Brain boosting activities for every age

Fun hobbies that build brains

Getting kids interested in fun activities is great for boosting their imaginations and honing their skill levels – and some hobbies can help them relax and absorb information too…

Music

Even babies can appreciate music and will do their best to make their own once they can sit up and bang a toy drum (or upturned saucepan!). Sing lullabies and action nursery rhymes to your baby; use songs in day-to-day routines with your toddler (“This is the way we wash our hands…” and so on); and encourage your preschooler to describe how different pieces of music make her feel. Older children might want to try learning a musical instrument or joining a choir.

Added value…

• It boosts cognitive development because its patterns and rhythms can help strengthen memory and math skills. Studies have shown that children who received music education before 12 years of age did better on memory testing than their peers.
• It helps physical skills Playing an instrument helps hone fine motor skills – the are of the brain associated with motor skills is more developed in musicians.
• It soothes colicky babies and overexcited toddlers, and relax older kids for more productive homework sessions.
• It may aid discipline If your child won’t do as he’s told, try singing your requests to him. Because our brains perceive rhythm differently, it may help your child be more attentive when it comes to listening.

Art

Young children love to experience things with their senses and art classes are great because they can get their hands dirty! Get him finger painting from 12 months up – and if his pictures start to actually resemble what he says they are, think about formal classes from 5. Art isn’t only drawing and painting: encourage him to try his hand at 3-D creations too, with playdough and modeling clay, and collage.

Added value…

• It sows the seeds of writing The day your toddler makes his first squiggle on a piece of paper (or the wall!) is a milestone because those first squiggles lead to first scribbles.
• It flexes your child’s imagination every time he creates a work of art.
• It boosts literacy and descriptive skills Your child’s first pictures often relate to something that has happened to her so they’re her first attempt to tell you a story.

Dancing

If you’ve noticed your baby furiously waving her arms and legs along to music you’re seeing her first attempts at dancing! And once she’s a toddler you’ll become familiar with the standing jiggle she does to whatever CD you’re playing. Even children as young as 3 can start formal education in dance.

Added value…

• It sharpens math skills Dancing involves counting steps and progressing a sequence, skills which are also utilized in working out math problems.
• It burns off energy that might otherwise build up and prevent them from focusing on academic work.
• It boosts gross motor skills and strength, improving physical co-ordination body awareness, and building self-esteem.

Drama

Most young children are born performers and love being the center of attention… after all, isn’t that what lies beneath all those tantrums?! Encourage your drama queen or king with role-play and dressing up games. From 6 or 7 she might feel ready for theater classes.

Added value…

• It improves memory and concentration She’ll have to concentrate to learn her lines and be watchful for the cues of her fellow ‘performers’.
• It reinforces the concept of sharing Theater classes in which she won’t always be the leading lady will help reinforce that she can’t always be the center of attention.
• It makes her more empathic She’ll experience what other people think and feel through the roles she plays.
• It hones her body language, enabling her to better express and work through emotional issues that might be bothering her.
• It boosts self-esteem and confidence, particularly in shy children.

Sport

Exercise is one of the foundations of good health – in fact, the United Nations enshrines it as every child’s right. but whether it’s kickball with your toddler, Little League with your kindergartner or shooting hoops with your tween, there’s more going on than just burning calories.

Added value…

• It primes his brain for learning Physical exercise boosts blood circulation, increasing the flow of oxygen to your child’s brain.
• It’s sociable and can help draw out shy children and boost their self-esteem and confidence.
• It improves hand-eye co-ordination especially if it involves a ball.
• It builds co-operation Sport helps underline the idea of fair play, teaches kids perseverance and reinforces the concept of taking turns.

 

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