Child's skills that can be developed through playing

It's a good thing that Clarence is attending free classes in school near our place, I also get to involve in parent-teacher discussions and catch some tips and advices in parenting. Though some of us have different approaches, but sharing it all in our meeting helps us to come up with the best method. There are some ways you can develop your child skills and at the same time having fun from it. The following are the things I’ve learned from Clarence’ teachers and co-parents: Special thanks to Ms. Peggi Kelly and Ms. Jan Simons, two of Clarence' wonderful teachers.

Cognitive Skills: This is your child’s ability to solve problems and remember things. Help your child sort big and little things (example toy cars) into 2 containers. Some toys like shape puzzle also makes this skill into practice. I tried grouping pile of things with same colors and let him recognize the colors by asking him to put some of his toys in the pile where it matches its color.

Communication Skills: This is your child’s ability to understand what is said, follow directions and express his needs, wants and emotions. Help your child to express his wants during playtime by giving him choices. Like giving him 2 choices of toys or books, just make sure that both options presented are acceptable for him to take. Try giving instructions, like “Get your diaper”, “Close the door “, or “Give me an apple”. Could he follow that direction?

Social and emotional skills: Your child’s ability to follow group routine; separate from familiar adult, and play appropriately with peers. Was your child aware of the other children at play? Use balls and toy cars to push back and forth with another friend. Encourage good eye contact. As for you, make a friend with another parent, exchange names and talk with their child.

Fine motor skills: This is your child’s ability to use his hands and fingers to manipulate objects and complete tasks. Use playdough to strengthen finger muscles. Once in a while prepare some art activity that requires your child to use pincher grip like picking up cut leaves and pasting it to a framed tree.

Gross motor skills: This is your child’s ability to control large muscles to crawl, walk, climb, hop, run and etc. Encourage your child to crawl through a pretend tunnel. If he is reluctant, place a preferred object at the other end. Draw some circles on the ground and make him jump in and out from those circles. You can also use a roly-poly ball to straddle.