These activities should help the child explore the following cognitive skills:
Problem solving and reasoning skills: Classifying objects by size or color, interacting with other children to figure out ways to have turns playing with things, and observing what happens when something is done to something are all ways a child develops these skills. Outdoor activities, and craft time are a great way to foster this type of cognitive learning. Mixing the play dough colors can be a great way to show your child "cause and effect," and by asking him or her to try to guess what color will be the result of mixing two colors, you are effectively nurturing his or her problem solving and reasoning skills.
Body awareness: When your child is swinging on a swing, climbing on playground toys, or riding in a car, he or she will gain a new awareness of his body in the context of the environment. “I’m going really fast,” or “I’m high on this castle,” show that your child is beginning to understand this cognitive skill.
Observational skills: Looking at pictures and answering questions, such as, “Does this man look happy or sad,” is a great way to help foster your child’s ability to understand and recognize distinguishing features. Arranging objects, such as toys or blocks by color and size are also a great way to foster this skill.
Social skills: Inviting other children to the house for a meal, or for group play is a very valuable way to help your child develop social skills. One of the added benefits of scheduling this kind of play date with other children is that, each of the involved parents can get some needed free time to do the things that they don’t usually get too much time to do (like clipping their toe nails, taking a shower, and actually sitting down to read). It is very important that these social activities are facilitated. When a conflict arises, and it most certainly will, be sure to ask the children to find ways to resolve the situations. When one child says, “She’s got more macaroni and cheese then me,” say, “Do you think that maybe she’s really hungry?” or if one child says, “She’s been playing with this toy forever, and now I want to play,” ask, “Hmmm, what can the both of you do so that each of you gets to play with that toy?”
Math skills: Learning to associate objects, counting them, and understanding the concept of “How many,” and “How many are left?” is a skill that can be learned through such tasks as dividing crackers between you and your child, or playing with blocks.
Motor skills: Fine motor skills can be developed with simple tasks such as taping objects together and coloring, while larger motor skills can be developed by playing soccer, throwing a ball, and cleaning up a room.
Creativity: Using art and music is a great way to help a child develop multi-sensory learning. Finger painting, playing with clay, and using simple musical instruments are all great ways to develop not only motor skills, but to foster creativity, enjoyment of learning, and sensory skills.