10 ways to extend your child’s learning at home

Attending a quality childcare program will lay a firm foundation for your child’s development. But what happens when your child comes home from the centre? How can you continue to enhance their learning so that they grow and develop further?

Here are some great ideas:

1. Read together every day.

Reading not only presents a lovely way to bond with your child but also supports their language development and other vital skills. Start with short books/stories so that your child doesn’t get overwhelmed or tired. To ensure that your child gets the most out of the reading experience, explore different topics, ask your little one about the setting, characters or events taking place, and encourage them to point out pictures or words they recognise.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of reading for children.

2. Get physical.

Physical activity is important for all age groups and especially crucial for children under five, as it helps develop their gross motor skills. So, get moving with your child! Go for family walks, play catch in the park or make an obstacle course in your living room. Frequent physical activity will benefit you both in the long run.

3. Get crafty.

Craft activities are great for nurturing your child’s creativity and fine motor skills. From simple painting and drawing to complex origami or model making, the possibilities are endless and may interest you too!

4. Cook up a storm.

If you’d like to spend time with your child and simultaneously support the development of their maths and science skills, get them involved in cooking! The process of measuring ingredients and following a recipe provides plenty of opportunities to explore new concepts, and being able to eat the results is the cherry on top!

5. Go on adventures.

Exploring the great outdoors will stimulate your child’s senses and inspire creativity.

6. Get musical.

Make music with your child to foster their self-expression and boost their confidence and creativity. There’s no wrong way to go about this: You can sing along to nursery rhymes, dance to your child’s favourite songs or even try making instruments out of common, recycled materials!

7. Play games.

By playing fun games, you can not only bond with your child but also support their learning and development. From simple card games to complex board games, there are numerous options to choose from. Don’t forget the classic childhood favourites like hide and seek, tag and hopscotch!

8. Have a picnic.

Picnics are perfect for spending quality time with your child while enjoying the great outdoors. Make some simple snacks like sandwiches or wraps, and head to your local park or playground for lunch. Don’t forget to pack some toys and games too!

9. Go on a treasure hunt.

Treasure hunts are not only great fun but will also encourage your child’s problem-solving skills. Hide some small objects around the house or garden, and provide clues to help your child find each treasure. For an extra challenge, you can even make a treasure map!

10. Make up stories

This is a wonderful way to build your child’s imagination and creativity. Start with a prompt like “Once upon a time, there was a dragon who…”, and see where their imagination goes. You can even act out the story together!

No matter what activity you choose to do, the important thing is to spend quality time with your child and have fun!

Our experienced educators would love to help you extend your child’s education at Learning Ladder at home. Get in touch to learn more.