Building block toys have always been a favorite among children thanks to the fact that they are both fun and challenging, especially for toddlers and preschoolers. However, other than just being an entertainment tool, building block toys offer several benefits for your kids. Here are 5 of those benefits:
1. Better Motor Skills – Using building blocks requires your child to put them in a position so that they do not topple over. As a result, hand-eye coordination improves the more the child plays. The act of grasping the blocks itself serves as good practice for gripping objects, and strengthens the fingers and hands of the child.
2. Mental Stimulation – Your child learns to think logically when playing with building blocks. After a few tries at building something and watching the blocks topple over, your child will learn that the blocks have to be arranged and placed properly to prevent that from happening. An older child will also realize that a stronger base can be made if you arrange most of the blocks at the bottom. Logical thinking skills are crucial in a child’s intellectual development.
3. Math And Vocabulary Skills – Studies have shown that the inclusion of building blocks in playtime helps develop language and mathematical skills among children. Language skills develop when the child learns the names of the colors, shapes and sizes of building blocks. Mathematical skills are sharpened when a child learns to add up or subtract the number of building blocks required to build a structure. As such, it’s easy to see why building blocks are a great preschool learning tool.
4. Improves Creativity – Children learn how to create different structures using building blocks, and this stimulates their creative mind. Thus building blocks offer a good base to encourage a child’s creative abilities and not just the logical.
5. Encourages Positive Social Interaction – Building blocks are the type of toys that a child can share with others. By encouraging them to play together they learn how to interact and cooperate. This is among the first forms of teamwork your child can engage in.
It may be difficult to comprehend how toys as simple as building blocks offer so many benefits, but it's wonderful to know that age-old, simple toys can serve such good purposes.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Thursday, December 12, 2013
A Guide to the Development of Sharing and Cooperation in Children
There are many stages in a child’s development. One of these stages is the concept of learning and understanding how to share and cooperate with others. This is critical in social and relationship building, in order to be a positive influence in society. The importance of adult supervision and involvement is needed at this stage.
The Early Stages
A child starts to learn the action of sharing and cooperation with simple gestures in infancy of giving something to an adult, with the adult returning the item to the infant. This development process later becomes more defined amongst toddlers between the ages of 18-24 months. They are now becoming more deliberate in the action of sharing and cooperating.
As toddlers, children begin to develop the concept of ownership of items. A child knows what he or she needs and wants, and with adult guidance learns how to share personal items with others. Interestingly, researchers found girls preferring to share and cooperate with friends. Boys on the other hand displayed no preference.
The Role Adults Play
Adults are able to set the stage for creating a learning environment for sharing and teaching children the action of sharing. Adults are also key in teaching children to work together in cooperation, or as a team.
Take time to acknowledge a child you observe sharing and cooperating. Recognition enforces the positive nature of this behavior. Children also need to see adults performing the same actions that are being preached to them. An explanation of what it means to share and cooperate may contribute to the reinforcement of this action to children.
The Role of Toys
When children see that there is an abundance of items available, they will be more inclined to share. To support this development in your child, the use of some toys can create the sharing and cooperation process and environment. These toys assist in making the concept of sharing and cooperating more meaningful for children.
Toys such as stacking blocks, building sets, and puzzles all encourage sharing with an adult or another child, as well as working as a team. Even buying sheets of large paper and some markers and crayons can be a great way for your child to enjoy creating a project with someone else.
The Early Stages
A child starts to learn the action of sharing and cooperation with simple gestures in infancy of giving something to an adult, with the adult returning the item to the infant. This development process later becomes more defined amongst toddlers between the ages of 18-24 months. They are now becoming more deliberate in the action of sharing and cooperating.
As toddlers, children begin to develop the concept of ownership of items. A child knows what he or she needs and wants, and with adult guidance learns how to share personal items with others. Interestingly, researchers found girls preferring to share and cooperate with friends. Boys on the other hand displayed no preference.
