Incorporating Play-Based Activities into Your Daily Routine to Boost Your Child’s Learning Opportunities
by The Good Play Guide
View Bio
The Good Play Guide was founded by child development expert Dr Amanda Gummer in 2012. Created to provide an independent, expert accreditation service for children’s products, The Guide provides a trusted resource for parents and gift-givers to find truly Good Toys, Apps and much more.
Amanda has a PhD in Neuropsychology, the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education and over 20 years’ experience working with children and families.
Having worked in children’s industries for many years, Amanda is now widely considered as the UK’s go-to expert on play, toys and child development. She can regularly be seen in the media, including BBC News, Sky News, The Daily Mail and many more, offering advice on news stories and issues surrounding children, families and child development.
Dr Gummer’s Good Play Guide is an independent, expert organization, dedicated to ensuring every child can develop the skills they need to thrive during a happy healthy childhood. The team’s mission is to help make the world a more playful place.
If you would like Dr Amanda Gummer’s support on your next campaign, project or article, please do not hesitate to get in touch: hello@goodplayguide.com
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Are you looking for fun, engaging, and educational activities to keep your kids entertained for hours? From both indoor and outdoor activities to educational games and arts and crafts, The Good Play Guide’s website is jam-packed with play ideas for kids of all ages that will keep them learning, exploring, and having a blast.
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to discover a world of endless play possibilities for your kids. With so many fun and engaging activities to choose from, you’ll never run out of ideas to keep them happy and entertained!
As parents and caregivers, we want to develop our children’s love of learning — and since children don’t just learn at school, it’s important to consider how to extend and support learning outside of the classroom.
Integrating play-based activities into your child’s daily routine can make learning enjoyable and impactful.
Here are some practical ideas that parents can use to incorporate play-based activities into their daily routine to boost their child’s learning.
ART AND SCIENCE
Art and craft activities are fantastic for sparking creativity and fine motor skills. Set up a dedicated art station at home with supplies like crayons, markers, colored paper, glue, and safety scissors.
Encourage your child to create their own masterpieces, whether it’s drawing, painting, or crafting models. Projects such as making holiday cards, building collages from magazines, or constructing simple sculptures from clay can provide endless creative stimulation.
Simple science experiments can make complex concepts tangible and fun. Activities like baking soda and vinegar volcanoes, making slime, or growing crystals teach scientific principles in an engaging way. Explain the science behind each activity to enhance kids’ understanding and spark further curiosity about how the world around them works.
GETTING OUT AND ABOUT
Spending time outdoors is not only beneficial for physical health but also stimulates curiosity and learning. Organize nature walks where your child can collect leaves, rocks, or flowers. At home, use these items for sorting, counting, or creating nature art projects. Encourage your child to ask questions about the natural world and explore the answers together through books or online resources.
Gardening can also be a hands-on way to teach children about nature, responsibility, and patience. Involve your child in planting seeds, watering plants, and watching them grow. Discuss the different stages of plant growth and the importance of caring for living things.
COOKING AND BAKING
Involving children in cooking and baking is a wonderful way to teach them about measurements, following instructions, and the science of food. Let them help with age-appropriate tasks like stirring, measuring ingredients, or decorating cookies. Cooking together can also be an opportunity to discuss nutrition and healthy eating habits. Here are some recipes to try!
QUIET TIME ACTIVITIES
Puzzles and board games are excellent for developing critical thinking, strategy, and patience. Choose games appropriate for your child’s age and interests and play together as a family. This not only enhances cognitive skills but also promotes family bonding and communication.
Encourage a love for reading by setting aside time each day for reading together. Create a cozy reading nook with a variety of books that cater to your child’s interests. Additionally, writing activities such as keeping a daily journal, writing letters to family members, or creating their own stories can enhance literacy skills and creativity.
Integrating play-based activities into your child’s daily routine doesn’t require extensive planning or resources. The key is to create an environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and learning in a fun and engaging way. By incorporating these practical ideas, parents can help their children develop essential skills that will benefit them both inside and outside the classroom.