Encouraging early childhood development involves regular interaction between a toddler and a parent or caretaker. Shaping early brain development enhances skills and has a large impact on a child's ability to interact with others in a variety of relationships, according to the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child and the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. Playing games with your child provides not only a chance to bond with baby, toddler or small child, but it also stimulates curiosity and interaction with the world around him.
Word Games
Playing word games with your child stimulates language development. Talking to your baby introduces her to the nuances of language and promotes comfort and security. As the baby grows older, hold up familiar objects and encourage her to vocalize, offering encouragement even if she mispronounces. For example, hold her favorite ball and ask her what it is. As she learns the words for more objects, place them in a group and ask her to grab the ball. You may be surprised at how much fun you and baby have playing this game.
Music Games
Sit with your child and play a clapping game, suggests TeacherQuickSource.com. For example, clap once and tell your child to clap. See if she claps once, like you did. Try it again, this time clapping twice. Depending on the age of the child, try different numbers of claps, or mix up the rhythm, such as two claps followed by two faster claps. You may also try singing with your child, encouraging him to follow your lead with simple and easy songs, with or without words.
Matching Games
Encourage your child to improve his memory by playing matching games. Start small. Draw or copy pictures of animals, fruits or other common objects on pieces of paper. For example, start with two copies of two different pictures, like two red apples and two green apples. Show the child the pictures, and then place them face up on a table. Tell your child to show you the two apples that look the same. You may also place the pictures face down on the table for your child to match. As your child's skill and recognition improves, increase the number of pictures to encourage memory building.
Counting Games
Playing counting games will encourage your child to learn numbers, colors and shapes. For example, draw the number "1" on a piece of paper, with a drawing of one apple on it. Do the same for numbers "2" though "10." Hold up your fingers as you recite the numbers. This increases the child's visual recognition of the numbers you're saying and uses repetition to encourage memorization. Have your child say the numbers with you, and help him hold up the right number of fingers as you play.
