With the kids off school, now is a great time for letting them learn in different ways from the formal learning methods they're used to in school. Learning through play is a great way of letting the kids have fun, but also learning new skills, topics and all while being happy and entertained.
Great Little Trading Company (GLTC) believe that open-ended play is
the secret to keeping little minds stimulated. Toys that are powered by
imagination, not batteries will put your child in the driver’s seat and
encourage independent play.
My boys have loved role-playing and imaginative play toys since they were small. They love playing restaurants and kitchen, pretending to be grown ups and doing their household chores, pretending to have ice-cream trucks and playing house. It's very sweet to see them play in this way and these little play scenarios of theirs have taught them so much, as well as allowing them to have hours of fun!
If you're wanting to encourage your children to learn through play, here are a few top tips from Great Little
Trading Company’s Toy Designer David Blakeson on how to get the most out
of your toys at home and encourage learning through play:
1.
What’s up copycat? Children are learning all the time, even when you’re
cooking dinner, washing up, or cleaning the house. Role play is a
brilliant way to let them utilise all those little things they pick up
on along the way. Recreating real-life scenarios is a valuable way for
children to develop their imagination and social skills. From serving
99s to Daddy from their ice cream shop to dishing up dinner for their
siblings from their Play Kitchen – these fun, pretend play activities
will exercise their imagination, get them chatting, and encourage them
to use their problem-solving skills.
2. Understanding current affairs through play: Playing Doctors is
a great way to reassure children that medical professionals will be
there for them if they get poorly. Stepping into the role of nurse or
doctor themselves gives children the chance to draw on their memory to
mimic real life scenarios. It’ll also help them develop empathy as they
think up ways to treat different maladies and care for their patients.
It’s a wonderful way to help familiarise children with the world of
medicine, doctor’s surgeries & hospitals, and in turn make them seem
less scary.
3. It’s good to talk: Encouraging children to chat is the holy
grail of play. A familiar activity like playing shops gives even the
shyest children the courage to make conversation. Personalise their shop
by encouraging your children to choose a shop name and spend time
creating a sign together. Once you’re finished, set up for the day’s
business with a till, some play food, and a shopping trolley, then watch
as your little shopkeepers come out of their shell. Playing shops will
help them develop their vocabulary as they use and expand on words
they’ve heard in the real world. Plus, their listening skills will be
put to the test as they practice serving their customers and responding
appropriately.
4. Can you tell me a story? Using their creativity to come up
with their very own story or play is great for encouraging
self-confidence. Set up a theatre in the doorway or behind a sofa and
encourage your child to be brave enough to put on a show to an audience,
even if it’s just their teddies. This will inspire children to use
their imagination, and language skills, as well as help build their
confidence.
Toys that allow children to play imaginatively are not simply to entertain children, they
nurture their physical and mental development in preparation for the big
wide world too and that's a great thing to embrace.
Thank you to GLTC for these great tips. Hopefully they'll give you some inspiration for encouraging your little ones to learn through play at this time.
If you're looking for even more inspiration on how to keep the kids entertained, happy and busy, read all about the 40 spring and summer seasonal activities for kids list which I've put together - most of which you can do from the comfort of your own home.
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