Family fun time

Learning through play, regardless of your age

According to developmental theories, certain abilities are learned at certain ages. This knowledge can be used to tailor children’s activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Child psychologist and Costco member Roberta Golinkoff asserts it is “important to play at all ages because we all learn through play.”

Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

Preschoolers advance their gross motor skills with active play. They take delight in running, jumping, dancing, skipping, kicking, tumbling, etc. Their improving fine motor skills empower them to cut, paste, mold, shape, draw, paint and so on.

These children are learning to under- stand themselves and express emotions. They enjoy showing their achievements to others, and their imagination runs wild as they explore, role-play and tell tales. Concepts of time, money and danger are learned, and they identify shapes, colors and sizes. Everything is a game to them. Golinkoff emphasizes that “play helps [preschoolers] interpret what’s going on in the world.”

Social skills like sharing, caring, cooperation, showing affection and sympathy, and understanding right and wrong are primary steps for preschoolers. They desire social acceptance, so having a friend or two is quite an achievement for these kiddos.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

High action. Playing tag, dancing, exercising

Arts and crafts. Using materials like play dough, construction paper, paint, pipe cleaners

Role-playing. Dressing up, making a movie, acting out with dolls, singing and dancing

Age-appropriate board games.

Community. Visiting a playground, community center, library

Middle childhood (6 to 11 years)

The bodies of 6-to-11-year-olds become more muscular and athletic. Growth spurts occur and motor skills vastly improve.

The brain also grows dramatically. These kids perform more complex tasks and understand concepts such as reasoning, problem-solving, planning and ethical decision-making. Their memory capacity is expanded and they think more independently.

As Golinkoff explains in her research, play is vital for learning skills like sportsmanship, confidence, communication and critical thinking. These children start to gain independence for short periods, and friendships last longer. Joining clubs or sports enables these kids to make numerous friendships through mutual interests.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

Group activities. Team sports, camping, building a fort, playing house

Agility games. Freeze tag, red light green light, charades

Age-appropriate board games. Dominoes, chess, card games

Community.Skating rink, parks, galleries/ museums, library

Game apps. Games that are educational, time-restricted

Adolescence (12 to 17 years)

Adolescence introduces the onset of puberty, and physical maturation. A teen’s brain continues to mature as well. Abstract, critical thinking evolves.

Teens are eager for more independence and strive to understand their own individuality.

Teenagers are turning into young adults and do not play as much. However, Golinkoff asserts that teens “want [their family] more than ever.”

Peers are major influencers for this age group, so parents should consider including vetted peers in family activities. Being involved will keep teens home more, bring the family closer and provide positive independent thinking.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

Gathering place. Making home the hangout place

Family outings. Going to restaurants, church, shopping

Get active.Taking walks, bike rides, etc.

Volunteering. Helping at events, charities

Finding the right activities for your family will aid in your children’s development of skills and strengthen your family’s bonds.

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