The Role Adults Play
Adults are able to set the stage for creating a learning environment for sharing and teaching children the action of sharing. Adults are also key in teaching children to work together in cooperation, or as a team.
Take time to acknowledge a child you observe sharing and cooperating. Recognition enforces the positive nature of this behavior. Children also need to see adults performing the same actions that are being preached to them. An explanation of what it means to share and cooperate may contribute to the reinforcement of this action to children.
The Role of Toys
When children see that there is an abundance of items available, they will be more inclined to share. To support this development in your child, the use of some toys can create the sharing and cooperation process and environment. These toys assist in making the concept of sharing and cooperating more meaningful for children.
Toys such as stacking blocks, building sets, and puzzles all encourage sharing with an adult or another child, as well as working as a team. Even buying sheets of large paper and some markers and crayons can be a great way for your child to enjoy creating a project with someone else.
Monday, December 9, 2013
5 Ways To Keep Children Entertained When Traveling
Traveling with young children can be a challenge, especially on long trips in a car, airplane, or train – it's really hard for them to sit in one confined position for a long period of time. The trick to making traveling fun and exciting for children is to keep them entertained and their tummies full.
With boredom, comes restlessness, and with hunger comes crankiness. A combination of this can mean an unpleasant trip, not only for the children, but for everyone traveling together. If you take some time to prepare before embarking upon a long traveling venture, you might have a much happier experience.
1) Pack Travel Bags
Pack a travel bag specific to each of your children. Some important items to remember are your child’s favorite stuffed animal, blanket, and toys. Nothing comforts a child more than his or her favorite blanket and stuffed animal. Just these items alone can make a big difference when traveling.
Also include snacks and water in spill proof containers for those in-between moments when your child may be suddenly hungry or thirsty. This may help in keeping your child satisfied until the next available meal time.
2) Bring Along Activity Books
Purchase some portable trays, so each child has his or her own personal activity center. Children can use these trays as tables when traveling. Bring along new coloring books and other fun writing activity books that your child can draw, write, and color in. Remember to also bring the colors, pens, and pencils along.
The importance here is that these activity books are new. The reason for this is that your child will be more excited and entertained with something new, than drawing books that have already been marked up.
3) Purchase Toys and Games Designed for Traveling
To avoid the crying or nagging of dropped toys or other items, purchase games and activity centers that are designed specifically as travel toys. These items will usually have pens attached by a string to an activity book, and have magnetic pieces for games or puzzles.
By keeping everything within your child’s reach, and taking precautions for the unexpected, your child may have so much fun that he or she will not even realize how long you’ve been traveling. Having a variety of different engaging toys and games are even great for children to enjoy together.
4) Pick up a few Disposable Cameras
Investing in a few disposable cameras can create hours of fun for children, without the worry of it breaking or becoming damaged by an accidental drink spill, especially if you purchase the waterproof type. Give each child a camera and ask him or her to take pictures of items that he or she has never seen before. This makes it fun and can keep children occupied for hours if traveling by ground.
Once you arrive at your final destination, have your child’s pictures developed so he or she can immediately see what kind of pictures were taken. Younger children, especially, really enjoy taking pictures, so stocking up on a few disposable cameras can be a worthwhile investment.
5) Bring Along Electronic Items
Both older and younger children enjoy electronic items, such as DVD players, music players, and handheld gaming systems. Depending on the age of your child, a movie, for example, can easily deliver two hours of non-stop entertainment. If deciding to pack along electronics, always remember to pack extra car chargers or batteries.
Keeping children entertained when traveling is easy with some pre-planning. Children love to be busy seeing things and doing things, so making frequent stops if traveling by car can also be a great way to break up a long trip. Be creative and think from your child’s perspective. After all, no one knows what your child loves more than you.
With boredom, comes restlessness, and with hunger comes crankiness. A combination of this can mean an unpleasant trip, not only for the children, but for everyone traveling together. If you take some time to prepare before embarking upon a long traveling venture, you might have a much happier experience.
