Thinking skills develop at this age, so it’s important to stimulate your child in that direction. You can best achieve this by satisfying your child’s need for attention, stimulating them with speech, play, and other activities. Constantly showing love and tenderness is essential, and you can best show this by playing together. Only in this way will you provide the healthiest start in life for your little one, as joint activities, along with expressions of love and respect for this small personality, are fundamental elements for their social, mental, and emotional development. Here are a few examples of games to stimulate thinking.
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Plant some seeds that grow in summer, such as grass or flower seeds, in the ground outside or in a pot if you have indoor plants. This is a fun project for little ones who love to play with a shovel, pour water, and make a mess! As they plant the seeds in the ground, they will develop fine motor skills (while using their fingers and hands) and learn important scientific concepts as they watch their plants grow.
Try the Classic Shell Game
You will need a plastic cup and a small toy. Show the child the toy, then set it aside and slowly cover it with the cup. See if they will lift the cup to find the toy. Once your child masters this game with one cup, try the same game with two cups, and later with three. This is a very challenging concept for young children, so it is very important to be patient. Soon, your child will have no trouble locating the toy. This type of activity builds thinking skills and hand-eye coordination.
Use Paper Tubes
Place paper tubes from wrapping paper or toilet paper on the table. Thread a scarf or cloth through the tube and let your child pull it out. Alternatively, show your little one how to drop a ball or block down the tube and watch it fall to the floor. Make music by tapping the tubes on the floor. These types of games develop your child’s thinking and imaginative play skills.
Practice Problem-Solving
Wash an empty plastic spice container and show your child how to put a few pieces of cereal inside. Offer this exercise to your little one and watch them try to figure out how to get the cereal out. They might shake it or drop it, but eventually, they will pour it out onto their high chair tray, plate, or hand. This type of activity builds problem-solving skills.
