Parents and primary caregivers are our children’s first teachers. Coming up with engaging learning opportunities can be challenging, but there are so many resources out there to help us grow our relationships with young children.
One of our favorite resources to turn to is Parents. With nearly 100 years of experience educating families with accurate and balanced information, this publication’s recommendations are backed by industry knowledge, peer review and proven results. In Parents’ 2024 article “11 Activities to Improve Your Toddler’s Development” by Amanda Lehrman, you can find a summary of developmental activities that support your child’s physical, cognitive and emotional growth.
We at Somersworth Ready Together have found that some of the most interesting and fulfilling child activities are very simple, which makes them easy to accomplish at home with minimal supplies.
Consider incorporating the below three child activity favorites into your bonding routine, and click here to find seven more amazing tips from Parents!
- Pin Up Pictures
Keep pictures of friends and family on a bulletin board in your child’s room to develop word association and improve memory. Write people’s names on sticky notes (include titles such as “aunt,” “uncle,” and “cousin”) and put them at the bottom of each photo for your child to identify. As they become more confident in who each person is, you can remove the labels.
2. Arrange a Scavenger Hunt
Children are natural investigators, and they love to explore. Scavenger hunts can be planned or invented on the spot. For example, search for foods with a specific color (like purple) at the grocery store or look for objects of a certain shape (like a circle) around the house.
3. Explore Textures
Toddlers are sensory learners who touch, smell, and taste to understand the world around them. Use a dark marker to trace letters and numbers onto poster board. Then, have your tot decorate the letters with textured items such as cut-up sandpaper, cotton balls, and pipe cleaners (avoid items that could be choking hazards). Touching the letters allows kids to feel how a letter is formed.
What is your go-to activity for engaging with young children? Share it with us on social media!
