Ever wonder what’s going on inside of your toddler’s brain? A lot. In fact, from birth to age five a child’s brain grows and develops more than any other time in their lives. That’s why nurturing your child’s brain from the start is vital! Check out these 5 activities to give your toddler’s brain a boost.
- Break out the blocks. Blocks are one toy that have truly stood the test of time. Not only do blocks help with color and shape recognition, they also help to boost creativity and imagination. Children can build towers, roads, or make music by clinking two blocks together. Block building also help with developing motor skills.The possibilities are endless!
- Engage in sensory play. Sensory play, including the exploration of textures like scratchy sand, smooth shaving cream, or cold water, help to engage the 5 senses (sight, touch, taste, smell, and hearing). This type of play builds nerve connections in the brain’s pathways and opens the gates for more complex learning tasks!
- Play pretend. Imaginative play including dress up, playing house, grocery store, or even superheroes helps to develop a child’s imagination, creative thinking, social skills, and even impulse control.
- Hide and seek. Finding a place to hide? Doing so helps toddlers learn how to think strategically. Seeking out a hider? A toddler has to think of potential places where someone could hide which demonstrates spatial awareness. Who knew hide and seek could build so much brain power!
- Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere! Before your child is old enough for chores, encourage them to assist you in tidying up their toys. Not only can this be a great way to practice categorization (everything has its place) it can also help to teach responsibility.
Programs at The Little Gym are purposefully designed to help children 4 months through 12 years grow and develop social, cognitive, and motor skills. To learn more and to find a location near you, click here.
brain grows, develop social, motor skills