Did you know that children learn best when actively involved and interested in what they are learning? For example, research shows that hands-on activities like puzzles, reading and playing games boost kids’ language and problem-solving skills.
Moreover, kids who get more time to play after school or on weekends tend to have higher test scores, improved reading comprehension and a firmer grasp of math fundamentals.
Stay-at-home moms or parents who work from home might feel this is the easier option for their youngsters, but staying attentive at home can also be challenging at times. Keeping your child engaged with exciting activities is key. Here are some fun ways to keep your preschooler engaged at home:
1. Create a Stable Environment
A stable environment feels natural and comfortable, so your kid will be able to relax and play freely without any distractions. Establish regular bedtimes, mealtimes and playtimes. Kids thrive on routines, as they give them a sense of security.
To ensure there is no interruption to their playtime, keep your phone on silent and put your laptop away when your child is nearby. Create a space in your home that your child can call their own, whether it is a corner of the living room or a special nook in their bedroom. Let your child choose their favourite books and toys to keep them nearby when they want to play alone or with friends.
2. Read Together
Reading together as a family is a great way to spend quality time while learning new things. Choose books related to your child’s interests, such as books about animals, bugs, plants, outer space or cars.
Let your preschooler take the lead and choose the book, or ask them to suggest different books for your family to read together. Read out loud to your child, regardless of their age. This will help them with their language skills and listening comprehension. If your child is older, let them read to you or another family member. This will help improve their reading skills and confidence.
Another strategy to foster a love of reading in children is to enrol them in drama classes for preschoolers in Singapore. Children enjoy acting, and drama programs have a significant impact on their growth. You can encourage your child to develop their social skills and self-confidence by letting them express themselves through role-playing and other make-believe situations.
3. Provide Learning Opportunities
Whether your child is at home or at daycare, there are many opportunities for them to learn new things. For example, encourage your child to explore the world around them and let them engage in creative play, such as drawing, painting, building and baking. You can also offer them the chance to learn a new skill, such as reading music or learning a foreign language. As your child grows older, they can learn household chores to prepare them for adulthood.
4. Try Out Educational Apps and Games
Turn your smartphone into an educational tool and use apps and games designed to teach your child new things. There are many apps and games for kids available online and on the app store. You can also find website links where you can download educational games for your child to play. The best part is that you can access these apps and games from anywhere, even on the go.
5. Go on a Discovery Hunt
Take a walk around your neighbourhood and look for items that spark your child’s interest, like leaves, feathers or flowers. Bring your child’s curiosity to life by asking them what they think each item is, then let them explore it by touching it, smelling it and asking questions about it. This will help your child with problem-solving, critical thinking and language skills. Alternatively, you can do a discovery hunt inside your home, such as finding all the pictures on the walls.
6. Create a Cultural Event for your Child
Bring your child’s favourite culture to life by celebrating their favourite holiday or tradition relevant to their cultural background. You can have a special pancake breakfast on Shrove Tuesday, go to a Japanese festival, or host a Mexican fiesta. This will help your child learn about different cultures while having fun with friends and family.
7. Let them be a Part of Household Chores
As your child grows, let them be a part of household chores, such as setting the table, tidying up their room or helping with the groceries. Doing these simple chores will help your child develop a sense of responsibility and feel useful. They will also learn how to do these tasks properly, which will be useful when they start to live on their own one day.
Conclusion
Your child will be more engaged if you actively participate in their interests. If your child is interested in a specific topic, learn about it with them or help them find related books or articles. This will help your child learn more about their interests, and you will be a part of their learning journey. Keep an eye out for ways to engage your child at home, and you’ll find they enjoy being there even more than when they were younger!
Enrolling your child in a reputable school like Viv’s Schoolhouse can further enable them to enhance their cognitive abilities. As a bilingual preschool in Singapore, we are committed to creating a harmonious and peaceful environment for our students. Led by highly professional teachers, your child can further express their creativity while configuring it through our established speech and drama classes for preschoolers.
Send us a message today to learn how our programs foster experiential learning in children!