Play to learn-learn to play.
Play is the simplest yet most effective way to teach our children.

I know you are constantly looking for new and exciting ways of teaching your children, but in doing this many parents invariable overlook the easiest and proven, most effective learning method of all time: PLAY.

Consider this true life senario.

“Watching the TV news just last week I saw pictures of young boys in war torn Afghanistan, laughing with glee as they kicked a football amongst the ruins of their homes. Their joy in this simplest of activities was evident; their play was natural and not a performance for the camera. After all of the trauma they had experienced they were using a simple activity to get their lives back on track.”

This joy in simplicity is evident in our young children too.

How often, like me, have you found your little ones playing with the gift wrapping paper rather then the expensive gift inside? Or after the initial excitement of Christmas or birthday morning, have you seen them clutching an ‘old favourite’ and ignoring the new shiny toys?

All too often we overlook the power of simplicity in learning opportunities for our children and try to replace them with something bright, shiny and new. But new isn’t always better and familiarity brings the feeling of comfort, security and confidence; the perfect springboard for a young child’s learning experience. You don’t need expensive toys and games to give your children the best learning opportunities, and the latest gadgets will often, only serve to impress their friends.

What they do need; and what is far more valuable than anything you can possibly buy - is you, your time and your love. You are their first and most important teacher. They spend far more time at home with you than they spend in nursery or school. You are the one that can make the greatest, lasting, impression on their attitude to learning.

You are the one who can make a real difference to what they achieve in life. Having kids that are bright, inquisitive and eager to learn is not just a result of inherited genes. They will blossom from the fact that you create the time and opportunity for them to learn and offered them love and praise for their efforts.

Yes, your most powerful weapon is the simplest – and one that will cost you nothing at all. So make them a special gift quality time spent with them – guiding them to an understanding and embracing with confidence, the world in which they live.

And to help you make this quality time count, www.topkidz.co.uk has brought you the wealth of our experience and knowledge. ‘Topkidz’ activities are not designed to ‘baby sit’ your kids. Learning takes place at a more powerful rate when parents and siblings join in. Some of our activities are there for you to enjoy as a family, while other demand that you just ‘get them going’ and then keep watch.

Our ‘101Tips’ series of ebooks offers you simple, step by step ideas that will literally take you by the hand and lead you along the pathway to success for your child. Don’t miss the opportunity to guarantee their success – you only get one chance to shape their early years, so act now and give them the chance of a brilliant future.

by by Barbara Fyles. Early Years Consultant - 8th August 2008

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