Add a kindergarten

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What can we do at my child’s age?

Age-appropriate activities for speech, logic, creativity, movement and independence.

Speech & communication2–4 years

Sound hunter

Listen to the sounds around you and copy them together – a dog, a car, water, a clock.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Sit somewhere quiet and close your eyes for 10 seconds.
  2. Tell each other what you heard: “What was that sound?”
  3. Copy the sound together: “woof-woof”, “beep-beep”, “shhh”.
  4. Swap roles: your child makes a sound and you guess it.

May help develop

Careful listeningVocabularyImitating sounds

Safety: Stay away from very loud noises (building work, sirens) to protect little ears.

Speech & communication3–6 years

Picture story

Look at a picture in a book or a family photo and build a short story together.

15 minA picture book or family photo

Details

You will need

  • A picture book or family photo

Step by step

  1. Pick a picture and ask: “What can you see here?”
  2. Ask questions: “Who is this? Where are they going? How do they feel?”
  3. Repeat your child’s sentence and stretch it a little: “Yes, the red car is going fast.”
  4. Give the story a title and retell it from the start together.

May help develop

Building sentencesImaginationTelling events in order

Speech & communication2–5 years

Telephone game

Make a pretend phone call – say hello, talk about your day and say goodbye.

10 minA toy phone or remote control, A soft toy (optional)

Details

You will need

  • A toy phone or remote control
  • A soft toy (optional)

Step by step

  1. Say “Ring ring!” and hand the phone to your child.
  2. Say hello and ask simple questions: “What did you eat? Who did you play with?”
  3. Take turns talking and wait patiently for answers.
  4. Then let your child “call” grandma or a teddy.

May help develop

Holding a conversationTaking turnsPolite words

Safety: If you use a real phone, lock the screen first.

Speech & communication4–6 years

Find a rhyme

Look for rhymes for simple words: “cat – hat”, “sun – fun”. You can play on the way somewhere.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Say a word: “cat”.
  2. Ask your child for a word that sounds similar: “hat, bat, mat”.
  3. Made-up words are fine – the point is hearing similar sounds.
  4. Swap roles: your child says a word and you find a rhyme.

May help develop

Hearing sounds in wordsWord playAttention

Logic & thinking2–4 years

Sort by colour

Sort toys or blocks into containers by colour.

10 minSmall toys or blocks in 3–4 colours, A few bowls or boxes

Details

You will need

  • Small toys or blocks in 3–4 colours
  • A few bowls or boxes

Step by step

  1. Put one coloured item next to each bowl as a “sample”.
  2. Ask your child to put toys of the same colour into that bowl.
  3. Name the colours: “This is red – into the red bowl.”
  4. Next time try sorting by shape or size.

May help develop

Recognising coloursGroupingAttention

Safety: Avoid items small enough to fit in the mouth.

Logic & thinking3–6 years

What’s missing?

Look at 4–6 objects, your child closes their eyes, you hide one – which is missing?

10 min4–6 familiar objects or toys, A cloth

Details

You will need

  • 4–6 familiar objects or toys
  • A cloth

Step by step

  1. Lay the objects on a table and name them together.
  2. Your child closes their eyes while you hide one under the cloth.
  3. Ask: “What’s missing?”
  4. As it gets easy, add more objects or change their places.

May help develop

MemoryAttentionObservation

Logic & thinking4–6 years

Continue the pattern

Build a pattern with spoons, forks or pasta: spoon–fork–spoon… what comes next?

15 minPlastic spoons and forks, pasta or buttons

Details

You will need

  • Plastic spoons and forks, pasta or buttons

Step by step

  1. Lay out a simple pattern on the table: A–B–A–B.
  2. Ask your child to place the next item.
  3. Make it harder step by step: A–A–B, A–B–C.
  4. Let your child create a pattern for you to continue.

May help develop

Logical thinkingSpotting patternsEarly maths

Safety: Use small pasta and buttons only with close supervision.

Logic & thinking2–4 years

Big to small

Line up plastic bowls and cups by size and nest them inside each other.

