Mom! What Can I Do Now?

Children love to play! Many parents are finally realizing the importance of play in their child's daily life. We are actually appreciating every aspect of it, and welcoming new and fun activites for our little ones!

Even though there has been much research lately on the different types of play and how each contributes to our childrens' abilities, if a parent is a non-expert, play can be taken for granted. By knowing about the types of play, we can have a learning influence on childrens' activities and improve the quality of their enjoyment.

I think that most Moms and Dads would be interested in knowing about the different types of play and how each contributes to the intellectual skills of our children, therefore, I have included 2 of the 5 types of play and the skills that can be learned and improved upon by taking part in the different activities.

(Any guesses about what the other 3 types are?)

I am concentrating on the Pre-school years for the next few months, and will move on to the older ages thereafter.(I have a small child, so I am interested in everything about play that I can find!)

With each type of play below is an activity for parents to take part in with their child or just to help them along on their long journey to discovery. (For Both Of You!)

Physical Play

Developes a positive physical self-image. Helps with coordination and stamina. Developes spatial awareness. Contributes to the key controlling skills. (such as throwing and catching an item) Helps develope suppleness and strength.

Activity: Physical Play

Design an outdoor obstacle course. Place a few stepping stones apart for children to jump to and from. Take an old sheet and attach it to the ground along the longest sides and have the children crawl under and through it. Turn flowerpots upside down in the grass to make stepping stones. Attach an old tire close to the ground and have the children climb through it. Hang an old pillowcase from a tree and stuff it with something soft such as leaves to make a punching bag. It can be weighted with rice in the bottom. (of course, watch the kids carefully if you use ropes of any type to attach things!) You can think of many things! A log for a balance beam, a board for a ramp propped with a brick or a flat stone. (can be used to ride tricycles or bikes

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