This article talks about play and development from the age of 3 to
5. It suggests some appropriate play to help a child develop.
Play In Children from 3 - 4 Years
The pre-schooler at 3 years is a social creature. Hence it is
important that they are exposed to group activities.
At this stage, he is also able to run, climb just about over
anything, walk up and down stairs one foot at a time without
holding onto rails and ride a tricycle.
Hand skills improve tremendously at this stage. The child is able
to stack 12 - 14 blocks, copy 3 - 4 block designs and fix 4 - 6
piece jigsaw puzzles. He also begins to try colouring within the
boundary instead of scribbling random strokes. He is able to trace
simple dot to dot designs such as that of a dog. Scissors skills
can be introduced as they start to cut strips and gradually
progress to lines and curves.
A good mix of gross motor and fine motor activities will suit the
child. Playing in the park or playground with the neighbour's
children, kicking the ball, chasing each other will allow the child
to test and develop his gross motor skills.
Sitting down at the table to trace, colour and try out the new
jigsaw puzzle with an adult teaches him at an early stage to have
good sitting down behaviour. His creativity, hand skills and
problem solving abilities are also given an opportunity to
develop.
Play In Children from 4 - 5 Years
They start to take up roles in group play. They also start to
understand and follow rules. Games like hopscotch, Snap, hide and
seek, snakes and ladders, Let's Pretend are some examples of what
they enjoy.
Give your child lots of opportunities to mix with other children.
Your little one is on his way to being a a very sophisticated
social creature. He is already able to read body language, read
emotional cues, make decisions on how to act based on the situation
he is in and the cues he is picking up.
The ages of 3 - 5 is and exciting and fun time. The primary role of
the parent is to be present, give the child lots of opportunities
and then let nature do the rest. If your child likes airplanes,
then spend time with him folding it and decorating it. It is the
process of doing things together and building the relationship that
brings you and your child a long way.
The information is provided by KK Hospital - Singapore's
leading Women and Children's Hospital. Please visit www.kkh.com.sg for
more information.