1) Pack Travel Bags
Pack a travel bag specific to each of your children. Some important items to remember are your child’s favorite stuffed animal, blanket, and toys. Nothing comforts a child more than his or her favorite blanket and stuffed animal. Just these items alone can make a big difference when traveling.
Also include snacks and water in spill proof containers for those in-between moments when your child may be suddenly hungry or thirsty. This may help in keeping your child satisfied until the next available meal time.
2) Bring Along Activity Books
Purchase some portable trays, so each child has his or her own personal activity center. Children can use these trays as tables when traveling. Bring along new coloring books and other fun writing activity books that your child can draw, write, and color in. Remember to also bring the colors, pens, and pencils along.
The importance here is that these activity books are new. The reason for this is that your child will be more excited and entertained with something new, than drawing books that have already been marked up.
3) Purchase Toys and Games Designed for Traveling
To avoid the crying or nagging of dropped toys or other items, purchase games and activity centers that are designed specifically as travel toys. These items will usually have pens attached by a string to an activity book, and have magnetic pieces for games or puzzles.
By keeping everything within your child’s reach, and taking precautions for the unexpected, your child may have so much fun that he or she will not even realize how long you’ve been traveling. Having a variety of different engaging toys and games are even great for children to enjoy together.
4) Pick up a few Disposable Cameras
Investing in a few disposable cameras can create hours of fun for children, without the worry of it breaking or becoming damaged by an accidental drink spill, especially if you purchase the waterproof type. Give each child a camera and ask him or her to take pictures of items that he or she has never seen before. This makes it fun and can keep children occupied for hours if traveling by ground.
Once you arrive at your final destination, have your child’s pictures developed so he or she can immediately see what kind of pictures were taken. Younger children, especially, really enjoy taking pictures, so stocking up on a few disposable cameras can be a worthwhile investment.
5) Bring Along Electronic Items
Both older and younger children enjoy electronic items, such as DVD players, music players, and handheld gaming systems. Depending on the age of your child, a movie, for example, can easily deliver two hours of non-stop entertainment. If deciding to pack along electronics, always remember to pack extra car chargers or batteries.
Keeping children entertained when traveling is easy with some pre-planning. Children love to be busy seeing things and doing things, so making frequent stops if traveling by car can also be a great way to break up a long trip. Be creative and think from your child’s perspective. After all, no one knows what your child loves more than you.
Monday, December 2, 2013
3 Fun Ways to Teach Kids Spelling
Learning spelling words begins around the age of five. As your child begins to learn spelling words as the building block to writing and reading, he or she will need your help. To encourage your child to study and practice spelling words, the process needs to be engaging and fun. Here are three ideas that can help:
1) Phonics and Music
Some educators have dumped the curriculum of phonics, and others have continued to use it due to the positive results seen in a child’s spelling, writing, and reading. When a child learns the sounds of letters, it will be easier for him or her to learn to spell words.
To make learning phonics fun, there are different age level phonics sets that include CDs with music to learn the sounds of letters and how they come together to form words. The music engages your child and teaches him or her the basics without it being boring.
2) Flash and Flip
On some blank business cards, clearly write your child’s spelling words for the week. Let your child know that it’s time to play a game. Sit on the floor and place all the cards face down. You can start by flipping a card over, saying the word, spelling the word, flipping the card back over, and spelling the word without looking. Then have your child take a turn.
Playing along with your child encourages him or her to continue with the game. Even pretending to not know how to spell a word can create some cute giggles from your child. He or she won’t even think this game is about learning.
3) Toys and Technology
Technology is advancing faster than we can keep up with. Don’t be surprised if your child knows more about technology than you do. Electronic toys are a great way to continue the learning process with your child during long rides, shopping trips, or long waits at the doctor’s office. This interactivity has the ability to entertain your child for a period of time and make it fun.
For example, the Franklin Speak, Listen, and Learn Spelling Master allows you to type in spelling words and record your voice saying the words. Your child then sees the words and learns to spell the words he or she hears. This toy also has a word search game to keep learning fun for your child.
