Cognitive development is how people form thoughts, including memory, decision-making, and problem-solving. This development begins at an early age. By the time children are in preschool, they are incredibly curious about how and why things work.
Your preschooler is eager to learn and satisfy their curiosity. Daycare programs like Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Circa/FishHawk provide many activities to foster cognitive development in young minds. Here, the professionals from Kids 'R' Kids discuss several pre-k activities that promote thinking, learning, and reasoning.
How to Promote Cognitive Development in Preschool Children
Play Simon Says
Simon Says is a simple game you can play with your young preschooler. By giving them instructions that they have to either follow or ignore, they will engage their memory to remember the rules.
You can make the game more challenging and further promote their cognitive development by altering the rules. For instance, you can tell your child to do the opposite of what Simon says, or only follow directions when you raise your hand or wiggle your nose. Rule changes can help improve both memory and self-control.
Teach Your Child How to Sort and Classify Objects
Though it may seem like a simple activity, sorting and classifying objects offers several benefits to preschool children. When sorting, they develop executive function skills like problem-solving, paying attention, and using their memory. The game also encourages logical thinking, which plays a role in both academics and everyday life.
You can start with simple sorting and classifying games like separating toys by size. Later, you can move onto trickier categories like sorting things by texture (differentiating smooth from rough).
Enhance Red Light, Green Light
Another preschool game to play with your child is Red Light, Green Light. You can improve the game by adding different obstacle courses throughout the room for your child to follow as they attempt to reach you. For instance, you can arrange hula hoops on the floor, requiring your little one to be inside a circle before you say “green light.”
Enhancements like these help your preschooler’s problem-solving because they’ll have to figure out how to move around the obstacles. It also develops their visual perception.
Cook With Your Child
Preparing a meal with your child is not just a way to spend quality time together. It's also an excellent way to promote thinking. In the kitchen, they can:
- Learn how to measure
- Identify ingredients that you name
- Follow a sequence
- and directions
Cooking also promotes creativity. If you’re making cookies, for instance, they can come up with different ways to shape the dough or make icing decorations.
In addition to cognitive development, allowing your child to perform simple tasks like mixing flour or pouring a scoop of water into a bowl helps with their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
About Kids ‘R’ Kids
Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy in Lithia, Florida, goes beyond standard daycare services by using a play-based curriculum to prepare children for their education after preschool. Their caring staff encourages children to learn, explore, and grow in a safe environment. They also provide after school care and accept VPK vouchers.
To learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids, their curriculum, or after school programs, call (813) 654-7000. You can also follow them on Facebook to stay up to date on company news.
Contact Information:
Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Circa/FishHawk
5815 Kids Crossing Dr
Lithia, FL, 33547
(813) 654-7000