10 minPlastic bowls and cups in different sizes

Details

You will need

  • Plastic bowls and cups in different sizes

Step by step

  1. Put the bowls on the table in a jumble.
  2. Ask “Which is the biggest?” and find it together.
  3. Line them up from biggest to smallest.
  4. Then nest them inside each other or build a tower.

May help develop

Understanding sizeComparingHand–eye coordination

Safety: Do not use glass containers.

Creative skills2–4 years

Torn-paper collage

Tear coloured paper into small pieces and stick them onto a picture – a tree, a sun, a fish.

15 minColoured paper or an old magazine, Child-safe glue, A sheet…

Details

You will need

  • Coloured paper or an old magazine
  • Child-safe glue
  • A sheet with a large outline

Step by step

  1. Draw a big outline on the sheet (for example, a sun).
  2. Your child tears the paper into small pieces by hand.
  3. Spread glue inside the outline and let your child stick the pieces on.
  4. Hang it on the wall and give it a name together.

May help develop

Fine motor skillsUsing colourPatience

Safety: Make sure glue doesn’t end up in the mouth.

Creative skills3–6 years

Cardboard box house

Turn a big cardboard box into a house with windows, a car or a rocket, then decorate it.

30 minA large cardboard box, Markers, crayons, Glue and coloured…

Details

You will need

  • A large cardboard box
  • Markers, crayons
  • Glue and coloured paper (optional)

Step by step

  1. Decide together what the box will become: a house, a car, a rocket.
  2. Draw windows and a door – the adult does any cutting.
  3. Your child colours and decorates the box.
  4. Play “visitors” with a favourite toy in the new house.

May help develop

ImaginationPlanningFine motor skills

Safety: Only an adult should cut with knives or sharp scissors.

Creative skills3–6 years

Nature collage

Collect leaves, petals and twigs in the park and glue them onto paper.

20 minA small bag, Thick paper or card, Child-safe glue

Details

You will need

  • A small bag
  • Thick paper or card
  • Child-safe glue

Step by step

  1. On a walk, collect fallen leaves, petals and twigs.
  2. Compare what you found by colour and size.
  3. Arrange a picture on the paper: a hedgehog, a tree, a butterfly.
  4. Glue it down and talk about where you found each piece.

May help develop

Observing natureCreativityVocabulary

Safety: Remind your child not to put mushrooms, berries or unknown plants in the mouth, and wash hands afterwards.

Speech & communication3–6 years

I spy...

Describe something nearby by its colour or shape – your child tries to guess it.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Pick an object nearby without naming it.
  2. Say: "I spy something red and round."
  3. Give new clues until your child guesses.
  4. Swap roles – now your child picks the object.

May help develop

VocabularyAttentionDescribing

Speech & communication2–3 years

Animal sounds

Name an animal and your child makes its sound – then switch.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Ask: "What does a cat say?"
  2. Your child makes the sound and you repeat it.
  3. Now you make a sound and your child names the animal.
  4. After each answer, walk like that animal together.

May help develop

Imitating soundsFirst wordsListening

Speech & communication5–6 years

Word chain

Each new word starts with the last sound of the previous one: cat – table – egg...

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Start with a word, e.g. "cat".
  2. Your child finds the last sound ("t") and says a word with it.
  3. Take turns.
  4. If it is hard, give a hint: "An animal that starts with T..."

May help develop

Phonological awarenessVocabularySchool readiness

Speech & communication3–6 years

Continue the story

Start a story with one sentence and take turns adding a sentence each.

10 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Begin: "One day a little bunny in the forest..."
  2. Your child says the next sentence.
  3. Take turns for 8–10 sentences.
  4. At the end, give the story a title together.

May help develop

StorytellingImaginationCause and effect

Speech & communication4–6 years

Riddle time

Tell simple riddles, let your child solve them, then make up their own.

10 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Give riddles about familiar things and animals: "Long ears, loves carrots..."
  2. Give your child time to think.
  3. Praise the answer.
  4. Then your child makes up a riddle for you.

May help develop

Logical thinkingDescribingVocabulary

Speech & communication3–6 years

What's in the clouds?

Lie down, watch the clouds and talk about what they look like.

