Hobbies And Interests
ABCs
Teaching your child the alphabet is just as important as teaching him to count. Great Mats offers a foam mat set with the full alphabet and lots of color that can also be made into blocks for your child to play with. Place the foam mats in order form A to Z, and go over it with your child. Next remove one letter and help your child figure out the letter that came before it and the letter that comes after. Let your child place it back in its correct spot so he can visualize the alphabet's order. Repeat this process daily as it will help your child to be comfortable and confident with his ABCs.
World Maps
World Maps is another game that can be played with interlocking foam mats. A giant map of the world laid out on the floor can help kids learn geography in a fun way that can be remembered. This game can be played by starting with the map together, then removing pieces and asking your child to put the puzzle back together. As she replaces the pieces, explain each country and give her general knowledge about it. This game is fun and educational for children and adults.
Hopscotch
Teaching kids hopscotch is a good way for them to count and exercise at the same time. Start with the number one by itself. Step ahead and add numbers two and three side by side. Number four is placed ahead of numbers two and three with nothing on either side. Next add numbers five and six ahead of it then add number seven by itself. Place numbers eight and nine side by side with a half circle at the top to complete the board. Each player picks a marker that is thrown into the first square. If the marker touches a line, lands in the wrong square or bounces out, that player loses his turn. If it hits the right square, start by hopping into single squares with one foot and side by side into the squares with one foot in each square. When you get to the half circle, turn around and move through the squares following the pattern and stopping to get your marker along the way. Repeat the process from one to nine and make sure not to step on a line or miss a square. First to complete the process is the winner.
Tic Tac Toe
Tic tac toe is another game that can be played with foam mats while teaching your child to be a quick thinker. One child places an X on the board, and the next must place an O. Placement is everything because the goal is to stop the other from getting three Xs or Os in a row. This can help stimulate your child's mind while engaging in a fun and competitive game.