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Whilst we sell educational toys and games, learning toys, and puzzles, we know from experience that a lot of claims about educational toys are questionable at best. This was the reason we set up Rocketheads, to help parents identify educational toys that really work. We have filtered and tested award winning toys from a parent’s perspective and we are continually testing educational toys with real families. We initially focussed on boys because of our experience with our sons and the increasing concern that boys are falling behind at school.
Now whilst having said the above, educational learning toys are not the only way to help children learn. Children learn best through having fun and they can learn maths, fine motor and gross motor skills through everyday activities. Here are a few tips on every day play activities you can do with your children.
Fun maths thinking games
Just a reminder that boys like to see the point to learning something before they put effort into learning something new. This really helps to motivate them to stick with something and practise it.
Pattern recognition: Sort socks by colour, size, pattern etc.
Geometrical: Match the lids to the right plastic containers.
Counting: Setting the dinner table, children learn the importance of counting and are able to practice it.
Size: Get children to use one of their plastic/dinner knives to cut play dough into different sizes and ask them which are the largest and smallest.
Fractions: As they get better at sorting and size you can ask them to cut some play dough into 2, 3 or 4 equal pieces.
Fine motor skills
Remember boy’s fine motor skills are weaker than their gross motor skills and they develop later. The secret is to develop this whilst keeping them motivated, and not doing well at something puts them off quickly. To avoid demotivation you should mix these activities with gross motor skills.
Stringing: Punch holes in paper or cardboard and get children to lace string through the holes. This also stimulates creativity as children try to make and see patterns.
Cutting: Children enjoy cutting so use safety scissors to cut through play dough.
Cutting: You can get your child to use their plastic knife and fork to cut pieces of play dough at marked places. They might even make less mess at the dinner table.
