Children learn all day long. Every experience a child has gives her the chance to learn something new. Think back on the first time your child saw a butterfly or got worried when she heard thunder and lightning. You probably took the time to explain to her what she was seeing and hearing. In addition to helping your child learn through everyday experiences, play learning games with her to improve her academic and social performance.
Language Games
Help your child learn better language skills by playing A Story Full of Holes, recommends Paul Rooyackers, author of "101 Language Games for Children." Begin by reading or telling your child a familiar story such as "The Three Little Pigs" or "The Little Red Hen." Choose stories that have repetitive phrases. Read the story again, but stop mid-page. Ask your child to tell you what happens next or complete the phrase. Continue throughout the book. This game teaches your child to listen carefully and anticipate what happens next. For an older child, read part of a book and ask your child to complete the story.
Discovery Games
Your child does not just learn in school. The U.S. Department of Education recommends allowing your child to experiment with cause and effect, learn how to ask questions and develop his intellectual curiosity. Play a game to discover what objects sink and float. Gather a small piece of wood, a plastic lid and two pieces aluminum foil. Before you fill the sink or bowl with water ask your child to hold and feel each object. Record her observations on a piece of paper. Fill the bowl with water and have your child place one object at a time into the water. Ask her whether her initial observations were correct. Shape the aluminum foil into bowl and ball shapes to test whether the shape changes its flotation ability.
Board Games
Boxed games help your child learn new skills. Select age appropriate games. For a preschool child play Hi Ho! Cherry-O or puzzles. These types of games help him learn to count, visualize relationships between two objects and work together. A school-aged child enjoys and learns from playing thinking games such as Battleship and Blokus. Working together, taking turns and developing strategic thinking are all benefits of playing board games. Ask a friend to teach you and your child to play chess if you do not know how.
Musical Games
The National Network for Child Care recommends incorporating rhythm and music into your child's play time. Music helps your child learn that her mind and body can work together to dance, jump and "turn cartwheels in time to music." Teaching your child songs improves her memorization ability, which will help her in school. Her creativity expands when you allow her to make up new songs, movements and rhymes. She develops self-confidence when she sings and performs for your family. For younger children, sing and act out "Head, Shoulders Knees and Toes." Play different genres of music for your older child and encourage her to move her body with the music.
References
- "101 Language Games for Children"; Hunter House; Paul Rooyackers; 2002
- Department of Education: Helping Your Child Learn Science
- Parents: Board Approval: 7 Classic Board Games for Kids
- National Network for Child Care: Good Times with Music and Rhythm
