Choosing Age Appropriate Activities
Children in daycare environments need to be offered a variety of activities and games that stimulate their intellects, spark their imaginations, promote good health, boost their self-esteem, and of course, are fun! Kids of preschool age and beyond should be given access to books and other learning materials that will support their education, and children of all ages should be surrounded by caregivers who prioritise teaching. Parenting is a very difficult job and working parents need to be assured that when they place their children into the care of staff members at nurseries, the kids will be enjoying a number of age appropriate activities.
Activities for Babies and Toddlers
Even the youngest children need to be engaged in meaningful activities while at nurseries. Babies and toddlers are learning about the world around them and therefore should be surrounded by loving caregivers who understand the value of reading books, singing songs, and incorporating movement into the lives of young children. Babies often enjoy being held, rocked, and talked to, especially when their carers use expressive voices and faces whilst interacting with them.The Importance of Active Play
Today’s kids are at risk for a variety of health problems due to the fact that many of them not only eat diets that are nutritionally deficient, but live mostly sedentary lives, as well. Childhood obesity is at an all time high and studies show that overweight children are at an increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and even some types of cancer compared to peers who are at healthy weights. Additionally, carrying extra weight can impede children’s social development and have a negative impact on their self-esteem.Teaching children to enjoy physical activity and incorporating exercise into their daily lives can help them to be healthier in both the short and long term. Kids should be provided with opportunities to run, jump, climb, and play at several intervals throughout their day, with older kids being encouraged to participate in organised games and sports.