10 minA blanket (optional)

Details

You will need

  • A blanket (optional)

Step by step

  1. Find a safe, shady spot to lie or sit.
  2. Pick a cloud: "What does it look like?"
  3. Build on your child's idea: "Where is this elephant going?"
  4. As clouds change, find new shapes.

May help develop

ImaginationLanguageCalming down

Safety: Never look directly at the sun; wear a hat in hot weather.

Speech & communication2–4 years

Picture book chat

Instead of reading, look at the pictures and ask questions – let your child talk.

10 minA picture book

Details

You will need

  • A picture book

Step by step

  1. Sit comfortably and open a page.
  2. Ask: "Who is this? What is he doing?"
  3. Expand the answer: "Yes, the cat drinks milk, white milk."
  4. Let your child turn the pages.

May help develop

VocabularyAttentionLove of books

Logic & thinking2–4 years

Colour hunt

Choose a colour and find 3 things of that colour around you.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Say: "Let's find yellow things!"
  2. Name each thing your child finds together.
  3. After 3 things, choose a new colour.
  4. For older kids: "Find something yellow and soft."

May help develop

Recognising coloursAttentionVocabulary

Logic & thinking3–6 years

Count the steps

Guess and count the steps or jumps to a target.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Choose a target: a door, a tree, the sofa.
  2. Ask: "How many steps do you think?"
  3. Walk together counting aloud.
  4. Try giant and tiny steps – how does the number change?

May help develop

CountingEstimatingComparing

Logic & thinking4–6 years

Odd one out

Say four words – your child finds the one that doesn't belong and explains why.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Say: "Apple, pear, car, banana."
  2. Ask: "Which one doesn't belong? Why?"
  3. Listen to the reason – a different answer can be right too.
  4. Then let your child quiz you.

May help develop

ClassifyingExplainingLanguage

Logic & thinking2–5 years

How many fingers?

Show a number on your fingers – your child counts and claps the same number.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Show 1–3 fingers (1–10 for older kids).
  2. Your child counts them.
  3. Then claps or jumps that many times.
  4. Swap roles.

May help develop

CountingNumber senseCoordination

Logic & thinking3–5 years

Shape hunt

Look for circles, squares and triangles around you.

10 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Draw a shape in the air: "Circle!"
  2. Find 3 things of that shape indoors or outside (clock, plate, wheel).
  3. Move on to squares and triangles.
  4. Count: which shape did you find most?

May help develop

ShapesObservationCounting

Logic & thinking3–6 years

What changed?

Line up some toys and change one while your child's eyes are closed.

10 min4–6 toys

Details

You will need

  • 4–6 toys

Step by step

  1. Line up the toys and name them together.
  2. Your child closes their eyes – remove or move one toy.
  3. Your child finds what changed.
  4. Add more toys as they get better.

May help develop

Visual memoryAttentionObservation

Safety: Keep small parts away from children under 3.

Logic & thinking3–6 years

Sort leaves and stones

Collect leaves and stones on a walk and sort them by size and colour.

15 minA bag for collecting (optional)

Details

You will need

  • A bag for collecting (optional)

Step by step

  1. Collect 8–10 leaves and stones on your walk.
  2. Line them up from biggest to smallest.
  3. Then sort them into groups by colour or shape.
  4. Ask: "Which group has more?"

May help develop

OrderingSortingExploring nature

Safety: Make sure nothing goes in the mouth and wash hands afterwards.

Logic & thinking3–6 years

Puzzle time

Do an age-appropriate puzzle – start with corners, then edges.

15 minA puzzle (age 3: 12–24 pieces, ages 4–6: 24–60)

Details

You will need

  • A puzzle (age 3: 12–24 pieces, ages 4–6: 24–60)

Step by step

  1. Lay the pieces picture side up.
  2. Find the corners and edges together first.
  3. Give hints: "What do you see on this piece?"
  4. When done, tell a story about the picture.

May help develop

PatienceVisual perceptionProblem solving

Creative skills3–6 years

Air drawing

Draw shapes, letters or objects in the air with your finger – the other one guesses.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Slowly draw a house, the sun or a circle in the air.
  2. Your child guesses what it is.
  3. Then your child draws and you guess.
  4. For ages 5–6, draw letters and numbers.

