PLAY is our favourite four letter word!

It can be so much more than fun and games. Play gives your child an opportunity to explore through diverse experiences where they learn to negotiate, take turns and risks, and problem solve.

Here are some wonderful play experiences that are simple to set-up at home with your child. Don't forget, adult supervision is required.

Motor development games

Method

These simple games support fine motor and gross motor development through matching, sorting, throwing and rolling.

1. Place coloured patty pans into a muffin tray. Invite your child to use mini tongs to match the cut-up sponge pieces to the same colours.

2. Set up a bucket toss and throw tennis balls into the bucket.

3. Line up paper cups and roll tennis balls to knock them over. Count how many fall and take turns.

Learning Outcomes

Matching and sorting to build early maths skills
Fine motor and hand-eye coordination
Gross motor skills, building muscle strength and coordination
Independence and confidence

Motor development games

Materials
• Coloured patty case holders
• Muffin tray
• Multi-purpose sponge cloths
• Mini tongs
• Paper cups
• Tennis balls
• Buckets
Method
These simple games support fine motor and gross motor development through matching, sorting, throwing and rolling.
1. Place coloured patty pans into a muffin tray. Invite your child to use mini tongs to match the cut-up sponge pieces to the same colours.
2. Set up a bucket toss and throw tennis balls into the bucket.
3. Line up paper cups and roll tennis balls to knock them over. Count how many fall and take turns.
Learning outcomes:
• Matching and sorting to build early maths skills
• Fine motor and hand-eye coordination
• Gross motor skills, building muscle strength and coordination
• Independence and confidence