I AM 3 – PLAY WITH ME!

Nature and recycled materials can be used in various ways to support learning. For example, you can use leaves, sticks, and rocks for sensory bins or nature exploration activities. Recycled materials like cardboard boxes and bottle caps can be used in creative arts and crafts, such as building structures or making collages. These materials not only stimulate creativity but also teach children about resourcefulness and sustainability.

Tailor them to your child’s interests and developmental level. Observe their reactions and adjust the complexity of the activity as needed. For example, if a child is very interested in animals, focus on role play related to animals. Always keep activities flexible and be ready to modify them based on the child’s engagement and feedback.

Balance structured activities with free play by scheduling specific times for guided activities while leaving plenty of time for unstructured play. Structured activities, like arts and crafts or science experiments, provide focused learning opportunities, while free play allows children to explore their interests and develop creativity independently. Both types of play are essential for a well-rounded development.

Collage making helps children develop fine motor skills through cutting, tearing, and gluing. You can provide old magazines, scissors (with supervision), and glue for them to create collages based on themes like “Under the Sea” or “My Family.” Discussing the images they choose and why they are meaningful can also enhance their thematic exploration and cognitive skills.

Set up a pretend kitchen with a cardboard box stove, utensils, and toy food items. Encourage your child to cook meals, serve food, and take on roles like chef or waiter. This type of play helps develop social skills through role-playing interactions and enhances imagination as they create and act out different scenarios.

Create an obstacle course using cushions, tunnels, chairs, and blankets. Arrange them in a way that requires your child to climb, crawl, and navigate through the course. You can add challenges, like balancing on a line or jumping over small objects, to improve their coordination and problem-solving skills. Ensure the course is safe and age appropriate.

Adapt ball games by using balls of various sizes and weights based on your child’s skill level. Start with soft, lightweight balls for younger children and gradually introduce more challenging ones. Activities like tossing, catching, and kicking balls can improve hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills. Modify the rules and difficulty to match their abilities and keep them engaged.

Use a magnifying glass to observe bugs and their behaviours. Create a bug hunt with a checklist of insects to find, or set up a small bug habitat with safe, non-threatening insects. Discuss the roles bugs play in nature and their characteristics. Incorporate books or videos about bugs to provide additional educational content.