May help develop

ImaginationVisual memoryHand-eye coordination

Creative skills4–6 years

Body shapes

Make letters, numbers and shapes with your bodies – you can take photos.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Say: "Let's make a circle with our bodies!"
  2. Use arms, legs or lie on the floor to make shapes.
  3. Move on to letters and numbers: "T", "O", "1".
  4. Guess each other's shapes.

May help develop

Body awarenessLetters and numbersCreativity

Safety: Choose a roomy, non-slippery spot.

Creative skills2–5 years

Body percussion

Make rhythms by clapping, stamping and patting knees – your child copies.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Show a simple rhythm: clap-clap-stamp.
  2. Your child copies it.
  3. Gradually make it harder and change the speed.
  4. Then your child makes a rhythm and you copy.

May help develop

Sense of rhythmAttentionMemory

Creative skills3–6 years

Imaginary animal

Invent an animal nobody has ever seen: its name, sound and walk.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Ask: "How does an animal with an elephant's trunk and bunny ears walk?"
  2. Give it a name.
  3. Make its sound and walk like it.
  4. Make up where it lives and what it eats.

May help develop

ImaginationLanguageCreative thinking

Creative skills2–4 years

Finger family

Turn fingers into family members and play with short rhymes.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Name each finger: grandpa, grandma, dad, mum, baby.
  2. Raise them one by one: "Hello!"
  3. The fingers dance, hide and go to sleep.
  4. Your child copies with their own fingers.

May help develop

Fine motor skillsLanguageMemory

Creative skills2–5 years

Water painting

Paint with water on pavement or stones – it disappears as it dries.

10 minA bowl of water, a brush or sponge

Details

You will need

  • A bowl of water, a brush or sponge

Step by step

  1. Pour water into a bowl and wet the brush or sponge.
  2. Paint lines, circles or a sun on the pavement.
  3. Watch together as the painting disappears.
  4. Paint again – bigger this time.

May help develop

Fine motor skillsCreativityCause and effect

Safety: Never leave your child alone with water.

Creative skills3–6 years

Leaf rubbing

Place a leaf under paper and rub over it with a crayon – the veins appear.

15 minPaper, Crayons or coloured pencils, Different leaves

Details

You will need

  • Paper
  • Crayons or coloured pencils
  • Different leaves

Step by step

  1. Collect leaves of different shapes on a walk.
  2. Place a leaf veins up and cover it with paper.
  3. Rub the side of the crayon over the paper.
  4. Make a colourful "leaf tree".

May help develop

Fine motor skillsExploring natureChoosing colours

Creative skills3–6 years

Salt dough animals

Make soft dough from flour, salt and water and shape animals.

20 min1 cup flour, ½ cup salt, ½ cup water, Bowl and spoon

Details

You will need

  • 1 cup flour
  • ½ cup salt
  • ½ cup water
  • Bowl and spoon

Step by step

  1. Mix flour, salt and water and knead a soft dough.
  2. Roll balls, "sausages" and flat circles together.
  3. Turn them into a cat, a snake, a turtle.
  4. Dry the figures for a day and paint them if you like.

May help develop

Fine motor skillsCreativityShapes

Safety: The dough is salty – not for eating; wash hands afterwards.

Creative skills4–6 years

Paper planes

Fold paper planes together and see whose flies the furthest.

10 minA4 paper (a few sheets)

Details

You will need

  • A4 paper (a few sheets)

Step by step

  1. Fold the sheet in half lengthways and open it.
  2. Fold the top corners to the middle, then the edges to the middle again.
  3. Fold the wings down.
  4. Throw, measure the distance in steps; change the wings and test again.

May help develop

Fine motor skillsFollowing stepsSimple experiments

Safety: Don't throw planes towards people's faces.

Social & emotional skills2–6 years

Balloon breathing

Fill your tummy like a balloon and slowly let it out – to calm down.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Sit comfortably with a hand on your tummy.
  2. Breathe in slowly through the nose – the "balloon" fills up.
  3. Breathe out gently through the mouth – the "balloon" empties.
  4. Repeat 5 times, then ask how your child feels.

