It’s summer in Arizona, which means it’s time for summer vacation! But, just because the kids are out of school doesn’t mean that the learning has to stop. For young children especially, playing is a form of learning. Children use play to learn about the world around them and helps improve sociability, coordination, and problem-solving skills. But, the benefits of playtime don’t end there! Play is also a great way for parents to monitor developmental milestones and keep track of a child’s growth.
Next time you’re at a loss for what to do with your kids, consider trying one of these activities and track your child’s development milestones in real time. Just don’t forget to have fun!
Simon Says it’s time to play! Playing Simon Says can help parents track how well their child follows directions, imitates others and understands the concepts of “same” and “different”.
Go hide! This beloved children’s game is not only a lot of fun, but it can help parents track their child’s understanding of spatial awareness too. As people are being found, be sure to ask your kid(s) to describe where they were hiding to see how well they understand words like “in”, “on” and “under”.
Kids never say no to a playdate. Plus, group playdates are a great way to track your child’s social development. As they play with their friends, take note of how well your child cooperates with other children and how they use their imagination to play – both important developmental milestones.
Scavenger hunts are fun for kids and can be adjusted to track a number of developmental milestones including - the ability to name, recognize and point to objects, and the ability to follow simple instructions.
