Can you tell me what a good travel idea is for toddlers toys?
There are many different toddlers toys that will make the travel time go much faster. When traveling with a toddler, you need to have a game that will engage the toddler's time and imagination. These games will help pass the time. One good toy is Tim's Building Machines Book and game set. Another good one of note is Travel Bingo. These games engage the imagination and curiosity of the toddler while passing the time when in a travel situation.
What exactly is Travel Bingo?
Travel Bingo is specific toddlers toys that allow them to mark what they see during travel such as cars, airplanes and other such things. This is a wonderful game to play with a toddler and this is very similar to the game of License Plate or counting cars by color. These games keep your toddler busy and usually avoids the question.. "Are we there yet?" This entertaining game will keep your toddler looking for things to match and seeing just how many he or she can find. It is played similar to a bingo game, except the one with the most finds wins. This is a durable game that will last trip in and trip out.
This sounds like a good game to play with a toddler.
It is. This toy is just one of many toddlers toys that can be used when traveling with a toddler. Another toy of note is the Polite Pigs card set. The Polite Pigs card game is a game that teaches toddlers good manners. This will also help to pass the time when in a car. These and other games are available at any toddlers toys store in the toddler section. These games help to pass the time and engage the youngster to where travel time is fun and not so frustrating. It keeps the attention and doesn't cause the toddler to become cranky. This will keep them busy and will add to the enjoyment of the trip in question.
Sounds like these games really pass the time.
They do help pass the time and by using these toddlers toys, you also engage the imagination as well as teach new skills that are not there presently. You help your toddler to grow and at the same time help him or her to grow and have a fun time doing it. These games help to keep your toddler and you busy and pass the time. These fun games are a pleasurable way to pass the time and it is fun for your toddler to explore all the ways that travel happens, especially if you are using the Travel Bingo. Each toddlers toys has a learning experience attached to it and your little one will enjoy the fun as well as the learning that goes on with these games. So it is a good way to pass the time during travels by playing these games with your toddler.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Fun Games as Toddlers Toys
Tell me about some fun games for toddlers?
When looking at toddlers toys, there are some fun games that a toddler may be interested in. Games such as Old Maid, Crazy Faces and Dominos help toddlers develop their memory skills. One game in particular the I Never Forget a Face Memory Game is ideal for developing your growing toddler's memory and they have fun revealing two faces that match. Games such as Dominos teach colors and numbers and are also fun for a toddler to explore. These games are full of enrichment and play and what toddler wouldn't like to have one of these games to play.
Are all of these games card games?
No, not all of the toddlers toys that are games are card games. There are also games such as United States Bingo, Pirates Duel and Life on Earth Dominos are not card games. These types of games are action games that involve dominos, the game of bingo and The Comet Shower game is one that is played in the shower. So, no, these toddlers toys games are not all card games. These games, no matter what they are, are fun to play and ensure hours of enjoyment and enrichment for your toddler. They develop learning skills that will continue to develop as they grow older.
What type of card game is best for a toddler?
When looking at toddlers toys and deciding upon a card game, think about what you want to accomplish with the purchase of these games. Any type of toddlers toys game that develops memory such as Go Fish for numbers, or I never Forget a Face Memory Game are two of the choices that you would have as far as a card game for toddlers. These games develop your child's growing memory and they have a fun time discovering what is underneath each card. They are even more pleased when they find a match. This is a learning game that is well recommended for all toddlers.
What about Bingo for a toddler?
Bingo for a toddler is a fun way to introduce numbers to your child. There are many different toddlers toys that are built in this fashion. Bingo games can be learning games and there are many different types of Bingo that can be played such as Storefront Bingo and Travel Bingo. These types of bingo teach how to recognize certain things say in a grocery store, or when you travel. These are but two of the games that are available in the bingo format for toddlers. A toy store is likely to have these games in stock.
There are so many choices. How do I choose just one?
There is no reason when buying toddlers toys and games that you should only choose just one game over the other. There are many different choices that can be made, but if you are pressed to choose just one, then I would suggest I Never Forget a Face Memory Game. The memory game is one that will grow your child's mind while providing hours of play and discovery.
