As parents, we all know playtime is essential to our kids’ lives, specifically their development. Not only does it provide them with fun, but it’s also a chance to create new friendships and connections and learn new and exciting things. However, playtime can be much more meaningful if you incorporate learning elements.
An educational playtime is a chance for parents to turn games into a fun learning experience, which can be helpful for parents who are struggling with their kids’ education.
Incorporate Games
Games are an incredible way to keep your kids engaged in the subject matter. They make learning more fun for your kids, which makes them participate more and, more importantly, have fun. And the best thing about them? They don’t require too much prep time; some require minimal materials like paper hats, flashcards, toys like a baby doll or legos, etc.
For example, if you want your kids to learn to count more efficiently, you can play “What’s Missing?” Show your kids a set of cards that have numbers on them. Mix up the sequence and secretly remove one number from the pile. The kids will then guess which part of the sequence is missing, and if they guessed right, they win.
Give Your Kids Choices
Kids often don’t get to have choices both in their homes and in school. This can make them feel unheard, leading to a general disinterest in the activities that you want them to participate in. Sometimes, they also want a say, and that’s exactly what you must do. When kids have the power to choose, they will feel more engaged with the activity, which you can take advantage of if you want to incorporate some learning experiences into it.
That said, try letting them pick the activity they want and try your best to insert the lesson you want to teach into that activity. This way, not only will they be more engaged with the activity and learning at the same time, but it will also teach them some decision-making skills.
Incorporate Hands-On Learning
Teachers often do hands-on learning for their young students to make them more active and engaged with the activity. As parents, you can do this as well at home. The best thing about hands-on learning is that it’s easy for parents and fun for their kids. But how does it work, exactly?
Hands-on learning is a type of active learning wherein students are put in control. Unlike traditional lecture-style lessons, hands-on learning requires students to move around and use their bodies to learn lessons.
These hands-on activities also give students original insight based on their experiences, which promotes self-learning. One good example of a hands-on lesson is arts and crafts. Arts and crafts are the best when teaching your kids colours and building things.
Create Group Time
When you allow kids to play together, the chances of them retaining the skills and the knowledge they learn in the activity will be increased. This is because cooperation helps develop critical thinking skills and communication skills. Group time also provides them with unique experiences, making the activity more memorable for them.
A good example of a great group activity for kids is Common Denominator or Thread. It’s a simple group activity between 5-10 kids that encourages your kids to socialise and cooperate. The game goes by giving each group five minutes and figuring out a common thing among their group.
This can be anything from a favourite food to an animal. Once they find a common denominator within 5 minutes, they win. You can do this again by rearranging the groups and finding another common denominator among them. This activity encourages your kids to be more honest, socialise, and even create connections among their peers.
Schedule Field Trips
Who doesn’t have fond memories of their field trips? These treks outsides are always fun and exciting, making for a memorable experience for your kids to remember through the years. And perhaps the best thing about it is that field trips can also be a fun learning experience for your kids. You can take your kids to learn about something new and exciting, from plays to museum tours.
However, if you don’t have the budget, you can take them for a virtual field trip instead. You don’t even have to go far for a field trip, as there might be something exciting just around the corner. As long as it’s something new and interesting for them, they will become more engaged and retain the knowledge they have during the trip much easier.
Final Words
Playtime is an extremely important aspect of your child’s development. However, it doesn’t have to be all fun. You can make it into a learning experience as well. If you follow the tips we discussed above, any playtime can be a lesson if you’re resourceful. Good luck!