Play is the way that children explore the world around them. You can foster learning using play-based methods from the comfort of your very own home using games and toys from Safari Ltd®.
What Is Play-Based Learning?
Play naturally nurtures learning by promoting imagination, creativity, problem-solving, and healthy curiosity. Play-based learning is simply a term used to define a method of teaching where adults encourage children to talk, write, read, think, and learn through play.
What Are the Benefits of Learning Through Play?
As your child plays, they discover the laws of nature, how things fit together, and learn how things interact. Play teaches them how to socialize, how to process the world around them, and understand their place within it.
Apart from cognitive and social benefits, play also helps your child develop proper motor skills and improve their balance, stamina, flexibility, and dexterity.
It also gives your child a chance to develop emotionally as they replicate and imitate emotions and situations. As they lose or win games, they learn to process their emotions and develop self-esteem.
How Can You Help Your Child Learn Through Play?
At Safari Ltd®, they understand the importance of play. Your child doesn’t need to go to a special school or follow any special programs to learn through play, although you can help them take advantage of playtime by providing occasional structured play activities or toys that foster learning. Here are a few ideas of what you can do to help your child learn at playtime.
Baby (0-2 Years)
When your baby begins to show interest in faces, play games such as peekaboo. Give them toys or books with contrasting colors, lots of texture, or that can make sounds. Rattles, soft textures, crinkle books, and even kitchen utensils can all help babies develop important skills. Safari Ltd® offers a wide variety of toys, especially for this age.
Toddler (2-3 Years)
Anything bright or colorful is interesting to your toddler. Wooden toys, blocks, dress-up, balls, and cars are all awesome options for small children to foster imagination and play. Drawing helps develop fine motor skills, and reading to them can promote cognitive and comprehension skills.
Preschool (3-4 Years)
Preschool children want to be independent, create their very own games and make their own choices as far as play. Fine and gross motor skills are a huge focus during these years as preschool-age children jump, play, run and paint. Dressing themselves and doing solo activities like building blocks, building towers, and doing puzzles are all important at this stage. Safari Ltd® offers watercolors, colored pencils, puzzles, doodle boards, and a huge variety of toys to help preschool children learn through play.
If you want to add some games into the routine, try games like Simon Says or tag, and take your child to the park as often as possible.
School Age (5-12 Years)
Play continues to be important as children grow. Getting involved in sports, experimenting with different art mediums, doing science projects, and even board games are all critical to these quickly-developing brains.
Where Can I Find Learning Toys from Safari Ltd®?
To find the best learning toys to pique your children’s curiosity, head over to their website. They’d be happy to help you find just what you’re looking for.