1) Phonics and Music
Some educators have dumped the curriculum of phonics, and others have continued to use it due to the positive results seen in a child’s spelling, writing, and reading. When a child learns the sounds of letters, it will be easier for him or her to learn to spell words.
To make learning phonics fun, there are different age level phonics sets that include CDs with music to learn the sounds of letters and how they come together to form words. The music engages your child and teaches him or her the basics without it being boring.
2) Flash and Flip
On some blank business cards, clearly write your child’s spelling words for the week. Let your child know that it’s time to play a game. Sit on the floor and place all the cards face down. You can start by flipping a card over, saying the word, spelling the word, flipping the card back over, and spelling the word without looking. Then have your child take a turn.
Playing along with your child encourages him or her to continue with the game. Even pretending to not know how to spell a word can create some cute giggles from your child. He or she won’t even think this game is about learning.
3) Toys and Technology
Technology is advancing faster than we can keep up with. Don’t be surprised if your child knows more about technology than you do. Electronic toys are a great way to continue the learning process with your child during long rides, shopping trips, or long waits at the doctor’s office. This interactivity has the ability to entertain your child for a period of time and make it fun.
For example, the Franklin Speak, Listen, and Learn Spelling Master allows you to type in spelling words and record your voice saying the words. Your child then sees the words and learns to spell the words he or she hears. This toy also has a word search game to keep learning fun for your child.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Cutting Costs on Your Christms Gifts
We all love to both give and receive gifts, especially toys for your kids, but unfortunately that can add up to a lot of debt around the holidays. If you need to get the most out of every penny then here are ten tips that’ll help you do just that.
1) Search the Web for Deals
There's no doubt about it - shopping online really is the best way to get deals and save money at Christmas time. Here are a few ideas on where to find them:
Search for Coupons: Before shopping with any online store, do a quick search for "Store Name + coupon code". Often there'll be nothing available, but when you do find a coupon it's well worth having spent the extra two minutes searching for it!
Sign Up to A Cashback Website: There are a number of cashback websites that cost you nothing to join, and will give you a percentage of your purchase back after a certain period of time. You'll usually only get 1-5% back, but it's still a saving! Note that you won't get your cashback payout immediately, but it'll be a nice boost in the months after Christmas.
Check Groupon: Groupon has become hugely popular with shoppers looking for a deal, so make sure to sign up to email updates months in advance of Christmas. Not only can it help you save on certain goods, but you'll also find experiences like spa days, photo shoots and days out that all make excellent gifts!
Black Friday/ Cyber Monday Sales: Many online stores now have mega sales after Thanksgiving, so get online and see what you can find. Amazon, for example, has a number of very limited discount items. But you really do have to login early on the day to be in with a chance of getting them!
Deals on Site: Many sites will have their own specific deals, like "buy one get one free" or free shipping when you spend $X. Remember, only take advantage of these deals if you actually need extras!
2) Save Money on Christmas Cards
Don't forget that the cost of buying and sending Christmas cards can also add to your holiday spend. There are a few ways you can save in this area:
We have already established that shopping online really is the best way to save money - but there's another great thing about shopping online: comparison sites! A number of websites will now do the comparing for you so you don't have to spend hours surfing around various retailers and making a note of their prices.
It's worth always having the comparison mindset. If you see something in a store, you can always go online later that day to see if you can find it cheaper from somewhere else. But don't forget to include the price of shipping in your comparison, as this is a cost you will save if buying from a bricks-and-mortar retailer.
1) Search the Web for Deals
There's no doubt about it - shopping online really is the best way to get deals and save money at Christmas time. Here are a few ideas on where to find them:
Search for Coupons: Before shopping with any online store, do a quick search for "Store Name + coupon code". Often there'll be nothing available, but when you do find a coupon it's well worth having spent the extra two minutes searching for it!
