At Early Days Foods we believe in nurturing young children through a variety of ways including nutrition, creativity and play.
Home play is an essential aspect of a child’s development and it provides them with a safe space to explore, imagine, and learn while having fun. As a parent or caregiver, you play a vital role in nurturing your child’s creativity and curiosity through engaging home play activities.
We have put together this blog to explore some fun and educational play ideas that our team of parents at Early Days Foods have enjoyed with their children, and which will help spark creativity, and fun and promote development in young children.
Imaginative Play:
Imaginative play is a cornerstone of childhood. Encourage your child to unleash their creativity by setting up a designated play area with props and costumes. Whether it’s a tea party with stuffed animals, a superhero adventure, or a magical kingdom, imaginative play allows children to develop their communication, problem-solving, and social skills. Join in the play, and let your child’s imagination soar!
Arts and Crafts:
Arts and crafts are not only entertaining but also enhance a child’s fine motor skills and creativity. Set up a crafting station with a variety of materials such as coloured paper, scissors, glue, markers, and paints. Let your child’s imagination run wild as they create masterpieces, make collages and enjoy getting messy. To do something outside of the norm, try freezing water and children’s paint in an ice cube tray and paint with ice or use random household objects instead of paint brushes, bubble wrap bottle caps tissue paper etc.
Display their artwork proudly, as it boosts their self-esteem and encourages further exploration of their artistic abilities.
Sensory Play:
Sensory play engages multiple senses and stimulates a child’s cognitive development. Create a sensory bin by filling a container with materials like rice, sand, water, or dried beans. Add in scoops, cups, and small toys to provide a tactile experience. This activity helps children refine their motor skills, explore different textures, and learn about cause and effect. Just remember to supervise and ensure the materials are safe and age-appropriate.
Make cloud dough- cooking oil and flour mixed together in a container (4 parts flour to one cup of oil) add some food colouring if you’re feeling adventurous. Let your child play and create whatever their imagination comes up with.
Create a black out sensory bin. Use an old card board with holes cut into the sides just big enough for tiny hands. Add in some playful items and you have an instant guessing game.
Reading and Storytelling:
Reading is a gateway to knowledge and imagination. Set aside dedicated time for reading and storytelling with your child. Build a cosy reading nook with comfortable cushions and a collection of age-appropriate books. Engage your child by using different voices for characters and asking open-ended questions about the story. This activity not only enhances language and literacy skills but also strengthens the parent-child bond.
Puzzles and Board Games:
Puzzles and board games provide opportunities for learning, problem-solving, and social interaction. Choose puzzles with varying difficulty levels, suited to your child’s age and abilities. Board games like Snakes and Ladders offer a chance for family fun while developing essential skills such as counting, turn-taking, and strategic thinking. Engage in friendly competition and celebrate each other’s achievements.
Role-Playing:
Encourage your child to step into different roles through role-playing activities. Set up a pretend kitchen, doctor’s office, or grocery store and let them take on different roles, promoting imaginative thinking and social skills. This activity allows children to explore different professions, build empathy, and develop their communication skills. Join in as their playmate or take on a role yourself, fostering bonding and shared experiences.
Home play activities are a gateway to a world of fun, learning, and growth for young children. By providing opportunities for imaginative play, arts and crafts, sensory exploration, science experiments, reading, puzzles, board games, and role-playing, you are creating a nurturing environment that fosters their development. Remember to cherish these precious moments with your child, as they not only lay the foundation for lifelong learning but also create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. We hope you enjoyed this blog as much as our team of parents at Early Days Foods enjoyed reminiscing about playing them with their children over the years.
