Play

Playing helps children learn about themselves and the world around them, while developing essential physical, social, language and communication skills.

By talking and playing with your baby each day, you are supporting their growth and development.

As your child grows, they will become interested in different activities, but there are many ways to support your child’s motor skill development at each age.

Experimenting with a variety of materials lets them learn to represent their ideas, be imaginative and creative.

Playing physically active games gives kids the chance to grow their balance, coordination, strength and confidence.

Outdoor play is great for physical wellbeing and developing control and strength for manipulating objects and equipment and large movement skills.

Encourage your child to get involved with craft activities by providing a space (throw down a drop sheet so mess can be easily cleaned up) and a few materials.

Playing with sand and water helps kids learn about shape, weight and capacity as well as building curiosity, investigation skills and problem solving.

Make believe games and role play lets children guide their own learning and explore ideas.

Creating a garden can be a fun learning experience and allow your child to explore the natural world.

One of the best things about baking is the yummy treat you get to enjoy at the end, and when the kids get involved there are so many benefits for their learning.

Messy play promotes positive learning, curiosity, independence, problem-solving, investigation and exploration.

From kicking and squirming, to holding objects, crawling and standing, the development of fine and gross motor skills starts in the early years.

Playing with playdough can help children investigate mathematical ideas, compare, measure and count, while developing the small muscles in their hands.