Cognitive Activities for a Preschooler
In our digital age, children are surrounded with so much technology every day. That is why it is so important to find cognitive activities to do with your preschooler that doesn't involve electronics. Take some time to explore the world with them without relying on your iPad, smart phone, computer, or television.
Verbal Games
These are perfect "to-go" activities that can be done wherever you are!
- Guess the Animal - Take turns guessing the animal by asking questions: Does it live on land ? in the trees ? in the ocean ? Does it have fur ? feathers ? scales ? Does it swim ? fly ? walk on 2 legs or 4 ?
- I Spy - ...something that is YELLOW! Take turns making guesses to find the right object.
- Funny Talk - A monkey has feathers, yes or no? A zebra has spots, yes or no? If no, have the child tell you what they do have.
- Finish This Line - My favourite food is... My favourite animal is... The best sport is...
- Safety Quiz - Why do we wear sunscren? Do we pet strange dogs?
Activities
These can be fun games to do in different locations, instead of just at home to keep it interesting.
- Hide and Seek
- I Spy
- Action Songs (See the sleeping bunny, bringing home by baby bumble bee)
- Charades
- Simon Says
- Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes (add more body parts to switch it up)
Board Games
These are fun games to play at home or the cottage, and many come in 'travel size' to play on the road, on the plane, etc.
- Connect Four
- Dominoes
- Tic Tac Toe
- Battleship
- Old Maid
- Uno
- Candyland
- Puzzles (start with wooden and floor puzzles, moving your way to smaller pieces)
- Rubix Cube
- Blocks
- Lego
All of these activities provide your child with the ability to develop their analytic and evaluation skills. They are truly exercising your child's brain. It is much more important at this age to focus on cognitive abilities, than memorizing information.
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