GPP: Maximizing Playtime

Written By wpadmin

Make Every Moment Count! See Tips for Maximizing an Hour of Playtime with Your Little One.

Dinner must be prepared, bath time is approaching, and bedtime is on your mind. With so much to do after an already long day it can be hard to think about how to make the most of your precious time with your child before the day is over. However, since children learn best through play and it is essential to their development, it is important that you find the time. Plus, these are moments your child cherishes with you and may easily be the highlight of your day too!

Playtime is a natural activity for children and provides much needed time to bond with you as well. Even if it is just one hour before bedtime, play allows children to use their creativity, imagination, motor skills, and develop their strengths. Too tired to come up with activity ideas? Don’t worry! We have you covered.

First, set expectations from the beginning. Tell your child you have 60 minutes to play and then set a timer. Inform them that when the alarm goes off, it is time to crawl into bed for the night. See below for some age-appropriate play ideas:

BIRTH TO 1

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  • Put family pictures on soft blocks. Wrap each block in clear contact paper. Encourage your baby to look at, reach for or touch the blocks. While pointing at pictures use prompts such as, “Look at Mommy,” or “Where’s Grandpa?” Wait a few seconds, giving your baby time to respond.
  • Record a familiar teacher or family member singing a children’s song or reading a favorite book. Play this for your baby at different times of the day as a lullaby for naptime or to introduce story time.
  • Read a bed time story in your child’s room. Snuggling together to share a story creates a bond of respect and trust.
  • Kiss, sing, and play! Lie down and place your body and face so that your baby must look downward to see you.
  • Place a soft toy on your baby's chest and watch them as they explore with their eyes. Use voice prompts and point out interesting features such as colors and patterns.

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AGE 1 to 2 [su_list icon="icon: angle-right"]

  • Blow kisses, smile and talk with your little one during bath time. Add soft water-safe toys, child-safe baby shampoo and washcloths or sponges. Remember to never leave your child alone in the bath for any amount of time.
  • Using a play telephone or block, pretend to talk on the phone. Prompt your child to mimic you by saying, “Mommy wants to talk to you.”
  • Sing songs together. Feel free to make up your own words to tunes they may recognize.
  • Read a bed time story. Quality children's literature helps kids learn valuable lessons.
  • Dress appropriately and spread a blanket on the grass. Stargaze together. Describe other things you see up above - trees, planes, stars, clouds, etc. Ask them if they hear the sounds of birds singing, wind rustling leaves and planes flying.

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  • Play some of their favorite music and dance around to get any pent-up energy out.
  • Play hide-n-seek together! Hide something interesting, such as a favorite toy or stuffed animal, near your child’s bed for them to find. Take turns and let her hide as well as seek.
  • Make matching socks a game. Have your child find the match and talk about pairs, matching, similarities, and differences.
  • Place a baby-safe mirror in front of you and your child. Talk about how you are similar and different.
  • Make shadow puppets and have a conversation with your child before bedtime.

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AGE 3 to 4

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  • Read a story together then act out a few scenes. Pull out some clothes and dress up as the characters.
  • Have a seat outside and talk about the sounds you hear. Tree leaves rustling, dog barking, plane overhead, a car driving by, etc.
  • Teach your child how to play “Simon Says.” Command him to jump, dance, hop on one leg. Be sure to let him take a turn being Simon.
  • Try journaling together. Make a sketch of what you want to happen tomorrow.
  • Make up a dance routine together to one of your favorite songs.

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AGE 4 to 5

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  • Ask your little one to imitate being a frog, tree, seed, or flower. See below for some some creative yoga poses for kids.
  • Have you ever tried making origami together? Our links below has a site to help you make  bears, boats, planes, hats, stars, pinwheels, and more.
  • Search online for a free audio book for kids and then listen together. Good resources include your county library,
  • Sort the money in their piggy bank together, naming each coin. Talk about possibilities for saving, giving, and spending.
  • Learn sign language together. There are several online guides that help you learn the American Sign Language signs for letters and common words or phrases.

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Resources:

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wpadmin
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GPP: Outdoor Play
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GPP: Supporting Creativity & Pretend Play