At home we spend a lot of time with children, and it is normal to feel a little worried and limited by not knowing what activities to do with them. Therefore, here we propose the Montessori Method as a means of learning through play games at home.
Montessori Method as a means of learning through play games at home.
Perhaps you have heard of the Montessori Method. This phenomenal technique has its origin in a current created by María Montessori; in it, the game plays a fundamental role in children’s learning. Part of this technique is based on the refusal, by parents, to carry out the tasks for their children: it is they, the children, who must carry out them by themselves through the different tools and facilities that parents can offer. In this way, children’s autonomy, active participation in household chores, discipline, stimulating their senses to the maximum, enhancing all their abilities, etc., are increased. Ultimately, what is done is to encourage good behavior in the child.
This is why we have compiled some activities that will surely be of great help to all of you and that do not require more material than what you can find in your homes. Now yes, let’s play!
Some games to play at home
• Matching socks: place several different colored socks in front of the child and ask him to participate in the matching. This activity helps to improve visual-manual coordination and fosters autonomy and organizational habits. It is recommended to carry out this activity on a daily basis.
• Washing toys: washing toys is excellent for children: it encourages the care of their goods, promotes a sense of belonging and responsibility, and also creates cleaning habits. To carry out this task, it is necessary to provide the child with the greatest facilities, namely: adapt a space in which he can access easily (for example, place a small step near the sink or bathtub) and provide him with easy-to-handle materials ( for example, small sponges). When everything is ready, the child should be instructed in the steps of the task to be carried out: wet the toy, apply soap to the sponge, lather the toy and rinse it. In the beginning, it should be a kind of guide until he understands the process, then you have to allow him to do it himself, alone.
• Game with buttons: Playing with buttons can be a logical-mathematical stimulus, due to the search for equivalences, in addition to allowing a development in their fine motor skills and an increase in concentration. The necessary materials are: a tray and buttons, for example 20, of different colors and sizes. The game consists of finding and grouping buttons of the same color. It should be taken into account that the child does not ingest, out of curiosity, the buttons.
• Sensory box: A cardboard box with two openings is required to allow the child to insert their hands. Inside the box you have to place objects of various sizes and textures. The bodies inside the box could be fabrics, sponges, cold gel, soft toys, etc., in short, objects of different textures. In this way, the child may be required to explain what he feels and what sensations he feels in the touch of the elements: if it is soft, hard, cold, etc. With this game the sensory areas of children are stimulated.
• Musical maracas: This activity is perfect for 3-year-olds. With it they will learn to differentiate textures, beyond being introduced to the world of music. To play this game, take 3 small, empty plastic bottles. It occupies half of the container with sound elements such as raw pasta or rice and closes the bottles. You can decorate the bottles with stickers, paints, etc. Now, what if you sing a song with which you can keep the rhythm with the maracas?
• Paint stones: This activity is perfect for when the child is very restless and restless! It will help you develop your imagination, as well as encourage creativity and stimulate fine motor skills. Let us begin! Take some stones, wash them very well and let the child draw with different colored tempera on the stones with, for example, his fingers. Surely, you will not be able to resist painting with them.
All these games to play at home not only help the child in emotional and behavioral aspects, but also offer a moment of family bonding, in which you can share pleasant and pleasant experiences with your child.
After having seen the games at home that we propose, why don’t you tell us what games you plan to play with your child? Did you know these games? What else do you play at home?