May help develop

Managing emotionsCalming downBody awareness

Social & emotional skills3–6 years

Whisper game

Whisper a word into each other's ear – a quiet game that needs attention.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Whisper a word into your child's ear.
  2. They whisper it to the next person or a toy.
  3. The last one says it aloud – did it change?
  4. Let your child choose a word too.

May help develop

Careful listeningTaking turnsCalming down

Social & emotional skills2–5 years

Sleepy bears

Everyone becomes a "sleepy bear" and you gently wake them up.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Your child lies down with eyes closed – a bear hibernating.
  2. Say softly: "The bears are sleeping, breathing slowly..."
  3. After 30 seconds say: "Spring is here!" – the bear wakes slowly and stretches.
  4. Repeat a few times.

May help develop

RelaxationSelf-controlAttention

Social & emotional skills3–6 years

Saying hello game

Practise greetings, thank-yous and apologies with toys or family.

10 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Act out short scenes: going into a shop, guests arriving, meeting a friend at kindergarten.
  2. Take turns playing roles: "Hello, what's your name?"
  3. Use "please", "thank you" and "sorry".
  4. Praise your child after each scene.

May help develop

Social skillsPolitenessSelf-confidence

Social & emotional skills3–6 years

Toy theatre

Put on a short show with toys – about friendship and sharing.

15 min2–4 toys, A sofa or table as a "stage"

Details

You will need

  • 2–4 toys
  • A sofa or table as a "stage"

Step by step

  1. Choose toys and give them names.
  2. Suggest a simple plot: "Bear lost his ball and friends help."
  3. Your child speaks in the toys' voices.
  4. At the end ask: "How did the friends feel?"

May help develop

EmpathyLanguageImagination

Everyday independence2–4 years

Hand-washing song

Sing a short song while washing hands – keep scrubbing until it ends.

5 minSoap, Towel

Details

You will need

  • Soap
  • Towel

Step by step

  1. Turn on the tap together and wet hands.
  2. Soap up and sing a simple song (about 20 seconds).
  3. Scrub between fingers and the backs of hands.
  4. Rinse, and let your child dry their own hands.

May help develop

Hygiene habitsIndependenceSequencing

Safety: Check the water temperature and don't leave your child alone in the bathroom.

Everyday independence2–6 years

Little gardener

Your child waters the house plants or garden plants on their own.

5 minA small watering can or cup of water

Details

You will need

  • A small watering can or cup of water

Step by step

  1. Pour a little water so it's easy to carry.
  2. Check together which plants are thirsty (touch the soil).
  3. Your child gives each plant a little water.
  4. Pick a weekly "gardener day".

May help develop

ResponsibilityFine motor skillsCaring for nature

Safety: Some house plants are toxic – no leaves in the mouth.

Everyday independence4–6 years

Folding clothes

Your child learns to fold their own T-shirts and trousers the simple way.

10 min3–4 of your child's clothes

Details

You will need

  • 3–4 of your child's clothes

Step by step

  1. Lay a T-shirt flat on the table.
  2. Fold the sleeves to the middle, then fold it in half from the bottom up.
  3. Your child repeats the same steps.
  4. Put the folded clothes away together.

May help develop

IndependenceSequencingFine motor skills

Everyday independence3–6 years

Setting the table

Before a meal, your child sets out plates, spoons and napkins.

10 minUnbreakable plates, Spoons and forks, Napkins

Details

You will need

  • Unbreakable plates
  • Spoons and forks
  • Napkins

Step by step

  1. Count together how many people will eat.
  2. Your child puts a plate at each place.
  3. Then a spoon, fork and napkin next to it.
  4. After the meal, they carry their own plate to the kitchen.

May help develop

IndependenceCountingHelping at home

Safety: Keep knives and glass away from your child.

Everyday independence4–6 years

Buttons and zips practice

Your child practises doing up buttons and zips on shirts and jackets.

10 minA shirt with big buttons, A jacket with a zip

Details

You will need

  • A shirt with big buttons
  • A jacket with a zip

Step by step

  1. Start with the clothes on the table – it's easier.
  2. Push a button halfway through, your child pulls it the rest.
  3. Start the zip together, your child pulls it up.
  4. Then practise while wearing them.

