Creating a safe space for play at home is crucial for a child’s development. Many studies show that play actually “enhances brain structure and function”. Here are some helpful tips and ideas for incorporating playful, screen-free activities with your child.
Arts & Crafts
Art can help stimulate a child’s mind in beneficial ways. It can increase motor skills, boost confidence, nurture creativity and improves emotional expression. Some ideas could include:
Finger painting
Supplies needed: Various colors of washable paint, paper, and towels or wipes for cleaning up.
Have your child dip their fingers in the paint and then use them to create pictures on a blank sheet of paper. Let the child paint freely or ask them to paint something specific like a pet or family portrait.
Stick Puppets
Supplies needed: Popsicle sticks, markers, googly eyes, glue sticks, felt scraps, and stickers.
Use the supplies listed above to make characters on popsicle sticks. You can then use these puppets to tell stories or act out plays!
Clay creations
Supplies needed: playdough or similar clay, kid-friendly cookie cutters, rolling pins, and plastic shaping tools.
Create figurines or objects with various colors of clay. You can even assemble an entire scene, family, or town with your clay creations. For extra fun, challenge the child to make something specific, like a self-portrait, or make a contest and see who can make the best clay hamburger.
Physical Activities
Getting the body moving is a great way to help children build strength, coordination, and confidence. Some ideas could include:
Dance
Grab a speaker and play your child’s favorite music! Turn it into a game such as freeze dance, have a dance-off, or just dance freely.
Obstacle course
Use pillows, blankets, and other soft household items to build an obstacle course around your home. You and the child can work together to overcome the obstacles. For an extra challenge, grab a timer and try to beat a certain time.
Popping Bubbles
Blow bubbles and have your child clap or pop them. Switch it up by telling them to use only their pinky finger or nose! This is a great outdoor activity when the weather is nice, and you need some fresh air.
Puzzles & Games
Playing games not only engages children in meaningful play but also promotes the growth of cognitive, physical, emotional, and social behaviors. Some ideas could include:
Board Games
Candyland or memory games like Sequence for Kids are great games for children, requiring focus and stimulating the brain.
Scavenger Hunt
Hide an item, or a few, around your home and come up with various clues to lead them to their final destination. You can even take this outside fo the house by making a list of things for the child to find around town, such as a fire hydrant, billboard, or mailbox. Take the child around town looking for these items and see their excitement as they find what they’re looking for.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to develop fine motor skills and learn focus. Use wooden or cardboard puzzles with engaging designs.
Caregivers can integrate play into the child’s daily routine by being intentional with how they create opportunities for physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. Play doesn’t need to be a separate part of the day but can be woven into everything from mealtimes to caregiving tasks. By using everyday moments for playful learning, caregivers help children develop essential skills while making the day more fun and enjoyable.