Sign Up to A Cashback Website: There are a number of cashback websites that cost you nothing to join, and will give you a percentage of your purchase back after a certain period of time. You'll usually only get 1-5% back, but it's still a saving! Note that you won't get your cashback payout immediately, but it'll be a nice boost in the months after Christmas.
Check Groupon: Groupon has become hugely popular with shoppers looking for a deal, so make sure to sign up to email updates months in advance of Christmas. Not only can it help you save on certain goods, but you'll also find experiences like spa days, photo shoots and days out that all make excellent gifts!
Black Friday/ Cyber Monday Sales: Many online stores now have mega sales after Thanksgiving, so get online and see what you can find. Amazon, for example, has a number of very limited discount items. But you really do have to login early on the day to be in with a chance of getting them!
Deals on Site: Many sites will have their own specific deals, like "buy one get one free" or free shipping when you spend $X. Remember, only take advantage of these deals if you actually need extras!
2) Save Money on Christmas Cards
Don't forget that the cost of buying and sending Christmas cards can also add to your holiday spend. There are a few ways you can save in this area:
- You could send eCards instead of physical cards (you can still send paper cards to the really important people).
- You could avoid sending cards altogether and phone everyone who is important to you instead.
- You can deliver some of the cards by hand to save on postage costs.
- You could make your own cards.
- Or, if you do want to send cards, send them as early as possible to get the cheapest postage costs.
We have already established that shopping online really is the best way to save money - but there's another great thing about shopping online: comparison sites! A number of websites will now do the comparing for you so you don't have to spend hours surfing around various retailers and making a note of their prices.
It's worth always having the comparison mindset. If you see something in a store, you can always go online later that day to see if you can find it cheaper from somewhere else. But don't forget to include the price of shipping in your comparison, as this is a cost you will save if buying from a bricks-and-mortar retailer.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
5 Useful Tips for Shopping Online for Toys this Christmas
1) Find Delivery/ Returns Deals
If possible, try to shop from places that offer free delivery when you order a certain amount. Delivery prices can really add up if you're not careful, so this will save you money right away.
Some bigger retailers will even offer free returns - meaning that you won't need to pay the postage costs yourself. This is especially handy when it comes to gifts for kids, since you never know when they won't be happy with what you've bought them!
2) Shop for Toys on the Best Bargain Days
Although it's always a good idea to shop for toys early - especially to make sure they're still in stock - there is one reason you might want to wait and that's to time your Christmas shopping for the best deals. Here's a guide to the best sales in the run up to Christmas Day.
Halloween - Early November: This is an excellent time to shop if you're organized. The retailers are already thinking about Christmas, even if most of us aren't, and they will often have sales running for those who are ready to take advantage. It may not be anything obvious, but it's well worth keeping your eyes and ears open to see if anything comes up.
Black Friday/ Cyber Monday: The biggest shopping days before Christmas come right after Thanksgiving. Traditionally this was something that only really applied to brick-and-mortar stores on the day after Thanksgiving - nicknamed "Black Friday" - but now a number of online retailers have gotten in on the act with their own "Cyber Monday". Amazon, for example, has a number of lightning deals with a limited number of items available at steep discounts for very short windows of time. You'll need to be on the ball and online throughout the day, but it's well worth it if you can snap up some deals.
The Last Days Before Christmas: In recent years retailers have been starting their post-Christmas sales early, and many last-minute shoppers have been able to grab some real bargains in the last 2-3 days before Christmas. Just remember, if it's a very popular toy your child is after then it's likely that it will have completely sold out by this time, so proceed with caution!
3) Check the Package Before Christmas Day
Nobody wants a faulty gift, but this is even more of a big deal when you're a child. To avoid disappointment when they open their gifts on Christmas day, open them up beforehand yourself to check that everything is working as it should.
If it's a toy that needs to be assembled, this means checking that all the parts are included in the box. You might even want to assemble the toy yourself before Christmas day to make sure it's all ready to be played with. If it's an electronic toy, get it out of the box, add in some batteries and make sure it all works properly.
