Helping in the Kitchen
Cooking can give children a deep sense of satisfaction and build their self-confidence. It can help them grow in the following ways: To develop valuable self-help skills and increase independence; to develop math concepts, through counting, measuring, timing, and ordering events; work co-operatively with others; to develop reading skills, recognizing symbols and words; to improve fine motor skills and control through using hand muscles and to express themselves creatively. They also get a chance to practice motor skills through things like pouring, stirring, and measuring. Cooking is a great sensory experience that children enjoy.
Here are a few examples:
● Helping Kirsty to make a cake for Jai's birthday (4689)
● Helps to toss the salad (4761)
● Helps Grandma Shelley to make the sandwiches (4972)
Constructive Play
Constructive play is when children manipulate their environment to create things. This type of play occurs when children build towers and cities with blocks, play in the sand, construct contraptions on the woodworking bench, and draw murals with chalk on the sidewalk. Constructive play allows children to experiment with objects; find out combinations that work and don't work; and learn basic knowledge about stacking, building, drawing, making music and constructing. It also gives children a sense of accomplishment and empowers them with control of their environment. Children who are comfortable manipulating objects and materials also become good at manipulating words, ideas and concepts.
Here are a few examples:
● Plays with puzzle whilst in Hospital (4651)
● Playing cards (game of Snap) with VJ (4866)
● Building sandcastles with Ric (4673)
● Building the Billy Cart with VJ and Miles (4730)
● Plays with blocks (4820 + 4861 + 4899)
Imaginative Play and Dress Ups
A child's imagination is something to be encouraged and treasured. Young children learn many skills through imagination, from independent play, interactive play, language and cognitive skills to name a few. Pretend play and dress up are wonderful ways to allow your child to dream and act out all sorts of fun adventures. Imaginative play is an important part of play. Role playing and dress up allow children to experiment with the different roles of the people they observe. Imaginary play helps children to adjust more easily to the challenges of our everyday world.
Here are a few examples:
● Magic tricks with Miles - coin behind the ear trick (4661)
● Playing "Hide and Seek" with Jai and Annie (4704)
● Dressing up as Superman (4741)
● Dressing up in Nippers costume for the carnival (4760)
● Pirates with Miles (4766)
● Wearing a waste paper basket on head (4779)
Motor/Physical Play
Motor play provides critical opportunities for children to develop both individual gross and fine muscle strength and overall integration of muscles, nerves, and brain functions. Recent research has confirmed the critical link between stimulating activity and brain development. Young children must have ample opportunities to develop physically, and motor play instills this disposition toward physical activity in young children.
Here are a few examples:
● Climbing the stool for muffins before hurting his arm (4704)
● Playing soccer with Miles and Kirsty (4766)
● Playing with his toys (truck 4730), (4779)
● Bouncing the ball (4766)
● Fishing with Alf and Miles (4955)
● Skimming stones with Kane (4803)
● Playing a game of pool with Trey (4813)
● Sitting on Miles's shoulders (4730)
● Hand games with Kirsty (4730)
● Drawing with pencils (4658, 4730, 4779) + drawing with Crayon (4735, 4760), Drawing with Jai (4773)
● Drawing - on Miles's paper work with crayons (4735) and at the Diner with Belle (4740)
● Artwork - shown to Kane (when he was in hospital) and to Kirsty (before baby talk)
● Reading with Kane (4773)
Sources:
Imaginative Play and Dress Ups
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