Everything changes once children enter our lives. Even holidays. They become more colorful, happier and more active. Children have the power to gives us lots of energy and joy and even one hour of healthy playing for the children can do a great deal of good to the parents’ mood.

How can playing be good for children? Early education specialists assure us that  during the early years they accumulate most of the information and abilities through play . Even one hour a day of guided, interactive and well structured playing will have a positive effect on his future development!

Summer, the best season for playing

You can take advantage of the free time that you have during the summer and create meaningful experiences for your child through which he or she can build friendships, develop creative and analytical thinking and motor skills.

Alexandra Dascal, Educational Manager at Acorns Nursery Aviatiei, explains to us why we should not see the holiday as a break from learning but how fun and creative activities can turn into educational opportunities through parents’ involvement.

„It’s wrong to consider that playing is a waste of time and a distraction from the important things in a child’s education. At least in the first years, playing is the main way to develop motor and cognitive skills. For this reason, it is our responsibility to make sure we create fun and engaging activities.” Alexandra explains.

Any activity can be transformed into a learning experience. Here are some examples suggested by Acorns Educational Manager:

Seaside holiday:

  1. Pick up seashells together and talk about their shape, color and size
  2. Build sand castles showing your involvement and appreciation for the results. This helps build self confidence.
  3. Fly a colorful kite
  4. Play Frisbee. This is a fun way to exercise on the beach and develop motor skills

Mountain holiday:

  1. Pick up small branches and build a house for a favorite toy. Count them together
  2. Pick flowers to press. Talk about their color, shape and smell
  3. Hike in the woods. Talk about how trees grow, what birds eat and other elements of nature. Help them learn about nature in order for children to love and respect it
  4. Get them involved in setting the tent. Go through the steps joyfully and patiently
  5. Ride a bike. Like love for all animals ,a love for sports also develops during childhood. An active child will be an active and healthy grown up.