P.O. Box 1074 Mooloolaba Qld 4557 |
Learning through object play
3 March 08
Did you know that some toys can actually squelch your child’s play? Play is the instinctive way in which your child learns, and boredom is the signal that tells you that play is not happening – sometimes despite the presence of wonderful toys. But boredom is a good thing! It can be your child’s turning point toward the type of play that opens up unlimited learning and growing possibilities.
For your baby, objects of every sort are important learning tools. You’ll notice how much he enjoys holding, seeing, touching, and even tasting everything in reach. Your baby enjoys exploring through all his senses and learns and makes sense of his world this way. This is referred to as the “sensorimotor stage” of development.
Have you noticed that your baby tends to repeat the same actions with certain objects or toys? These “action schemes” interest your baby as he begins to develop an understanding of the connection between the action and the result of that action – or cause and effect. Those objects or toys that tend to hold his interest longer take into account your baby’s need to learn about cause and effect, as well as eye-hand coordination, and listening skills.
Object permanence
Every baby loves to play hide-and-seek games, and you play an important role in these games. Your baby can have a delightful time playing with you while at the same time developing memory skills needed for learning. The squeals of glee as your baby searches for and retrieves a favourite hidden object are a signal of memory – he is remembering that the object continues to exist even though it cannot be seen, which is called object permanence.
Play hide-and-seek
This simple game is great fun and very reassuring for babies just beginning to understand that out of sight doesn't mean out of mind.
Throw a large blanket, sheet or tablecloth over a table so that it reaches all the way to the floor. Show your baby how he can crawl underneath the table (you may need to get down there first yourself and coax him along). Then demonstrate how, when you're outside the tablecloth and he's underneath, you can't see him. Ask, "Where's my baby?" When he crawls out or peeks out from under the cloth, say, "There's my baby!" Next, bring him outside with you, then hide a doll or cuddly toy underneath and ask: "Where's your teddy?" Let your baby crawl underneath to find his lost friend, and when he does, exclaim, "There's your teddy!"