When looking at toddlers toys, there are some fun games that a toddler may be interested in. Games such as Old Maid, Crazy Faces and Dominos help toddlers develop their memory skills. One game in particular the I Never Forget a Face Memory Game is ideal for developing your growing toddler's memory and they have fun revealing two faces that match. Games such as Dominos teach colors and numbers and are also fun for a toddler to explore. These games are full of enrichment and play and what toddler wouldn't like to have one of these games to play.
Are all of these games card games?
No, not all of the toddlers toys that are games are card games. There are also games such as United States Bingo, Pirates Duel and Life on Earth Dominos are not card games. These types of games are action games that involve dominos, the game of bingo and The Comet Shower game is one that is played in the shower. So, no, these toddlers toys games are not all card games. These games, no matter what they are, are fun to play and ensure hours of enjoyment and enrichment for your toddler. They develop learning skills that will continue to develop as they grow older.
What type of card game is best for a toddler?
When looking at toddlers toys and deciding upon a card game, think about what you want to accomplish with the purchase of these games. Any type of toddlers toys game that develops memory such as Go Fish for numbers, or I never Forget a Face Memory Game are two of the choices that you would have as far as a card game for toddlers. These games develop your child's growing memory and they have a fun time discovering what is underneath each card. They are even more pleased when they find a match. This is a learning game that is well recommended for all toddlers.
What about Bingo for a toddler?
Bingo for a toddler is a fun way to introduce numbers to your child. There are many different toddlers toys that are built in this fashion. Bingo games can be learning games and there are many different types of Bingo that can be played such as Storefront Bingo and Travel Bingo. These types of bingo teach how to recognize certain things say in a grocery store, or when you travel. These are but two of the games that are available in the bingo format for toddlers. A toy store is likely to have these games in stock.
There are so many choices. How do I choose just one?
There is no reason when buying toddlers toys and games that you should only choose just one game over the other. There are many different choices that can be made, but if you are pressed to choose just one, then I would suggest I Never Forget a Face Memory Game. The memory game is one that will grow your child's mind while providing hours of play and discovery.
4 Simple Games to Help Baby Develop
1) LEARNING COLORS: (For ages 12-15 months)
Make learning colors fun with your toddler.
First sit on the floor with your child, bounce a ball up and down. Choose either a red or blue ball. Once you have played with the first ball for a while, take out the other color and play with that one. Next, find two of the same color cups, bowls or something that will hold the balls. Take one ball out of the bowl and ask your child to place it in the matching bowl. While you are playing this game, always name the color you are referring to. If you consistently play this game it will help develop your child’s matching and color skills.
2) IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT (For ages 15-18 months)
If you want to teach your toddler parts of the body this is a fun way to do it.
First stand facing your toddler and sing:
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it,
Then your smile will surely show it.
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.
You can also include other verses such as stomp your feet, touch your nose, wiggle your ears. You can add any verse you like.
3) POP THE BUBBLES (18-21 months)
This game will develop hand-eye coordination.
Play this game while your child is in the bath. Blow bubbles and teach him or her how to keep them floating by blowing underneath. Have them catch the bubble with both wet and dry hands. Try having them pop the bubble by clapping their hands together.
4) WHERE IS THE TOY? (12-24 months)
Sit on the floor with your toddler. Gather 3 containers and a small toy. While your toddler watches put the toy under one of the containers. Slowly slide the container around, change their positions while your child watches. Have your child pick up the container he/she thinks the toy is under. If you don’t think your child understands try picking up the containers not containing a toy. When you do this explain there isn’t a toy, then show him/her the container with the toy. Keep playing this game with your child until he/she understands and can play without help.
Educational baby books, games, and dvd’s are also a great way to help baby learn and develop. You can find a great selection in the learning products section of http://www.yourbabysupply.com
Make learning colors fun with your toddler.
First sit on the floor with your child, bounce a ball up and down. Choose either a red or blue ball. Once you have played with the first ball for a while, take out the other color and play with that one. Next, find two of the same color cups, bowls or something that will hold the balls. Take one ball out of the bowl and ask your child to place it in the matching bowl. While you are playing this game, always name the color you are referring to. If you consistently play this game it will help develop your child’s matching and color skills.
2) IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT (For ages 15-18 months)
If you want to teach your toddler parts of the body this is a fun way to do it.
First stand facing your toddler and sing:
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it,
Then your smile will surely show it.
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.
You can also include other verses such as stomp your feet, touch your nose, wiggle your ears. You can add any verse you like.