May help develop

Dressing independentlyFine motor skillsPatience

Physical activity3–6 years

Simon says

Only move when you hear "Simon says" – an attention and movement game.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Say: "Simon says – hands up!" – your child raises their hands.
  2. Sometimes give a command without it: "Jump!"
  3. Then your child must stay still.
  4. If they slip up, laugh and start again; then let your child give commands.

May help develop

AttentionSelf-controlCoordination

Physical activity4–6 years

Stand like a stork

Stand on one leg and count the seconds – try to beat your record.

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Lift one leg like a stork, arms out to the sides.
  2. Count aloud together – who can stand longer?
  3. Switch legs.
  4. Make it harder: eyes closed or holding your nose.

May help develop

BalanceAttentionCounting

Safety: Make sure there are no sharp corners nearby.

Physical activity2–4 years

Frog jumps

Crouch like a frog, jump forward and say "ribbit".

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Crouch with hands on the floor – the "frog" is ready.
  2. Jump forward and say "ribbit".
  3. Pick a "pond" (a rug, a tree) and jump all the way there.
  4. Alternate big and small jumps.

May help develop

Leg strengthCoordinationFun movement

Safety: Play on a soft surface.

Physical activity3–6 years

Shadow tag

On a sunny day, try to step on each other's shadows.

10 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Choose a sunny, open space.
  2. Look at your shadows: "Where is your shadow?"
  3. Take turns trying to step on each other's shadow.
  4. Then "dance" with your shadow – what does it do?

May help develop

Running and agilityObservationUnderstanding shadows

Safety: Play somewhere safe away from cars; wear a hat in the heat.

Physical activity4–6 years

Mini relay

Set up a little course in the park: run, jump, touch a tree, come back.

15 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Choose a start and finish.
  2. Plan the course together: run 5 steps, jump 3 times, touch a tree.
  3. Your child does the course while you count the seconds.
  4. Try again – can they beat their time?

May help develop

RunningRemembering a sequencePersistence

Safety: Make sure the ground is flat and clear.

Physical activity4–6 years

Hopscotch

Draw a hopscotch grid in chalk and hop on one and two feet.

15 minChalk, A small stone

Details

You will need

  • Chalk
  • A small stone

Step by step

  1. Draw squares numbered 1 to 8 in chalk.
  2. Throw the stone into square 1.
  3. Hop over it: one foot on single squares, two feet on pairs.
  4. Pick up the stone on the way back; next time throw it to square 2.

May help develop

BalanceNumbersCoordination

Safety: Play where no cars pass.

Physical activity2–4 years

Roll into the goal

Make a "goal" from shoes or boxes and roll the ball through.

10 minA ball, 2 shoes or boxes

Details

You will need

  • A ball
  • 2 shoes or boxes

Step by step

  1. Place two shoes apart to make a "goal".
  2. Your child rolls the ball from 1–2 metres.
  3. When it goes through, shout "Goal!" together.
  4. Make the goal narrower or move further back.

May help develop

AimingHand-eye coordinationCounting

Physical activity2–6 years

Keep the balloon up

Tap a balloon to keep it in the air – don't let it touch the floor.

10 minA blown-up balloon

Details

You will need

  • A blown-up balloon

Step by step

  1. Blow up and tie a balloon.
  2. Take turns tapping it upwards.
  3. Try to keep it off the floor and count the taps.
  4. Make it harder: left hand only or head only.

May help develop

CoordinationReactionCounting

Safety: Play only with an adult watching; pick up burst balloon pieces right away – they are a choking hazard.

Creative skills2–3 years

First scribbles

Scribble freely with crayons on a big sheet – your toddler makes their first "drawing".

10 minA large sheet of paper, Chunky crayons

Details

You will need

  • A large sheet of paper
  • Chunky crayons

Step by step

  1. Tape the paper to the table or floor so it doesn't slide.
  2. Offer 2–3 colours and let your child choose.
  3. Draw alongside: "I'm drawing a circle, what about you?"
  4. Give the drawing a title and hang it up.

May help develop

Fine motor skillsColoursSelf-expression

Safety: Make sure crayons don't go in the mouth.

Creative skills4–6 years

Trace the shadow

Place a toy against the sun or a lamp and trace its shadow on paper.

