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(The Q&A that inspired this mini series that I am finally publishing!)
I really miss playing games with my little man. He's becoming a bit more independent now that he's jut started walking and he's 'into everything'. He's 12 months old. Lunaeclips wrote a great article today asking 'how active is your family?' She gave so many ideas to get playful and active with older kids. I was hoping people might have some suggestions for play with a baby who's 1YO.
This is written from my head with just memories to work from - if there is something you would like to add in the comments please do, and welcome. Or if it is something that should be included in the article then please just let me know and I shall edit.
Here are some of the things I can remember doing when E was 1. I hope they help you:
Action songs; simple actions that they can mimic and learn - 'row row your boat' in the bath, 'pat a cake', 'twinkle twinkle little star', 'the wheels on the bus', '5 little ducks' and 'baa baa black sheep' were our favourites i think.
Music; as they explore they will enjoy making music themselves - even if it sounds like din to the rest of the world. Applaud their attempts. You never know if they will develop into some musician! What an exciting thought. Real live music floating through the house one day (well, unless it is drums....lol)
Playing with water; pouring, measuring, sieves, waterwheels etc in water play - all is fascinating, and improves dexterity
Drawing; holding a pencil (teach to use a pencil only and it will stand you in good stead later on). and just seeing that a mark comes on the paper! It is bliss and magic all in one. As your little one learns to articulate they will be able to tell you what they are imagining as they make their squiggles and lines. It is a great tool for encouraging their imagination.
Matching; shapes and colours with shape sorting toys.
Running everywhere you go! We started having races at this age, and now she is actually nearly catching me up when I go 'normal' speed!!! Playing in the playground has never been so much fun
Gardening; making mud pies, and mess - get out old play clothes and have a towel by the door ready to get warm as soon as you get back inside again
Cooking; simple stirring when cooking /baking, accuracy does improve rapidly i promise.
Games/Toys; Climbing toys, sorting toys, toys that fit into each other in the right order, toys to push and toys to pull, vehicles to ride and large balls for rolling along the floor. We had skittles which E absolutely adored rolling(throwing) the ball and seeing them all fall over - attention span about 30 seconds.
Books; Lots of pictures and bright colours are an asset, preferably with few words on each page. Or tell the story from the pictures and make something up. At this age your child is likely to enjoy the moment spent together more than the accuracy of the text followed.
Puzzles; we had a couple of big soft foam floor puzzles that were great for teething
as well as matching shapes together. At least by the time we progressed to the cardboard variety she had broken that habit (mostly).
TV; there are many great TV programmes out there for this age range. Depending on the dynamics of your home will depend on how they are employed. It is OK to use TV, but it is possible to overdose and limit imagination and so on by having it on too much. Maybe choosing a program that you see as beneficial and when you are home at the time it is on then have the telly on and watch it together. At the age of 1 E loved the Fimbles and we watched it together every night in the CBeebies bedtime hour. It was a lovely bedtime routine that we had then, and often as not sent me to sleep as well with the peacefulness that came from it.
Wishing you as much fun and learning from the interaction at this age as your little one is getting!!
Peace
EF.x
(January 2007) (