Although it might seem like overkill, it's always worth a few minutes checking beforehand to avoid a lot of tears afterwards! Do it early and it also means you've got time to send an item back and get a refund if you need to.
4) Check the Returns Policy
Unfortunately sometimes we just don't get it right with our kids' gifts, so it's important that you buy from a store that has a good returns policy.
If there's a fault with the toy then all stores have to take it back, but they might not do so if you're simply returning it because your child doesn't like it. Thankfully most of the well-known retailers have solid returns policies in place around Christmas time, often extending the returns period until after Christmas.
This is why buying from third party sellers is a lot more risky, as they often won't accept any returns at all.
5) Don't Forget the Batteries!
Last, but certainly not least, don't forget to make sure you have some batteries on hand for Christmas day! There's nothing more frustrating for a child than to open their favorite gift but to realize they need batteries to use it. If you don't have any in the house, the chances are that the store won't even be open on Christmas day!
So avoid their sad little faces and check whether batteries come included with any electronic toys you buy. If the toy has a charger instead, charge it up ready for Christmas day so that your child can get playing right away.
If possible, try to shop from places that offer free delivery when you order a certain amount. Delivery prices can really add up if you're not careful, so this will save you money right away.
Some bigger retailers will even offer free returns - meaning that you won't need to pay the postage costs yourself. This is especially handy when it comes to gifts for kids, since you never know when they won't be happy with what you've bought them!
2) Shop for Toys on the Best Bargain Days
Although it's always a good idea to shop for toys early - especially to make sure they're still in stock - there is one reason you might want to wait and that's to time your Christmas shopping for the best deals. Here's a guide to the best sales in the run up to Christmas Day.
Halloween - Early November: This is an excellent time to shop if you're organized. The retailers are already thinking about Christmas, even if most of us aren't, and they will often have sales running for those who are ready to take advantage. It may not be anything obvious, but it's well worth keeping your eyes and ears open to see if anything comes up.
Black Friday/ Cyber Monday: The biggest shopping days before Christmas come right after Thanksgiving. Traditionally this was something that only really applied to brick-and-mortar stores on the day after Thanksgiving - nicknamed "Black Friday" - but now a number of online retailers have gotten in on the act with their own "Cyber Monday". Amazon, for example, has a number of lightning deals with a limited number of items available at steep discounts for very short windows of time. You'll need to be on the ball and online throughout the day, but it's well worth it if you can snap up some deals.
The Last Days Before Christmas: In recent years retailers have been starting their post-Christmas sales early, and many last-minute shoppers have been able to grab some real bargains in the last 2-3 days before Christmas. Just remember, if it's a very popular toy your child is after then it's likely that it will have completely sold out by this time, so proceed with caution!
3) Check the Package Before Christmas Day
Nobody wants a faulty gift, but this is even more of a big deal when you're a child. To avoid disappointment when they open their gifts on Christmas day, open them up beforehand yourself to check that everything is working as it should.
If it's a toy that needs to be assembled, this means checking that all the parts are included in the box. You might even want to assemble the toy yourself before Christmas day to make sure it's all ready to be played with. If it's an electronic toy, get it out of the box, add in some batteries and make sure it all works properly.
Although it might seem like overkill, it's always worth a few minutes checking beforehand to avoid a lot of tears afterwards! Do it early and it also means you've got time to send an item back and get a refund if you need to.
4) Check the Returns Policy
Unfortunately sometimes we just don't get it right with our kids' gifts, so it's important that you buy from a store that has a good returns policy.
If there's a fault with the toy then all stores have to take it back, but they might not do so if you're simply returning it because your child doesn't like it. Thankfully most of the well-known retailers have solid returns policies in place around Christmas time, often extending the returns period until after Christmas.
This is why buying from third party sellers is a lot more risky, as they often won't accept any returns at all.
5) Don't Forget the Batteries!