3) POP THE BUBBLES (18-21 months)
This game will develop hand-eye coordination.
Play this game while your child is in the bath. Blow bubbles and teach him or her how to keep them floating by blowing underneath. Have them catch the bubble with both wet and dry hands. Try having them pop the bubble by clapping their hands together.
4) WHERE IS THE TOY? (12-24 months)
Sit on the floor with your toddler. Gather 3 containers and a small toy. While your toddler watches put the toy under one of the containers. Slowly slide the container around, change their positions while your child watches. Have your child pick up the container he/she thinks the toy is under. If you don’t think your child understands try picking up the containers not containing a toy. When you do this explain there isn’t a toy, then show him/her the container with the toy. Keep playing this game with your child until he/she understands and can play without help.
Educational baby books, games, and dvd’s are also a great way to help baby learn and develop. You can find a great selection in the learning products section of http://www.yourbabysupply.com
Stacking Cups and Rings as Toddler Toys
Educational value of stacking toddler toys
Stacking toddler toys are perhaps the simplest and most basic form of toddler toys. Every toddler is bound to have at least a couple of sets of these. Whether they are cups, blocks or rings, all of these serve the same purpose is developing a toddlers mental skills. They encourage problem solving, recognition of shapes and sizes, reasoning, colour recognition etc. These stacking toddler toys are educational at many different levels. At the basic level, they can be used as tools to help a toddler recognise different shapes, sizes and colour. At a more advanced level they can be used to learn numbers, the alphabet and even to construct shapes.
Guidelines to buying good stacking toddler toys
The number of cups / blocks / rings is the most crucial. If you want to facilitate learning through these toddler toys then it is necessary that the sets contain at least 5 or more cups / rings / blocks. Most sets available in the market have between 6 to 9 cups / rings / blocks.
Ensure that the stacking toys are made of good non toxic materials and are solid colours, preferably one solid colour per item. This will make colour recognition easier for the child.
You could also look for stacking toddler toys that have pictures on them; these will help in the recognition of shapes etc. This could also be introduced at a later stage.
Basic stacking toddler toys
Basic stacking toddler toys are available in plastic, wood and even fabric. The most common form of these toys are rings, cups and block. These basic stacking sets are great learning aids for toddlers. Stacking sets are also available in fabric. These are great for babies as they are soft and very attractive. However they do not make for great play value as most of these fabric sets are not available in flat colours. The materials that they are made of are generally multi coloured and hence it becomes difficult for a child to differentiate.
Advanced stacking toddler toys
Apart from the basic stacking toddler games, there are also advanced stacking toddler games. These kinds of toddler games encourage problem solving and have great educational value. Stacking toddler games are basically those where each piece represents a particular part of the stack. For example, if the whole stacking toddler toy represents a creature then each individual part will represent a body part of that creature. This sort of toddler toy also ensures motor skill development in your child. These kind of toddler toys are also the make and break kinds that will give your child endless hours of joy as he or she constructs and reconstructs the stacking toddler toy over and over. Care must be taken to ensure that these kinds of stacking toys do not have any small parts that can be detached or easily swallowed by the child. Also ensure that the toys are made of durable materials are toddler can get quite rough if they have to break something.
Stacking toddler toys are perhaps the simplest and most basic form of toddler toys. Every toddler is bound to have at least a couple of sets of these. Whether they are cups, blocks or rings, all of these serve the same purpose is developing a toddlers mental skills. They encourage problem solving, recognition of shapes and sizes, reasoning, colour recognition etc. These stacking toddler toys are educational at many different levels. At the basic level, they can be used as tools to help a toddler recognise different shapes, sizes and colour. At a more advanced level they can be used to learn numbers, the alphabet and even to construct shapes.
Guidelines to buying good stacking toddler toys
The number of cups / blocks / rings is the most crucial. If you want to facilitate learning through these toddler toys then it is necessary that the sets contain at least 5 or more cups / rings / blocks. Most sets available in the market have between 6 to 9 cups / rings / blocks.
Ensure that the stacking toys are made of good non toxic materials and are solid colours, preferably one solid colour per item. This will make colour recognition easier for the child.
You could also look for stacking toddler toys that have pictures on them; these will help in the recognition of shapes etc. This could also be introduced at a later stage.
