Sara Dobson
Rachel Henwood - Freelance Writergames to play with a one year old
September 16th 2007 20:54
Playing is a big part of a young childs education. A one year old learns everything through the games that they play, therefore it is very important that you take an hour or so each day and make it play time for you and baby.
To help you do this I thought I would give you a few ideas from the games that I play with my little girl.
Messy time: Painting
It may seem daunting to allow paint to fall into the hands of your child, but don't worry too much.
Most diy stores sell tarpaulin, which is a thick plastic used for lining ponds. Buy a sheet to lay on the floor in your chosen room. It doesn't have to be too large, just large enough to cover the floor area and protect carpets etc from spillages.
Lay the tarpaulin on the floor where you are allowing little on the paint.
You also need some water based paints. These clean up easier than other paints if there is an accident. Most art shops sell them and also stock thick brushes and specially designed pots with lids to stop accidents. Don't forget the paper, which also just needs to be cheap. Thick A3 will be perfect. Also lay some newspaper on top of the tarpaulin in case the water tips.
Once everything is set out and the paint is in its pots. Strip your child to their vest and nappy. This makes less washing for you as paint can be a little hard to remove.
Then sit with baby on the sheet and let both of your imaginations run wild.
Messy time: Water
You also need your tarpaulin out for this one, and a washing up bowl. Take a few plastic cups, jugs, teapots, bottles and anything else you can find.
In preparation take a couple of the plastic drinks bottles and poke holes into them randomly or in patterns. Small holes are perfect so that the water runs out slowly.
Put a towel on the tarpaulin and put the bowl on top with all of the pots etc ready next to it.
Then sit your child with the new toys and watch as she learns how each pot reacts when filled and emptied.
Teddy bears picnic
A personal favourite to play over lunchtime.
Put down an old blanket and let baby help you position a few teddies in a circle, saving a space for you and little one. Then take out 3-4 plastic or paper plates and make a sandwich for baby. This needs to be cut into 4 and one piece placed on each plate. You can also add cheese strings, crisps or pieces of fruit.
Then place a plate in front of your child and a few near the teddies.
A little music helps things along and the idea is that lil one eats all of the picnic whilst talking away to the teddies.
Shopping
This one takes a little preparation. You need to collect a few bottles, boxes, plastic jars and packets. They need to be empty as your child will be "shopping" with them. You must then take some spare cardboard and make some money. Don't cut the pieces small enough for lil one to swallow. About the size of a note is enough and write the number 1 on each.
This helps with counting and maths, as your child needs to be encouraged to choose something from your shop and pay with the correct money.
I hope these help and if you have any more games suggestions please email them to parentsprecinct@hotmail.co.uk.
To help you do this I thought I would give you a few ideas from the games that I play with my little girl.
Messy time: Painting
It may seem daunting to allow paint to fall into the hands of your child, but don't worry too much.
Most diy stores sell tarpaulin, which is a thick plastic used for lining ponds. Buy a sheet to lay on the floor in your chosen room. It doesn't have to be too large, just large enough to cover the floor area and protect carpets etc from spillages.
Lay the tarpaulin on the floor where you are allowing little on the paint.
You also need some water based paints. These clean up easier than other paints if there is an accident. Most art shops sell them and also stock thick brushes and specially designed pots with lids to stop accidents. Don't forget the paper, which also just needs to be cheap. Thick A3 will be perfect. Also lay some newspaper on top of the tarpaulin in case the water tips.
Once everything is set out and the paint is in its pots. Strip your child to their vest and nappy. This makes less washing for you as paint can be a little hard to remove.
Then sit with baby on the sheet and let both of your imaginations run wild.
Messy time: Water
You also need your tarpaulin out for this one, and a washing up bowl. Take a few plastic cups, jugs, teapots, bottles and anything else you can find.
In preparation take a couple of the plastic drinks bottles and poke holes into them randomly or in patterns. Small holes are perfect so that the water runs out slowly.
Put a towel on the tarpaulin and put the bowl on top with all of the pots etc ready next to it.
Then sit your child with the new toys and watch as she learns how each pot reacts when filled and emptied.
Teddy bears picnic
A personal favourite to play over lunchtime.
Put down an old blanket and let baby help you position a few teddies in a circle, saving a space for you and little one. Then take out 3-4 plastic or paper plates and make a sandwich for baby. This needs to be cut into 4 and one piece placed on each plate. You can also add cheese strings, crisps or pieces of fruit.
Then place a plate in front of your child and a few near the teddies.
A little music helps things along and the idea is that lil one eats all of the picnic whilst talking away to the teddies.
Shopping
This one takes a little preparation. You need to collect a few bottles, boxes, plastic jars and packets. They need to be empty as your child will be "shopping" with them. You must then take some spare cardboard and make some money. Don't cut the pieces small enough for lil one to swallow. About the size of a note is enough and write the number 1 on each.
This helps with counting and maths, as your child needs to be encouraged to choose something from your shop and pay with the correct money.
I hope these help and if you have any more games suggestions please email them to parentsprecinct@hotmail.co.uk.
| 68 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by JoH
Great list of ideas - it always helps to have a few tricks up your sleave, especially on a rainy day! From about 18 months onwards, I would add things like drawing with fat crayons and playdough. These seemed to work a treat!!
Good luck with your list!