Kids love to play, and there’s a good reason for that — it’s how they learn! Not only do kids have fun while they’re playing, they also develop essential life skills, especially if they have adults to teach them while they’re playing. When kids play — whether that’s with toys, other kids, their parents, or even by themselves — they boost their imaginations, enhance their creativity, learn problem-solving skills, develop concentration skills, and so much more. In fact, every single time kids play, they learn something important! Parents can encourage their kids to learn even more by providing them with various toys and learning materials to help them play with purpose.
1. Play With Sand & Water
Playing with sand and water is essential for introducing children to science and math. They can learn about different materials (like liquids and solids), they can start to grasp measurement with cups and other toys, and they can develop their fine motor skills.
2. Use Role Playing Toys
Toys that encourage kids to role play help enhance their imagination and learn how to interact with the real world. One fantastic role playing toy is the BABY born Surprise™ Magic Potty Surprise — an adorable toddler doll that teaches kids all about going potty! When kids give her a drink of water, feed her food, and put in a potty pod, she pees glitter and poops charms in the potty. Plus, Baby born Surprise products have been recognized by The National Parenting Center with a Seal of Approval for being a delightful surprise for those young and old.
3. Play Dress Up
Lots of kids love to play dress up, because it gives them a chance to pretend they’re someone else. Whether they’re dressing up as princes or princesses, superheroes, cowboys, dragons, or something else, it gives kids a chance to flex their imaginations and create make believe stories. And when kids dress up in career clothes — like as a doctor or firefighter — they get to try on adult roles and dream about their futures.
4. Play Ball Games
Playing with balls and other sports toys helps kids develop coordination, fine and gross motor skills, strength, and flexibility. When they play ball games with other kids, they learn about sharing, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
5. Use Building Blocks
Playing with building blocks — along with other toys like puzzles and shape sorters — helps kids develop logical thinking skills. Kids learn about different shapes and sizes, sorting, and ordering. They can also learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills when they try to build towers with blocks.
6. Play With Musical Toys
Musical toys are great for teaching kids about rhythm, hearing, listening, and more. Whether kids are just listening to music or playing the music themselves, they’re developing all sorts of skills that will help them later in life.