15 minPaper, A pencil, A few toys (figures, animals), A sunny spo…

Details

You will need

  • Paper
  • A pencil
  • A few toys (figures, animals)
  • A sunny spot or desk lamp

Step by step

  1. Put the paper on the floor or table with the toy beside it.
  2. Watch the shadow fall on the paper.
  3. Your child traces the outline of the shadow with a pencil.
  4. Colour it in to make the toy’s “portrait”.

May help develop

ObservationHand–eye coordinationCreativity

Safety: Watch that the lamp doesn’t get hot, and don’t let your child look straight at the sun.

Physical activity2–5 years

Animal walks

Hop like a bunny, walk like a bear, slither like a snake – which animal is who?

5 minNo special materials

Details

Step by step

  1. Say an animal’s name and move like it.
  2. Your child copies you, then picks an animal.
  3. Change the speed: “slow tortoise”, “fast rabbit”.
  4. Finish by lying down to rest like a “tired cat”.

May help develop

Gross motor skillsBalanceImagination

Safety: Choose a space without sharp corners or slippery floors.

Physical activity2–4 years

Pass the ball

Sit on the floor and roll the ball to each other, then gently throw and catch.

10 minA soft ball

Details

You will need

  • A soft ball

Step by step

  1. Sit facing each other with legs apart.
  2. Roll the ball to your child and let them roll it back.
  3. When it goes well, stand up and throw from a short distance.
  4. Count each pass: “one, two, three…”.

May help develop

Gross motor skillsHand–eye coordinationTaking turns

Safety: Use a soft ball and play away from fragile things.

Physical activity3–6 years

Pillow obstacle course

Build a mini obstacle course with cushions, a blanket and chairs: step over, crawl under.

15 minSofa cushions, A blanket, 1–2 sturdy chairs

Details

You will need

  • Sofa cushions
  • A blanket
  • 1–2 sturdy chairs

Step by step

  1. Lay cushions on the floor as “stepping stones”.
  2. Drape the blanket over chairs to make a “tunnel”.
  3. Go through the course together: cushion steps, then the tunnel.
  4. Let your child change the route and lead you.

May help develop

BalanceBody coordinationPlanning

Safety: On slippery floors put a rug under the cushions, and keep clear of furniture corners.

Physical activity2–6 years

Freeze dance

Dance while the music plays and freeze like a statue when it stops.

5 minMusic (phone or radio)

Details

You will need

  • Music (phone or radio)

Step by step

  1. Put on cheerful music and dance together.
  2. Stop the music suddenly – everyone freezes.
  3. Whoever moves does a funny move.
  4. Let your child be in charge of stopping the music.

May help develop

Self-controlAttentionMovement

Physical activity3–6 years

Basket toss

Use a box or basket as a target and try to throw a ball or rolled-up socks into it.

10 minA box or basket, A soft ball or rolled-up socks

Details

You will need

  • A box or basket
  • A soft ball or rolled-up socks

Step by step

  1. Place the box 1–2 steps away.
  2. Take turns throwing the ball into the box.
  3. As it gets easier, step back or try throwing on one leg.
  4. Count the hits together.

May help develop

AimingHand–eye coordinationCounting

Safety: Don’t use hard balls indoors.

Social & emotional skills3–6 years

Feelings faces

Draw happy, sad, angry and scared faces and talk about each one.

10 minPaper, Crayons or markers

Details

You will need

  • Paper
  • Crayons or markers

Step by step

  1. Draw four circles and a different face in each.
  2. Ask: “How does this child feel? Why might that be?”
  3. Make the same faces together in front of a mirror.
  4. Ask your child to show which feeling they had today.

May help develop

Recognising and naming feelingsEmpathySpeech

Social & emotional skills2–4 years

Turn-taking tower

Build a block tower in turns: one block for you, one for me.

10 minBlocks or small boxes

Details

You will need

  • Blocks or small boxes

Step by step

  1. Put the blocks in the middle and say “Now it’s my turn.”
  2. Place a block, say “Your turn” and wait.
  3. When the tower falls, laugh together and start again.
  4. Invite another family member to join.

May help develop

Waiting for a turnPatiencePlaying together

Social & emotional skills3–5 years

Teddy doctor

Take care of a “poorly” teddy: listen, put on a bandage, comfort it.

