This article
is kindly provided by Ruth Liew.
Play is essential to a child's learning. Parents need to set up
their home environment to meet the growing needs in their child's
development. During the child's first year, expect a lot of
chewing, grasping and dropping. Keep the floors clean and make sure
that toxic items are not left within reach.
Place pictures of real objects, animals and people at your
child's level. Avoid cartoon pictures or abstract work of art. Your
child during his first year needs to see things as they are. If
your child starts to crawl, lay out different textured cloths like
silk, cotton, wool and vinyl for him to experience. Children are at
their sensitive period for sensorial learning. They absorb the
information around them.
Your child enjoys his own image. A low mirror in the bathroom or
the bedroom is great fun for your child to look at himself as well
as things behind him. If your child starts to climb, provide piles
of pillows or well-padded, low climbing structures. He will have
great fun climbing up and down by himself.
Take your child outdoors frequently. Outdoor play is essential
to your child's growth and learning. While you are out with your
child, play and sing a variety of music. Children do enjoy their
parents' favourite tunes. Watch your baby's physical movements for
clues about how he feels. The more you get to know your baby, the
better you will become in responding to his needs. When he turns
away from you and does not hold eye contact, you may want to back
off and allow him some quiet time. When he engages you in play,
take his lead and follow him through. You can be your child's guide
in finding out that this world is a secure, friendly and
interesting place to be.
When your child enters the second year, he wants to be
independent. He starts to grab the spoon from mummy and tries to do
everything by himself. He imitates daddy's behaviour. This is a
great time to play copycat games. For example, daddy and mummy can
take turns to make faces and toddler can imitate. Many skills can
be learned when parents play "Do as I do" games with toddler.
Everyday routines can be play to your toddler. He pours water on
the floor, only to wipe it up by himself. Some of his new behaviour
can be frustrating to new parents who still expect their child to
be totally dependent on them. To help him develop independent
skills, parents should create an environment for their toddler to
move around freely and decide what he can do for himself. Toddlers
need their own chair, table and a cupboard or shelf within their
reach without adult's help. Adults should realize that children
need to learn practical life skills like pouring, spooning, wiping
and wringing a wet cloth. This is part of their home environment
where they see their parents work in this way.
Children are full of interest and enthusiasm. Show your toddler
how to do simple food preparation work, like spreading jam on his
bread or making a drink for himself. The child regards this work as
his play. Once your child has self-help skills to look after
himself, he develops a positive self-image. He will be more
confident. Children who are occupied with practical life
activities, work with a purpose. They are calm and happy because
their work is satisfying.
When selecting toys and equipment for toddlers, have an
assortment of wood, fabric, metal and plastic materials. Children
enjoy realistic toys to play with. Some of your old clothes, old
briefcase, purse, old magazines, and even wooden spoons are fun for
children of this age.
Best of all, people and imagination are the greatest playmates.
Upon entering third year, children's play becomes more complex. If
your child is galloping like a horse, give him a broom or a scarf
for added interest. Even when babies splash water in the bathtub, a
plastic cup with hole can give them the added dimension of pouring.
When your child reaches preschool years, he needs other children to
play with. Companions make it possible for children to learn to
share, cooperate and see other points of view. Welcome neighbours'
children into your home for at least part of the day. If this is
not possible, send your child to a playgroup or nursery school for
some group time.
Encourage your child to explore all kinds of play materials. Do
not stereotype boys and girls toys. In their early years, children
enjoy pretending to mummy and daddy. Avoid saying to them, "You are
a boy.You cannot be a mummy."
Every child needs trucks, dolls, blocks, paints, cooking set and
imagination and friends. Children benefit more if the culture at
home is not limited to one ethnicity. Serving all kinds of ethnic
foods can help children grow in an understanding of humanity.
Children at play discover about the world and more about
themselves. They see themselves as competent and interesting
people, with useful skills and good ideas.
This article is kindly provided by Ruth Liew.