One of the wonderful things about being a parent is that you are your child’s first teacher. You have the unique opportunity to open the door to the world; introducing your child to words, colors, animals and so much more. Learning can be weaved into the day naturally as you read, talk, sing, and play together. Mr. Rogers said it best, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”
When you engage your child in play, you are helping him or her to grow and to ignite a lifelong love of learning. Through hands-on activities, your child will begin to pair the knowledge gained during previous interactions with the new information. This builds understanding and skills. This is also a helpful guide to use when you are visiting a new childcare center or preschool for your child to see if the staff is using play to teach their students.
Each time you play, you are adding another building block of learning. So have fun and enjoy the time with your little one. To get you started here are seven play-based learning activities to do with your child.