Science materials such as magnets, binoculars, magnifying glass
Two-wheeled bike with training wheels and helmet
Jump rope
Preschool Electronics
Why your baby will enjoy this toy now:
Real electronics of their very own are sure to make preschoolers feel very grown up, at an age when they understand the benefits of sharing ideas and become more aware of the art of communicating. Taking photographs encourages children to express what they see in a different way. With a simple-to-use digital camera that makes picture-taking more successful, preschoolers can shoot images that have personal meaning, then view them and even print their own pictures. Similarly, a music player nurtures expression through language as a child sings along to music or listens to stories on tape.
What you can do to help your baby learn more with:
Talk about the different ways we record events in their lives. Explain why people keep diaries, journals and scrapbooks. Encourage your child to do the same with drawing. He could draw a picture of something he ate that day, for example, someone he played with or a favourite adventure.
Have your child take pictures of his favourite things. These could include his favourite food, stuffed animal, toy, or anything else he cherishes. He can share it with a teacher, send it to a distant relative or give it to a new friend who wants to know more about him!
If your child enjoys listening to music, he’ll have a ball listening to himself making music! Record him singing a song and play it back. If you’re brave enough, have him record you, too!
Taking pictures is a great opportunity for your child to refine her observation skills. As you look for subjects, talk about how faraway objects look bigger as you approach them.
“Zoom” in on objects with something other than a camera. Use a magnifying glass to study insects. Visit a science museum to look into a telescope or microscope. Your child can have lots of fun just studying her features in a magnifying mirror.
At home and in the car, expose your child to a wide array of music styles. As you listen to a particular song or composition, ask her if she can identify any of the instruments: “Can you hear the drums?” Talk about the mood the music creates: “Does this music sound sad or happy?”
What you can do to help your baby learn more with:
Try to make time to show a real interest in your child's creations. If you can, stop what you're doing and check it out when he says, "Hey, Mum! Look what I made!" or “Watch this dance I made up!” Set aside special time when you can focus on just him. Ask him to demonstrate his work, and praise him for his abilities.
Can he express to you why he's created a certain drawing or snapped a particular picture? Or why he thinks his music sounds a certain way? Encourage him to talk about his ideas and feelings.
If your child owns or has access to a camera, encourage her to take photos while on an outing to document the experience. If her favourite photo is digital, help her enhance it by adding special effects or a fun digital border.
Make sure your child is exposed to music and art in other parts of his life. Take a trip to a gallery or sculpture park, attend a play or symphony performance just for kids. Whatever field trip you decide on, do a little research up front to see if it's a child-friendly environment; it can help ensure the experience is a positive one for both of you.
All children develop at their own pace, and reach milestones at different times. The highlights mentioned in this web site are meant as approximate guidelines only. If you have any questions about your child's development, consult your healthcare provider.