Last, but certainly not least, don't forget to make sure you have some batteries on hand for Christmas day! There's nothing more frustrating for a child than to open their favorite gift but to realize they need batteries to use it. If you don't have any in the house, the chances are that the store won't even be open on Christmas day!
So avoid their sad little faces and check whether batteries come included with any electronic toys you buy. If the toy has a charger instead, charge it up ready for Christmas day so that your child can get playing right away.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
A Guide to Child’s Development and Important Toys at Age 7-8
Children don’t all develop in the exact same way, at the exact same time. Development milestones should be looked at as guidelines – nothing more. Understand that child development, as so many other things, is not predictable.
Each child’s development has the potential to be influenced by his or her environment, DNA, and life’s personal experiences. Just the way each child has his or her own personality, the process of development towards adulthood is unique.
However, there are milestones that are worth looking to for each age range. Here’s what to look out for in 7-8 year olds.
Knowledge and Learning Style
Your child may begin to enjoy sharing what he or she has learned with parents, siblings, and just about anyone who is willing to listen with interest. He or she may also begin to demonstrate a greater attention span and become a better problem solver. Learning starts to peak, due to an increase in understanding, becoming more curious, and having a desire to learn, not only in school, but about the world around them.
As the area of technology continues to increase and expand, where children are using it in their learning as well as entertainment, electronic gadgets are great learning tools. These include eReaders or tablets that can be loaded with age-appropriate reading and electronic games.
Motor Skills
At this stage, there is an increase in your child’s motor skills and desire to participate in physical games and activities, such as structured sports. You may also notice that your child can run for a longer period of time with better form, and kick or catch a ball with more accuracy. This is a great time to introduce your child to playing on a local sporting team.
Toys that encourage this specific area may include a basketball set that is adjustable in height, soccer ball and practice nets, bicycle, and even a jungle gym set. Encourage outdoor play and less indoor gaming for overall good health.
Creativity
You can help your child adjust in this area by exposing him or her to art, music, plays, and even different forms of dancing. As body awareness becomes more evident, so does your child’s focus and concentration, such as in reading or watching plays.
Some of the best toys to encourage creativity are drawing easels, sketch pads, dramatic play with dolls and puppets, and character dress-up, where your child can dress up as his or her favorite television or movie character. There is no limit to creativity.
Each child’s development has the potential to be influenced by his or her environment, DNA, and life’s personal experiences. Just the way each child has his or her own personality, the process of development towards adulthood is unique.
However, there are milestones that are worth looking to for each age range. Here’s what to look out for in 7-8 year olds.
Knowledge and Learning Style
Your child may begin to enjoy sharing what he or she has learned with parents, siblings, and just about anyone who is willing to listen with interest. He or she may also begin to demonstrate a greater attention span and become a better problem solver. Learning starts to peak, due to an increase in understanding, becoming more curious, and having a desire to learn, not only in school, but about the world around them.
As the area of technology continues to increase and expand, where children are using it in their learning as well as entertainment, electronic gadgets are great learning tools. These include eReaders or tablets that can be loaded with age-appropriate reading and electronic games.
Motor Skills
At this stage, there is an increase in your child’s motor skills and desire to participate in physical games and activities, such as structured sports. You may also notice that your child can run for a longer period of time with better form, and kick or catch a ball with more accuracy. This is a great time to introduce your child to playing on a local sporting team.
Toys that encourage this specific area may include a basketball set that is adjustable in height, soccer ball and practice nets, bicycle, and even a jungle gym set. Encourage outdoor play and less indoor gaming for overall good health.
Creativity
You can help your child adjust in this area by exposing him or her to art, music, plays, and even different forms of dancing. As body awareness becomes more evident, so does your child’s focus and concentration, such as in reading or watching plays.
Some of the best toys to encourage creativity are drawing easels, sketch pads, dramatic play with dolls and puppets, and character dress-up, where your child can dress up as his or her favorite television or movie character. There is no limit to creativity.
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