Stimulating Activities for Young Children

From previous post, we see the possible negative effects to a child when a parent removes fun and silliness from a childhood, but impose pressure for a greater self-defined dream and success.

The followings suggest some developmentally appropriate stimulating activities for different stages of a child:



0 to 12 months:
sing, talk, music play, motor-sensory toys, peekaboo, interesting visual and audio
* rich interaction and tender care


12 to 18 months:
open play space, outside play, small riding toys, push/pull toys, stacking containers, shopping bags, large paper and crayon, body parts identification
* introduce 'friend'

18 to 36 months:outdoor play, large riding toys, sand and water, variety of balls, music, blocks, crayons, paper, puzzles, dolls, play dough
* introduce 'friendship' and 'feeling' - picture, book and video

3 years old:
daily outdoor play, balls of all size, bean bags, blocks, riding toys, dress-up clothes, kitchen and housekeeping equipment, scissors, paper, paints, glue, games, puzzles, table toys
* teach about feeling - label people's feeling

4 years old:
daily outdoor play, field trips, balls, balance beans, dress-up clothes, games, puzzles, science related objects, play dough, crayons, markers, paper, paints, play dough, crayons, markers, paper, paints, sand, water

5 years old:
daily outdoor play, balls, jump ropes, riding toys, field trips, nature walks, arts and crafts, board game, music, dress-up clothes, dramatic props play, puppets
* For year 3, 4, 5:
Promote emotional literacy - identify, understand and respond appropriately to emotions
Encourage to 'help' house chores activities e.g. folding clothes, washing dishes, washing car etc.

6 years old:
variety of balls, craft projects, jump robes, bicycles, riding toys, dolls, little people and accessories, blocks, puppets and stage
* Opportunities for more involvement in grown-up activities

Books are excellent for children in all ages. Learning through play is very powerful.