Every game and activity a child plays is an opportunity for him to learn and grow. Whether the activity is a quiet indoor activity played alone or an outdoor activity with a group of friends, your child thrives when active. Games and activities help children master social skills, use their imagination, learn problem-solving techniques and develop physical coordination.
Reading
Reading to your child is an activity that provides lifelong rewards. Little Ones Reading Resource lists many reasons you should start reading to your child when she is young. Reading stories helps her master language and build listening skills. Reading helps increase her attention span and develop a sense of curiosity. Another benefit of reading to your child is that reading helps build a unique parent-child bond that no other activity provides.
When your child is an infant, read colorful books that feature textures and flaps. As your child grows, read books that feature rhymes or sing-song phrases. Return to favorite books often and soon your little one will start reading them to you.
Exercise
Physical exercise is a must for any child. In this age of computers and television, it is imperative to build regular exercise into your child’s routine. The KidsHealth website reminds parents that exercise for kids doesn’t necessarily mean a gym membership. Kids exercise by playing games like tag or hide and seek. Even walking the dog or family bike rides are great forms of exercise for kids.
The benefits of exercise for kids are wide ranging. KidsHealth lists strong muscles and bones as two of the benefits. Others include a lessened chance of your child being overweight as an adult, a lessened risk of diseases and an overall better outlook on life. The site also claims that kids who exercise regularly sleep better and can better handle the challenges life throws their way.
Learning Games
A great way to teach children is through games. Children learn how to follow directions through games like Simon Says, in which they follow commands given by a leader. Kids learn teamwork through relay races in which they work together to reach a common goal. Kids can also learn basic lessons involving colors and numbers through fun games you can play at home.
One game to help your child learn his alphabet is letter fishing. Cut out drawn letters of the alphabet. Make a fishing rod out of a piece of string tied to a dowel rod. Connect a clothes pin to the end of the string. The website Kaboose suggests hot gluing the clothes pin onto the string. Hang a sheet from the ceiling. Have your child stand in front of the sheet and “cast” his line behind it. Stand behind the sheet and attach a letter to his line. Your child will love reeling in letters. When he reels one in have him announce what letter he caught. Older children who are learning to spell can say a word that begins with the letter.
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