Basic stacking toddler toys
Basic stacking toddler toys are available in plastic, wood and even fabric. The most common form of these toys are rings, cups and block. These basic stacking sets are great learning aids for toddlers. Stacking sets are also available in fabric. These are great for babies as they are soft and very attractive. However they do not make for great play value as most of these fabric sets are not available in flat colours. The materials that they are made of are generally multi coloured and hence it becomes difficult for a child to differentiate.
Advanced stacking toddler toys
Apart from the basic stacking toddler games, there are also advanced stacking toddler games. These kinds of toddler games encourage problem solving and have great educational value. Stacking toddler games are basically those where each piece represents a particular part of the stack. For example, if the whole stacking toddler toy represents a creature then each individual part will represent a body part of that creature. This sort of toddler toy also ensures motor skill development in your child. These kind of toddler toys are also the make and break kinds that will give your child endless hours of joy as he or she constructs and reconstructs the stacking toddler toy over and over. Care must be taken to ensure that these kinds of stacking toys do not have any small parts that can be detached or easily swallowed by the child. Also ensure that the toys are made of durable materials are toddler can get quite rough if they have to break something.
Toddler Computer Games - For Starters
There is a huge variety of games for toddlers out there that are easy on their hands, interactive, and very educational while at the same time entertaining. The old games that you use to see being played by parents with their child on their laps are games that you would not be playing now once you see the selection.
When choosing a good toddler computer game, pick one that will be engaging for the child and entertaining also for the adult. Toddler computer games are supposed to be played with the parents as an initial guide that graduates to the child playing the game alone. They must provide both fun to the parent as well as the child. Toddler games must be easy to start, can be paused anytime, it must have colorful graphics without scary and bloody episodes and preferably, should be customizable.
Computer software today is not really that inexpensive. As much as possible, you would not like experimenting with a CD only to find out in the end that what you bought is not appropriate. If you are one of the parents that wants to provided one for your toddler but are not sure how, you can click to any games website. The websites, aside from the games listing, also provide a brief description of a game that might catch your interest. You can also try shareware or trialware. The advantage is that you can try out first before buying the full version. Toddler computer game CD's will provide you a glimpse at the graphics and the general theme of the game although in a limited level only. However it will be enough to guide you by trying out a game first before deciding to buy one. There are also free games that are available on the public domain. The toddler computer games here may not be a new version. But oftentimes they are just as good especially when starting to hunt for a toddler computer game CD.
Or you can try the following toddler computer game CD's.
Worlds of Xeen: this is a great game for small children. It is colorful and executed in the style of cartoons. The monsters in it are lovable characters and not in a bit scary. The quests are simple enough for toddlers to understand. Children above years old though may enjoy the game better because it is not customizable even with a hex editor. It also has more complex controls that may not fit the patience of younger preschoolers.
Wizardry Gold - This is also a fighting monster kind of game. The plot may be a little bit complicated but toddlers enjoy opening up chests and moving along countryside in search for the monsters. This toddler computer game like the worlds of Xeen is very kid friendly. No gore and bad language. It is very customizable. Even the stats can be tweaked so the monster will not die.
Siberia - this toddler computer game is a modern graphic adventure. It has an easy plot and puzzles that could be absorbing to little children. There is no violence and skimpy dressing.
Other games you want to try: The Omega Stone, Mystery of the Mummy, Chemicus, Physicus, Myst, Wizardry 8, Katamari Damacy.
Educate and Entertain Toddlers With Fun Developmental Games and Educational Toys
Educational toys and developmental games are excellent for strengthening the parent/child relationships. These games and toys are great source of fun and are wonderful way to enhance your toddler's learning. In addition, manipulative games enhance dexterity and eye-hand coordination and provide numerous learning opportunities. In this brief article, we'll discuss the benefits of toddler games, some popular developmental games, and how you can make the most of your toddler's playing time.
First of all, you should keep in mind that education games and toys include board games, puzzles, dominoes and memory games. Here are some popular choices: Board Games: With board games, toddlers are able to learn their colors, shapes, and sounds, and move pieces which also enhance their dexterity skills. Puzzles: With puzzles, toddlers are able to solve problems. Some great examples are wooden and jigsaw puzzles. You can even purchase floor jigsaw puzzles and involve the entire family. Creative Mind Games: With creative mind games, toddlers are encouraged to learn shapes, colors, and sounds with the use of songs and other activities.
