How to Play With Your Preschooler
It is far too easy to let a child plug into an electronic device and entertain himself. Games and books your child experiences on these devices can be valuable, but nothing should completely take the place of good, old fashioned play with your child. Children, especially at a young age, learn through their play -- they develop cognitive abilities like the ability to sort or match, practice fine and gross motor skills and find ways to express their ideas and emotions. Playing with your preschooler also gives you a window into your child̵7;s interests, thoughts and feelings.
Things You'll Need
- "True toys" like blocks or dolls
- Board games
Instructions
Create an emotionally and physically safe environment in which your preschooler can play. Ensuring the play area is free from anything that could injure your child and that it provides an atmosphere of comfort and safety. For example, if you're going to be playing on the lawn, make sure there's nothing sharp lying around. Emotional safety is important too. For example, when your preschooler hands you his stuffed bear and says "Mr. Teddy is angry because it is so hot inside," don't laugh. Instead ask if Mr. Teddy would like to sip lemonade and play a game on the breezy patio. Give your preschooler time every day to have unstructured play with toys that can be used in multiple ways, as suggested by early childhood education professor Dr. Ann Barbour in an article for PBS Parents. Such open-ended toys include blocks or other building materials or toys for sand and water play. Observe your child while he plays with these toys and even explore the materials yourself -- your preschooler might see you play in a way he hadn̵7;t thought of before. Get tidbits of playtime as you prepare dinner, do a chore or run an errand with your preschooler. Play ̶0;I Spy,̶1; using colors, shapes and other categories that he can find in the kitchen. For example, "I spy with my little eyes something that is tubular, orange and creamy," could be a clue for the macaroni dish you are preparing. Let your preschooler have your undivided attention for a given amount of time. Play a board game or use your imaginations to act out a story. Your child will feel loved and special if you devote some time to your child. This play time can be as short as ten minutes or as long as a couple hours. Encourage outdoor playtime as often as possible. Turn off the television and go outside with your preschooler; children should not have more than one or two hours of entertainment media a day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Also being outdoors encourages development of gross motor skills, such as involved in playing hopscotch, two-square or climbing on the jungle gym. Encourage free play, during which your preschooler can play without structure and express himself creatively, whether he play make-believe with his stuffed animals, builds a fort with his bedspread or dances around the living room. Think about setting aside this time for child-driven play rather than adult-driven activities, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics. Allow yourself to be drawn into this free play as your preschooler requests, and he will feel nurtured and supported. Allow time for structured play, during which your preschooler must follow a set of rules or instructions. Do a dance routine that calls for specific movements like spinning or jumping. Play board games, especially ones that have simple rules or involve moving pieces around the board or even cognitive tasks like counting or matching.