15 minSoft toys, A cloth or piece of bandage, A toy doctor’s kit…

Details

You will need

  • Soft toys
  • A cloth or piece of bandage
  • A toy doctor’s kit (optional)

Step by step

  1. Say that teddy “hurts” and ask your child to help.
  2. “Examine” teddy together: listen to its breathing, check its temperature.
  3. Put on a bandage, give “medicine”, tuck teddy into bed.
  4. Ask: “What else can we do so teddy feels better?”

May help develop

Caring for othersEmpathyRole play

Safety: Never play with real medicines or medical tools.

Social & emotional skills4–6 years

Friendship drawing

Your child draws a friend or family member, then you talk about how to make them happy.

15 minPaper, Coloured pencils

Details

You will need

  • Paper
  • Coloured pencils

Step by step

  1. Ask: “Who would you like to draw?”
  2. While drawing, ask what makes that person special.
  3. Write one sentence your child says under the picture.
  4. Give the drawing to that person as a gift.

May help develop

Social connectionExpressing feelingsCreativity

Everyday independence2–4 years

Sock pairs

Match clean socks into pairs together, then let your child try to put a pair on.

10 minA few pairs of socks

Details

You will need

  • A few pairs of socks

Step by step

  1. Tip the socks out onto the floor in a jumble.
  2. Look together: “Where is this one’s partner?”
  3. Fold the pairs and put them in a box.
  4. Choose one pair and give your child time to put them on, helping only if needed.

May help develop

Everyday independenceMatchingFine motor skills

Everyday independence3–6 years

Little chef

Your child washes vegetables, slices a banana with a child-safe knife and arranges a plate.

20 minVegetables and fruit, A plastic or child-safe knife, A plat…

Details

You will need

  • Vegetables and fruit
  • A plastic or child-safe knife
  • A plate and bowl

Step by step

  1. Wash hands together and put on aprons.
  2. Your child washes the vegetables in a bowl.
  3. They slice soft foods like banana or cucumber with the child knife.
  4. Arrange a “smiley face” on the plate and serve it to the family.

May help develop

IndependenceDoing tasks in orderFine motor skills

Safety: Keep the hob, hot water and sharp knives out of reach, and never leave your child alone in the kitchen.

Everyday independence2–5 years

Toy tidy-up

Make tidying a game: cars to the garage, dolls home, blocks in the box!

10 minToys, Boxes or baskets

Details

You will need

  • Toys
  • Boxes or baskets

Step by step

  1. Put a picture or label on each box: cars, dolls, blocks.
  2. Set a timer: “Let’s tidy up before the song ends!”
  3. Your child carries toys to the right box.
  4. At the end, enjoy the tidy room together.

May help develop

ResponsibilitySortingEveryday habits

Everyday independence4–6 years

Morning routine cards

Draw morning steps (wash, get dressed, breakfast) on cards and put them in order.

20 minPaper or card, Crayons, Child-safe scissors

Details

You will need

  • Paper or card
  • Crayons
  • Child-safe scissors

Step by step

  1. List together what you do in the morning.
  2. Draw each step as a simple picture on its own card.
  3. Stick the cards in order on a wall or door.
  4. Each morning, your child flips a card when a step is done.

May help develop

SequencingIndependenceSense of time

Safety: Use scissors only with adult supervision.

Logic & thinking3–6 years

Nature treasure hunt

Look for “treasures” from a list in the park: a round stone, a yellow leaf, a long stick…

20 minA small bag or basket, A picture list (optional)

Details

You will need

  • A small bag or basket
  • A picture list (optional)

Step by step

  1. Before the walk, say or draw 5 things to find.
  2. Search together in the park and tick off each find.
  3. Compare the treasures: which is bigger, which is lighter?
  4. At home, count and arrange your treasures.

May help develop

ObservationComparingCounting

Safety: Don’t touch broken glass, rubbish or unknown plants, and wash hands afterwards.

Suggest an activityAn instant play idea by age, time, place and the materials you have.

These tips are general information — not developmental norms, a diagnosis or individual medical advice. If you have concerns, consult a paediatrician or child psychologist.