We often think about gross or fine motor skills as the crucial markers for development during the preschool years, however, cognitive skills are also developing rapidly between the ages of 2 and 5 years. Imaginative thinking emerges, allowing children to begin participating in pretend play and imitating roles around them such as cooking. Children are learning the concept of numbers, time, recognising colours, but also comparing and sorting objects as their memory and processing skills grow through experiential learning.
The activities listed are easy to prep and are designed to use items you already own, to support your child’s cognitive development:
Colour matching game - If you have a child under the age of 5, it is very likely that you have a box of assorted toys that once belonged to a set, but have been gathered together in a miscellaneous collection. Find some coloured paper or write colours on separate pieces of paper and ask your child to sort the assortment into different colour categories. You can add other items around the house and integrate a variety of larger or smaller items for an added component of fine or gross motor development.
Mimic my Music - take out any drum-like instruments, use pots and pans with wooden spoons if necessary. Create a pattern on your ‘drum’ and ask your child to copy that pattern. Take turns creating the pattern, and experiment with longer patterns to exercise their memory.
Build a City - Using blocks and numbers, use this template to create a re-usable city blueprint. Your child will stack or build as many blocks as indicated by the numbers to create a cityscape. This helps with counting skills, as well as working on fine motor skills. For added stimulation, you can specify the colours that the towers need to be made from to work on colour recognition.
Teddy Bear Birthday Party - Engaging in imaginative play with your child can help teach them social skills and communication skills. Planning a teddy bear birthday party will incorporate planning skills, counting, colour recognition, memory skills and play skills in one activity. You could incorporate a colour theme, set the table, and decorate the room. Let your child imagine what a party could look like and who would attend, and have fun pretending through different scenarios and events!
As we live in a digital age, it may be difficult to avoid games on tablets and smartphones. Below are three apps that are fun and engaging for kids, that still focus and work on their cognitive development.
Digital games:
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Thinkrolls: Games for Kids 2-8 https://apps.apple.com/au/app/thinkrolls-games-for-kids-2-8/id1530907314
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Montessori Preschool, Kids 3-7 https://apps.apple.com/au/app/montessori-preschool-kids-3-7/id1138436619
Lingokids - Play and Learn https://apps.apple.com/au/app/lingokids-play-and-learn/id1002043426