How children learn through play
We all know playing is a lot of fun. That’s why it’s the most effective way for your child to learn. By playing, children acquire the essential life skills they’ll need as they grow up.
Of course, to grow and develop, children need time and attention from a person who’s happy to play with them. So, if you’re pushed for time, a great way to play is by getting your child involved in what you are doing – even the housework!
How will toddlers play?
To begin with, your toddler is likely to play alone. This is completely normal. Even in the company of another toddler, your child may not interact. This is called parallel play. At some point, usually when they reach their second year, your toddler will begin to interact with others.
Active play is common at this stage and you may find it hard to keep up, as your child will have a lot of energy and enthusiasm for new activities.
Getting them involved
12 Months
At this stage, your toddler is probably beginning to take their first steps. Even if they are not fully mobile you can encourage them with a variety of walking toys. Choose toys that are stable and offer good support. If your child is already walking, toddle toys can help them build up speed and develop their walking skills.
15 Months
By now your child will begin to develop their motor skills. Small, precise thumb, finger, hand and wrist movements are important because they support a whole host of other vital physical and mental skills. Start out with stacking blocks and see how things progress. You can also let them try their hand at simple tasks, like getting dressed (they can learn by looping large buttons through buttonholes). At breakfast time you can also encourage independence by handing them a spatula, a slice of toast and some jam and letting them prepare their own breakfast.
18 Months
At this age, your toddler can learn to throw and kick a ball. This will give your child plenty of exercise, especially if it’s sunny outside and your child is bursting with energy. You can also introduce your child to “catch”. Start slowly and let them practise. They’ll soon get used to the back and forth rhythm. As they progress, you can encourage your child to kick and chase the ball, helping them to understand and follow instructions.
With all this activity, your toddler will need extra nutrients. But getting them from food alone can sometimes be a challenge. Aptamil Growing Up milk 1+yr is specially developed to help support your toddler from the inside. Made with our special blend of GOS/FOS prebiotics and 40 times more iron than cows’ milk, for brain development and healthy blood, it can help provide the key nutrients your growing toddler needs as part of their balanced diet.
If you’d like further advice on how to engage with your child, please get in touch with our team of experts. Call us free anytime on 0800 996 1000, or use our confidential instant messaging service, Live Chatfrom 8am to 8pm.