Second, when choosing developmental games for your toddler, use variety and choose age appropriate toys and games. For instance, a 6 month won't like the same toy as a 12 and 24 month old. You see, 6 month old baby are just discovering the world and tend to put things in their mouths whereas 12-24 month-olds enjoy prodding and discovering. To choose the best age appropriate toy that suits child unique needs, try out various types and see which one interests the most. You'll soon discover that your child is not only enjoying himself but learning and developing skills as well.
Third, take your time and don't schedule too many activities at once. Toddlers are notorious for not being able to focus for long periods of time and tend to getting bored easily. Therefore, it is important that you keep playing sessions short and do not force toys upon him. Instead, use a variety of different developmental games and toddler educational toys, and switch gears, or move to something else, when he seems bored. This will encourage him to have fun, enjoy the moment and not get bored.
Fourth, have a wonderful time and enjoy the moment. Although it is tempting to do so, you don't have to have structured play time all time and you don't have to see the educational value in everything you do. After all, toddlers learn so much by just doing and being with you. So, have fun and don't rush the educational process. It will happen!
In conclusion, playing developmental games with your toddler is a great way to relax and spend quality time with children as they improve their skills and improve their dexterity skills. So regardless of whether you play puzzle game, memory, dominoes, or snap cards games, you'll have a fun and so will your toddler!
First of all, you should keep in mind that education games and toys include board games, puzzles, dominoes and memory games. Here are some popular choices: Board Games: With board games, toddlers are able to learn their colors, shapes, and sounds, and move pieces which also enhance their dexterity skills. Puzzles: With puzzles, toddlers are able to solve problems. Some great examples are wooden and jigsaw puzzles. You can even purchase floor jigsaw puzzles and involve the entire family. Creative Mind Games: With creative mind games, toddlers are encouraged to learn shapes, colors, and sounds with the use of songs and other activities.
Second, when choosing developmental games for your toddler, use variety and choose age appropriate toys and games. For instance, a 6 month won't like the same toy as a 12 and 24 month old. You see, 6 month old baby are just discovering the world and tend to put things in their mouths whereas 12-24 month-olds enjoy prodding and discovering. To choose the best age appropriate toy that suits child unique needs, try out various types and see which one interests the most. You'll soon discover that your child is not only enjoying himself but learning and developing skills as well.
Third, take your time and don't schedule too many activities at once. Toddlers are notorious for not being able to focus for long periods of time and tend to getting bored easily. Therefore, it is important that you keep playing sessions short and do not force toys upon him. Instead, use a variety of different developmental games and toddler educational toys, and switch gears, or move to something else, when he seems bored. This will encourage him to have fun, enjoy the moment and not get bored.
Fourth, have a wonderful time and enjoy the moment. Although it is tempting to do so, you don't have to have structured play time all time and you don't have to see the educational value in everything you do. After all, toddlers learn so much by just doing and being with you. So, have fun and don't rush the educational process. It will happen!
In conclusion, playing developmental games with your toddler is a great way to relax and spend quality time with children as they improve their skills and improve their dexterity skills. So regardless of whether you play puzzle game, memory, dominoes, or snap cards games, you'll have a fun and so will your toddler!
Development of Fine Motor Skills in Babies and Toddlers - Fun and Educational Activities
It is a well known and research-supported fact that development of fine motor skills in babies and toddlers is directly linked to many important and complex brain functions such as, for instance, language skills. This is why it is so important to monitor how those skills are maturing and whenever possible help the child along by playing games and doing activities that help to develop them.
Here are some of the activities you can do to improve and develop fine motor skills by simply playing with your baby or toddler.
Games with dry beans, peas, lentils and other large grains
Many parents are reluctant to let their babies and toddlers play with small objects because everything tends to end up in the mouth. But playing with small objects is essential for developing flexibility and strength of those little fingers. If you supervise your child while they are playing with small objects (and generally that simply means that you are playing alongside your baby or toddler) you will always be able to catch the object before it lands in the mouth.
When buying beans and lentils pick the multicoloured variety to make it more interesting. Things you can do:
* Place all the beans in one large container (you can use a large cooking pot). Get your baby or toddler to fill up other smaller, different size containers and plastic bottles with beans using their hands or a spoon.
