Children learn through play. It’s an essential part in developing their physical skills, cognitive concepts, language skills and social skills. So, what can you as a parent do and how involved should you be in their learning/exploration process? Children tend to be more creative when their parents are involved in their play. We suggest setting some time aside so you can get involved – not only observe and help your toddler through this crucial time in their development.

Lego Memory Game

Let your toddler solve the problem, learn how to wait their turn and enhance their memory skills and attention span with this fun, inexpensive game. It’s proven that children move on to higher levels of thought as they play in more stimulating environments. Hide the Lego bricks, mix up the cups and see if they can find two blocks that match!

Click here to read more about the game.

Farm Animal Puzzle Game

This teaches kids about visual discrimination, how to mix and match puzzle pieces and even recognize different animal sounds. Cut out the pictures of animals and paste it on cardboard pieces before cutting it in half. Another fun idea is to hide the pieces throughout the house and have the kids look for them – almost like a treasure hunt! This gets their little legs moving and gives you the chance to quiz them about the animals on the cards: Where does the sheep live? What sound does the cow make?

Click here for more on this fun game.

Gone Fishing

Let the kids help you cut-out and lace up these fishies. They’ll love the sewing and cutting part just as much as catching it afterwards with a makeshift fishing rod!

You’ll need:

• Paper and printer
• Yarn
• Paper clips
• Dowel rod

Click here for the full tutorial.

Children need to play in order to help improve their self-worth. They become aware of their own abilities and start feeling proud of themselves when they get something right. These games are particularly useful for teaching them about different shapes and sizes, putting things in order and developing logic skills – on top of this, they are very entertaining.

Stock up on all the materials you need at your nearest PNA store. Click here for our Store Locator.