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Fun at home

Fun at home

Spending just a few moments a day playing with your child can make a big difference in their development. Some ideas to try;
  • Sand and water play can be an early introduction to science and maths, eg learning that water is fluid, not solid, and that it can be measured in different sized containers. Give your child different sized cups and bowls and let them fill them up to the top, half way or anyway they want.
  • Playing with dough (recipe below), drawing and painting pictures, dressing up, playing with dolls can encourage creativity, imagination and expression of feelings. Ask them questions about what they have drawn, or who they are pretending to be.
  • Building blocks, jigsaws and shape sorters can help with recognising different shapes and sizes, putting things in order and developing logic. Ask your child to put the blocks into piles, ask them to take one away, or give you two blocks.
  • Playing ball games, dancing, running, climbing all help to develop body movement, strength, flexibility and
    co-ordination skills. Set up a mini obstacle course in the garden or front room.
  • Games help with turn taking, sharing and mixing with others. Play dice games to encourage sharing.
  • Singing, playing simple music instruments help to develop rhythm, listening and hearing. Sing nursery rhymes at bath time.
  • Reading, all children love to hear stories, point to the words encourage them to finish the sentence on their favorite book.
Playdough recipe - you will need

. 8 tbsp plain flour

· 2 tbsp table salt

· 60ml warm water

· food colouring

· 1 tbsp vegetable oil 
  1. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl mix together the water, a few drops of food colouring and the oil.
  2. Pour the coloured water into the flour mix and bring together with a spoon.
  3. Dust a work surface with a little flour and turn out the dough. Knead together for a few minutes to form a smooth, pliable dough. If you want a more intense colour you can work in a few extra drops of food colouring.
  4. Store in a plastic sandwich bag (squeeze out the air) in the fridge to keep it fresh.

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