Learning Through Play

Types of Play

• There are so many different types of play that can be both fun and education.
• Language, numbers, objects, drama and music games give children opportunities to explore and express themselves in a safe and fun way.

Movement Games

• Create a dance choreography to your children's favorite songs. One person does a dance move and everyone else copies. Everyone takes turns being the leader.
• 'Challenge' who can do the most toe touches - jumping jacks, windmill toe touches in a minute
• 'Mirror' each other - facial expressions, movements, sounds. One person can start as the leader and then switch. Try it with no leaders!
• Freeze dance. Play music or someone sings a song, and everyone dances. When the music stops, everyone must freeze. Last person still dancing becomes the judge for the next round.
• Animal dance: same as above but when the music stops, call out the name of an animal, and everyone has to become that animal.

Telling Stories

• Tell your children a story from your own childhood
• Ask your children to tell you a story
• Make up a new story together starting with "Once upon a time..." Each person adds a new sentence to the story.
• Act out a favorite story or movie - older children can even direct younger ones while learning responsibility.

Change the object

• Every day household items like brooms, mops or scarves can become fun props for games.
• Place an object in the centre of the room and whenever someone has an idea, they jump in and show the rest what the object can be.
• For example, a broom might become a horse or a microphone or even a guitar!

Singing

• Singing songs to your baby helps to develop language.
• Play or sing a song, and the first one to guess it right becomes the next leader.
• Make up a song about handwashing or physical distancing. Add dance movements.