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Children love to explore and discover. As they play, they are strengthening motor skills, developing social skills, and discovering all that their immediate environment has to offer. As parents, it is vital that children are encouraged to play in a non-threatening environment without pressure. Play after all should be fun. That is what initially makes it interesting.
In the beginning of their lives, babies explore their world through play. Touching, feeling, looking and listening are the keys to knowledge. Then comes imitation. The game of pretend is used to practice what they observe and aides in understanding the world around them. An example of such is as follows: when a young child falls and scrapes their knee, not only does the child want a band-aid, but their favorite teddy may also need one too. Once a parent observes and understands their child's play, it becimes easier to understand their child.
Allowing the child to take the lead in his/her play is a positive form of encouragement. It also allows a parent opportunity to observe and learn about their child's play. Each new game is exclusively theirs, but once a parent clearly understands how their child plays, children love to have their parents join in and offer suggestions. Play is a great opportunity for parents to teach everyday behaviours such as manners. When playing house, saying "thank you for setting the table" teaches manners and expresses praise and approval. The best form of encouragement is simply allowing the child to feel appreciatied and noticed. This simple gesture greatly increases a sence of self worth and strengthens self esteem.
Language ond communication are key skills in our world. There are many ways in which parents can help in the develpoment of these skills through play. Babies love to be spoken to. They love to hear differnet pitches and sounds. It's important for parents to immitate the sounds babies make, and in turn the babies will imitate the parents sounds. Point out verbally everything you see. Even if the child is too young yet to understand, it enhances later understanding. Play and talk in front of a mirror, wave while saying bye-bye, put on puppet plays. Children love to observe and are quick to understand and imitate. Finally, it is important for parents to speak in short and simple sentences. Clarity is the key.
Pictures and books are an opening to a child's world of creativity and imagination. The sooner a child is introduced to reading the stronger reading and creative skills will be. Initially, pictures need to be clear and familiar. Use pictures of family. Use bright colours, simple shapes and one picture per page. Clutter causes confusion. Describe the picture using simple words.
Music has the amazing ability to make a young child or baby smile. Even the worst voice sounds wonderful to a little one. If you are still too shy, use music boxes, sing about what you are doing, seeing or playing. Dance while singing listen to wind chimes.
A child of just about any age love to play finger games. These games encourage finger dexterity, language development listening skills and teaches the child to follow direction. It aides in increasing attention span, it promotes good imitation skills and encourages the understanding of concepts such as size and shape. Finally, it allows for self expression and allows for an opportunity to have fun.
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