* mix some other small objects (like large beads or marbles) with the beans and then get your baby or toddler to find the objects among the beans, take them out and put them into a separate container.
* play the cooking game: pretend that you are making soup, porridge or anything your baby likes to eat. Get them to stir the "food", pretend to taste it, then put some on plastic plates and have a pretend dinner with dolls and stuffed toys.
Magic Sack
This is such an easy game to make and it can be lots of fun. All you need is an average size sack, even a small pillow case will do the trick. Now fill up the sack with anything interesting you can find around the house. The objects should be preferably small and should vary greatly in shape and texture. And of course, you have to make sure that all objects are safe to touch, nothing sharp or easily breakable.
Here are some of the objects that you can put in the sack:
* reel of thread
* cotton wool ball
* sponge
* building blocks
* marbles
* toy car
* key
* small plush toy
* rubber ball
...and anything else you might find around the house. The more objects are in the sack, the more interesting the game will become.
The first and the easiest stage of the game is to sit with your baby on the floor, get them to reach inside the bag and take out one of the objects. Let the baby hold and play with the object for a while. If it is a round, hard object like a marble try rolling it between your baby's hands. If it something soft, like cotton wool, stroke the baby's hand with it. While you are examining the object with your baby ask questions like "How does it feel?", "Is it smooth?", "Does it feel soft?", etc.
The next stage of the game can be played with children who are a little older and are beginning to talk. Again, get the child to reach for the object in the bag but before they take it out they have to guess what the object is. After they take it out ask some questions about the properties of the object (e.g. What shape is it? What colour is it? What do we use it for? How do we use it? etc.).
Finger Play
Here is where you can exercise fingers and hands as well as your imagination.
Nursery Rhymes
The famous Itsy-Bitsy Spider is a wonderful game for exercising little fingers. There are also many others like Open, Shut Them, This little piggy, and so on.
You can also make up your own games
Pretend that the index and middle fingers are a little person, draw a road on a piece of paper and try to get your toddler to walk with their fingers along the road. Show them how the person can "dance" and "jump" and try to get them to repeat it with their own fingers. You can even put some music on to make it more fun.
Finger Painting
Finger painting is another easy and fun activity you can do to exercise little fingers, you can buy finger paints in any educational toy shop.
Play-doh
Play-doh is an enjoyable and educational activity for all ages. Play-doh is very versatile and most importantly, so much fun! There are so many things you can do with play-doh but here are some activities that will help strengthen and exercise those little hands while playing:
* Pick only 2 or 3 colours (preferably primary colours) when playing so that you can learn and play at the same time
* Pretend that play-doh is bread and get your baby to pinch little pieces of it to feed stuffed animals
* Mix some large beads and buttons into the play-doh and get your baby or toddler to pick out the objects
* Show them how to roll play-doh between their hands or on the desk
* Spread play-doh on a piece of paper using fingers
Buttons
To button and unbutton a shirt is a skill that is not easy to master! Let your child try to button and unbutton their own shirts or dresses that have buttons. It's a good exercise even if they get frustrated at first and you have to complete the task for them.
You can also make a play rug with lots of buttons of different size and shape. This is what you need to do if you want to make one:
Cut out a fun shape out of some thick material like felt and sew on some buttons of different shapes and sizes. Now cut out smaller shapes (use your imagination and maybe a stencil) and make one buttonhole in each shape. If you are using buttons of different sizes make sure that the buttonholes fit the buttons, otherwise the toddler will get very frustrated. For the smaller shapes you might want to pick out material which is a little less thick so that it is easier for the toddler to handle.
Clothes Pegs
Take a small sand bucket and some multi-coloured clothes pegs and get your child to try and decorate the edges of the bucket with the clothes pegs. Learning how to manipulate clothes pegs is a great exercise.
Peg Art
This is a creative mosaic game which consists of small multi-coloured pegs and a pegboard - it can be purchased at some educational toy shops or even on-line stores (try Googling it). It is intended for creation of different mosaic pictures, usually displayed on the box, by inserting the little pegs into the holes of the pegboard. Whereas this is a great activity for older kids, babies and toddlers would not have the skills yet to grasp the small peg using a pincer grip (ability to hold objects between the index finger and the thumb). Some toddlers would have already mastered that skill but pushing the pegs into the board is still quite difficult. What they might enjoy doing instead is pushing the pegs out by turning the board over and pressing on them from the inside. The pegs can also be used to play other games, similar to those described in the Playing with beans section. Remember, any games where your baby or toddler is grasping, manipulating and holding small objects will be very beneficial for developing fine motor skills.
