Focusing on the Main Areas of Child Development

Raising a child comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you are a busy parent or work in a daycare setting, your top priority is providing your child with the best social, physical, and emotional care.

Unique Areas of Play that Influence Early Childhood Development

Although there is a broad spectrum of learning and techniques, there are general areas of development that are fueled by play. Areas such as technology allow children who are visual learners to participate and interact with education. Still, no exact limits exist on how a teacher or parent can engage their children.

Social and Emotional Development

A solid social and emotional development foundation is essential in this age. You can have fun little playdates or simple games with your child to build their inner confidence. Also, you can plan group and teamwork activities for the child with their other age-mates. This will build their strong social skills and help them develop empathy.

Nature-Based Learning

Bringing a child close to nature is essential for developing cognitive skills and sparking curiosity. For parenting and daycare, you can go on nature walks to a park or garden. Organize small activities like watering the plants, picking up dried leaves, and building with sticks. This will also boost the child’s touch and smell sensations.

STEAM Education

This approach combines different fields, such as Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, and Mathematics. It can help build your child’s soft skills, such as cognition, communication, and creativity. Hence, use everyday activities like involving your child in measuring ingredients while cooking, solving puzzles, building blocks, and introducing them to different art supplies.

Play-Based Learning and Music

While educating a child, remember they are very vulnerable and opinionated. See that they enjoy their time. Incorporate music into their learning by singing playful songs and using musical instruments. This will help their rhythm, language, and movement.  Also, it allows them to engage freely and play with toys they like, like blocks of different shapes and colors and even dolls. This will build an independent learning environment for your child.

Physical Activity

A healthy mind always comes from a healthy body. Ensure your child’s health by adding physical activities like jumping, dancing, running, or playing hide-and-seek. This will not only improve their strength but also enhance their fine and gross motor skills.

Technology and Limiting Screen Time

While technology is essential today, its use in children should be limited. Allow only certain age-appropriate shows and cartoons, and that too under your supervision. Limit their screen time to only one hour daily and engage them more in real-life interactions and meaningful social activities.

There’s Always Activities for Children!

Whether for parenting or daycare, you can always add simple activities to make your child more active and intellectual. These can range from going to parks and cooking meals to playing puzzles and having a little workout session. Don’t worry about technicalities and remember to connect with your child. For more parenting and early education tips check out Triangle Learning Center’s Blog, and consider us for childcare in the Triangle, NC.

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