's learning milestones. There are simple yet effective games that enhance learning. Here are some games that can facilitate in achieving the developmental milestones of children.
Role Playing.
This is children's all-time favorite. When you see a child playing alone and seemingly talking with an imaginary friend, do not get worried, the child is using language and emotional skills. Parents can sometimes witness a kid trying to respond in the play from two different perspectives, which means that the child is putting into consideration what the other role feels.
Join the role-playing fun instead of interrupting the play. Introduce scenarios that can integrate learning through role playing. For example, parents can play as a patient and the child can learn about being a doctor or a nurse. There are also a lot of other community helpers that parents can creatively use into role plays.
Building Blocks.
Children may spend hours with their building blocks. They use their inventiveness and fine motor skills in making space rockets or tiny houses. The kids pair their imagination with cognitive skills to find the right blocks to fit in making their target outcomes.
NAEYC Publications shared ten things children learn from block play. Parents can integrate the concept of colors by segregating different colored blocks into one group each. Simple ways like counting the blocks already introduce math. More advanced mathematical skills are also enhanced like length measurement and comparison.
Messy Painting.
Painting can get messy but parents should focus on the brighter side of it. Children not only build up their artistic abilities but also boost their cognitive skills along the process. Learning colors and increasing their fine motor control are just some of what kids can acquire from painting.
Support your child's interest in arts and painting. There is no limit to what your child can learn, from colors and their combination results until the senses of touch. Extension.org cites that arts not only foster a child's creativity but as well hits their developmental objectives.
So next time you see your child playing, join in the fun. After all, play is the brain's favorite way of learning.