Lace-up games
You can buy these games in educational toy shops or you can make one yourself. The ones you can buy in the shop are usually made out of wood, they come in different shapes and sizes but the idea is always to pull a lace through the holes, kind of like sewing. If you wish to make one yourself it is really easy. All you need is a thick piece of cardboard and a single-hole puncher. Cut out a fun and interesting shape from a piece of cardboard (e.g., a teddy bear, a big flower, a star, etc.). You can make an activity of colouring in the shape together with your toddler or even gluing some bright paper cut-outs to it to make it look more interesting. After you finish and the glue or the paint dries punch the holes in various places of the cardboard shape, do not try to space it out evenly, make it random. Now all you need is a long shoe lace.
Making necklaces
This is a great exercise which will help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and even concentration. It requires lots of patience and skills from the child but the parent has to be patient too. Try and resist that initial urge to help if the child is finding the task difficult at first. Kids can feel helpless and less in control if their efforts are always interrupted and the task is completed by the parent. If they cannot do it at first come back to the task next time, they will get it eventually. The idea is in trying. Necklaces can be made out of different materials and they can even be edible. The best thing to do is to decide in advance who the necklace is for (grandma, toy giraffe, a friend), this will give the child a sense of purpose in what they do and make the whole exercise much more meaningful.
What you will need:
* a very long shoe lace
* large multi-coloured beads
* pasta shapes with wholes in them
* round-shaped cereal like cheerios
There are many other activities you can do to develop strength and dexterity in those little hands but whatever you do, remember that baby and toddler learning should always be fun and never a chore.
Here are some of the activities you can do to improve and develop fine motor skills by simply playing with your baby or toddler.
Games with dry beans, peas, lentils and other large grains
Many parents are reluctant to let their babies and toddlers play with small objects because everything tends to end up in the mouth. But playing with small objects is essential for developing flexibility and strength of those little fingers. If you supervise your child while they are playing with small objects (and generally that simply means that you are playing alongside your baby or toddler) you will always be able to catch the object before it lands in the mouth.
When buying beans and lentils pick the multicoloured variety to make it more interesting. Things you can do:
* Place all the beans in one large container (you can use a large cooking pot). Get your baby or toddler to fill up other smaller, different size containers and plastic bottles with beans using their hands or a spoon.
* mix some other small objects (like large beads or marbles) with the beans and then get your baby or toddler to find the objects among the beans, take them out and put them into a separate container.
* play the cooking game: pretend that you are making soup, porridge or anything your baby likes to eat. Get them to stir the "food", pretend to taste it, then put some on plastic plates and have a pretend dinner with dolls and stuffed toys.
Magic Sack
This is such an easy game to make and it can be lots of fun. All you need is an average size sack, even a small pillow case will do the trick. Now fill up the sack with anything interesting you can find around the house. The objects should be preferably small and should vary greatly in shape and texture. And of course, you have to make sure that all objects are safe to touch, nothing sharp or easily breakable.
Here are some of the objects that you can put in the sack:
* reel of thread
* cotton wool ball
* sponge
* building blocks
* marbles
* toy car
* key
* small plush toy
* rubber ball
...and anything else you might find around the house. The more objects are in the sack, the more interesting the game will become.
The first and the easiest stage of the game is to sit with your baby on the floor, get them to reach inside the bag and take out one of the objects. Let the baby hold and play with the object for a while. If it is a round, hard object like a marble try rolling it between your baby's hands. If it something soft, like cotton wool, stroke the baby's hand with it. While you are examining the object with your baby ask questions like "How does it feel?", "Is it smooth?", "Does it feel soft?", etc.
The next stage of the game can be played with children who are a little older and are beginning to talk. Again, get the child to reach for the object in the bag but before they take it out they have to guess what the object is. After they take it out ask some questions about the properties of the object (e.g. What shape is it? What colour is it? What do we use it for? How do we use it? etc.).
Finger Play
Here is where you can exercise fingers and hands as well as your imagination.
Nursery Rhymes
The famous Itsy-Bitsy Spider is a wonderful game for exercising little fingers. There are also many others like Open, Shut Them, This little piggy, and so on.
