Developmental Activities For Children Of Preschool Age

In addition to the obvious mental benefits, such as promoting psychomotor skills, developmental activities for preschoolers are very useful in general. They can help teach children about values, respecting rules and more.

The first years of life form the basis for children’s cognitive and social development. Planning developmental activities for preschoolers is very important as they promote respect for rules and become an incentive to learn through play.

Both within the family and in preschools, these developing activities are important. Whether the children are playing alone or in a group, they need to use their attention and have things to do. Having a list of activities can be a lifesaver in many situations.

Developmental activities at home

Memory games and memory

This activity begins by cutting a single color stiff paper into several square cards. On one side you draw or glue child-friendly pictures. For example, if they like superheroes, you need two pictures with the same design. You can use this game to help them learn letters, numbers or other types of objects.

Once you have made the cards, place them all face down. Then the children try to find matching pairs. Each player turns over two cards at a time, and if they do not match, he or she turns them back to their original positions.

Treasure hunt

A classic that is fun for both adults and children. You can use endless variations depending on the space, the participants and what skills you want to emphasize. You can use boxes as treasure chests, or simply place clues in envelopes that are hidden under objects.

The goal is to find the object that is the treasure. Ideally, it should be something that can be shared.

Another option is to place a piece of paper with a word that touches a certain value within you. In this way, the team can discuss situations that reflect this value.

The king commands

Among developing activities for young children, the King commands  a particularly dynamic alternative that promotes creativity and the ability to listen.

First, it is best if an adult has the role of King. The teammates are still and silent as the King gives them an instruction such as “The King commands: stand on one leg!”

If the leader gives an instruction without beginning it with the phrase “The king commands”, the participants must not follow the instruction but hold the previous position.

This fun game can help develop children’s motor skills. Later, each child can in turn be the King. Switching roles helps to promote self-confidence and encourages them to use their imagination.

Obstacle Course

If you have enough space, an obstacle course can be a good activity for a fun afternoon. The children work together to create a path filled with various objects that act as obstacles. You can use drawers, pillows and furniture – basically anything that is not dangerous.

When the course is finished, the children take their places. In turn, they get through the track. If you want, you can do it on time with the help of a stopwatch. This helps them to develop their motor skills, speed and gross motor skills.

Draw a story

Everyone knows that children love to draw. In this activity, you will tell a short story to those with funny characters that suit their age. Then give them paper and crayons and ask them to recreate the story on paper.

When they have finished their drawings, the children talk about the moment or the character they chose to illustrate. This is a great way to develop a sense of color by going through what they used.

Developmental activities for the five senses

In different corners of a playroom you set up five stations, each representing a mind. If you feel modern, you can make stations for senses other than the five classic ones, such as the sense of balance and thermoception. When they reach a station, children can identify the organ that is related to that mind.

Furthermore, the station for touch should contain elements with different textures that they can feel with their hands. The vision station should include colorful elements and encourage visualization. The other stations should represent their respective senses in a similar way.

Final recommendations for development activities

By using these simple guidelines, the activities will be more fun, more organized and positive:

• Alternate between games that encourage the development of different abilities.
• Promote group collaboration and teamwork among children.
• Use background music or make simple songs and songs that everyone can learn.
• Switch roles so that everyone gets a turn to play the lead role.

In summary, developmental activities for young children can be fun for everyone. You can also adapt old games and games to modern times.