Christmas is coming!
Do you still have some shopping to do? Are you looking for some ideas for your preschooler?
Here are some suggestions that will not only be fun for your child, but will also help them to learn and grow…
Books: want your child to be a great reader? READ WITH THEM EVERYDAY!
Art Supplies: maybe you purchased some new items when they were on sale in the summer, but now some fresh crayons and markers might just be the encouragement your child needs to practice their small motor skills and flex their creativity muscles! Don’t forget a pair of scissors (most don’t trim their own bangs, but those that do usually only do it once!)
Puzzles: inherent in being able to put together puzzles are many skills we use in other areas…small motor skills, sorting, classifying, matching, visual discrimination, spacial awareness, and our ability to attend to a task, all while having fun!
Card Games: games such as Old Maid or Go Fish are perfect for a preschooler. So too, is a regular deck of cards…these can be used to sort different suits, creating sets of numbers (i.e. all 4s together, all 8s together), putting the numbers in order from smallest to largest then backwards form largest to smallest, and don’t forget a good game of War where your child can practice their “more than and less than” skills.
Board Games: playing games is not only a wonderful way to pass the time, but also teaches some great life lessons like turn taking, being a humble winner and a good loser, and how to bounce back after a disappointment.
Building Toys: manipulates such as Legos, building blocks, Playsticks, & Magnatiles help children build skills in spatial awareness, motor skills, cause & effect, planning, problem solving and many others.
Experiences: Fill your child’s stocking with coupons for a 1:1 outing with a parent such as “a donut with dad,” or “a muffin with mom,” or a coupon for an afternoon at the park, zoo or museum, or coupons for some choices that would effect the whole family “choose the dinner menu” or “choose what game to play”. These stocking stuffers can be used well into the new year when some of the novelty of other gifts has worn off. The memories created during these activities will last much longer, too!
Please note that video games are not included in this list…Some argue that children need video games to help them develop computer skills and the like. Children, however, will naturally become adept at using technology, actually most already are, as they are natives in the land of electronics. What they do need are experiences and interactions with real people. After all, what do we want for our children? To live in such a way that they know how to be a good friend and use their gifts for the benefit of others.
If you have finished your shopping, then maybe save this list for times in the future when you need to purchase another present - good learning toys never go out of style!
I pray your celebration of the birth of our Savior is filled with many opportunities to experience His presence and peace all while creating some wonderful memories with your child!
Merry Christmas!
To Him be the glory!
Kristin