You can also make up your own games
Pretend that the index and middle fingers are a little person, draw a road on a piece of paper and try to get your toddler to walk with their fingers along the road. Show them how the person can "dance" and "jump" and try to get them to repeat it with their own fingers. You can even put some music on to make it more fun.
Finger Painting
Finger painting is another easy and fun activity you can do to exercise little fingers, you can buy finger paints in any educational toy shop.
Play-doh
Play-doh is an enjoyable and educational activity for all ages. Play-doh is very versatile and most importantly, so much fun! There are so many things you can do with play-doh but here are some activities that will help strengthen and exercise those little hands while playing:
* Pick only 2 or 3 colours (preferably primary colours) when playing so that you can learn and play at the same time
* Pretend that play-doh is bread and get your baby to pinch little pieces of it to feed stuffed animals
* Mix some large beads and buttons into the play-doh and get your baby or toddler to pick out the objects
* Show them how to roll play-doh between their hands or on the desk
* Spread play-doh on a piece of paper using fingers
Buttons
To button and unbutton a shirt is a skill that is not easy to master! Let your child try to button and unbutton their own shirts or dresses that have buttons. It's a good exercise even if they get frustrated at first and you have to complete the task for them.
You can also make a play rug with lots of buttons of different size and shape. This is what you need to do if you want to make one:
Cut out a fun shape out of some thick material like felt and sew on some buttons of different shapes and sizes. Now cut out smaller shapes (use your imagination and maybe a stencil) and make one buttonhole in each shape. If you are using buttons of different sizes make sure that the buttonholes fit the buttons, otherwise the toddler will get very frustrated. For the smaller shapes you might want to pick out material which is a little less thick so that it is easier for the toddler to handle.
Clothes Pegs
Take a small sand bucket and some multi-coloured clothes pegs and get your child to try and decorate the edges of the bucket with the clothes pegs. Learning how to manipulate clothes pegs is a great exercise.
Peg Art
This is a creative mosaic game which consists of small multi-coloured pegs and a pegboard - it can be purchased at some educational toy shops or even on-line stores (try Googling it). It is intended for creation of different mosaic pictures, usually displayed on the box, by inserting the little pegs into the holes of the pegboard. Whereas this is a great activity for older kids, babies and toddlers would not have the skills yet to grasp the small peg using a pincer grip (ability to hold objects between the index finger and the thumb). Some toddlers would have already mastered that skill but pushing the pegs into the board is still quite difficult. What they might enjoy doing instead is pushing the pegs out by turning the board over and pressing on them from the inside. The pegs can also be used to play other games, similar to those described in the Playing with beans section. Remember, any games where your baby or toddler is grasping, manipulating and holding small objects will be very beneficial for developing fine motor skills.
Lace-up games
You can buy these games in educational toy shops or you can make one yourself. The ones you can buy in the shop are usually made out of wood, they come in different shapes and sizes but the idea is always to pull a lace through the holes, kind of like sewing. If you wish to make one yourself it is really easy. All you need is a thick piece of cardboard and a single-hole puncher. Cut out a fun and interesting shape from a piece of cardboard (e.g., a teddy bear, a big flower, a star, etc.). You can make an activity of colouring in the shape together with your toddler or even gluing some bright paper cut-outs to it to make it look more interesting. After you finish and the glue or the paint dries punch the holes in various places of the cardboard shape, do not try to space it out evenly, make it random. Now all you need is a long shoe lace.
Making necklaces
This is a great exercise which will help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and even concentration. It requires lots of patience and skills from the child but the parent has to be patient too. Try and resist that initial urge to help if the child is finding the task difficult at first. Kids can feel helpless and less in control if their efforts are always interrupted and the task is completed by the parent. If they cannot do it at first come back to the task next time, they will get it eventually. The idea is in trying. Necklaces can be made out of different materials and they can even be edible. The best thing to do is to decide in advance who the necklace is for (grandma, toy giraffe, a friend), this will give the child a sense of purpose in what they do and make the whole exercise much more meaningful.
What you will need:
* a very long shoe lace
* large multi-coloured beads
* pasta shapes with wholes in them
* round-shaped cereal like cheerios
There are many other activities you can do to develop strength and dexterity in those little hands but whatever you do, remember that baby and toddler learning should always be fun and never a chore.
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