An effective — and fun — way to stimulate a child’s development is through play-based learning. Children naturally enjoy engaging in fun activities like playing games, singing songs, and building with blocks. What they may not realise is that they are learning valuable skills whilst having fun. Research has discovered the link between positive early experiences and strengthened brain connections.
Parents can help direct children to the kind of endeavours that advance:
Here are some learning experiences that help stimulate a child’s development that can be done at long day-care, preschool, and in the home.
Playing games teaches children many valuable skills, including turn-taking and following directions. Some of the most beneficial games require children to use their hands because they help with hand-eye coordination. Children also discover how to physically interact with the world around them, which includes their peers. As a bonus, activities like patty cake and puppets also build communication and language skills with adults and peers.
Creative art play develops cognitive, motor, and social abilities in children. Drawing with crayons, finger painting on canvas, and modelling with clay all teach children a healthy respect for the arts whilst stimulating their brains. Art play helps children:
Painting and drawing are not the only ways to incorporate the arts into a play-based learning environment. Dance and music build motor skills and allow children to practice self-expression, which is essential for growing self-confidence. Studies in neuroscience also support the finding that music stimulates brain function in young children. Additionally, music can enhance attention and concentration, language, and math skills.
Learning a language at any age has benefits for the brain. For fluency, the best time to learn is before the age of 10. Language learning creates new pathways in the brain that improve memory and mood. Bilingual children must learn how to access different parts of their brains when speaking their primary and secondary languages. To make it more fun for children, parents or other adults can learn the new language with them. Children reap the benefits even if they learn only a few helpful words or phrases in another language.
Who doesn’t enjoy a good adventure? Children especially love exploring their surroundings, including local attractions like aquariums, museums, and zoos. Even daily trips to the park or a local nature preserve can have the same brain-stimulating effects. Outdoor activities can be a valuable learning moment for young minds. Some scientists go as far as to call it the superfood for young minds. Incorporating day trips is a great way to glean the benefits.
Choosing a day-care centre that emphasises play-based learning can help reinforce the concepts taught in the home. Creative Childcare Centres embrace play-based childcare and learning opportunities for children. Book a tour today to learn more.
© Copyright 2025 Creative Childcare
© Copyright 2025 Creative Childcare
Three Great Newcastle Locations in Kotara, Hunter Street and Hamilton.
Hunter 6:30am - 6:00pm
Hamilton 6:30am - 6:00pm
Kotara 7am -6:00pm
Contact
Kotara 02 4952 3711
Hamilton 02 4089 5415
Hunter Street 02 4961 5620
Our Blogs