BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — As parents are spending more time at home with their kids, many are asking if there is a right way to play? Former Elementary School teacher Elizabeth Turner says there is no wrong or right way to play.
As a mom of three-- Turner says having some structure is great but letting their imaginations roam is what really helps them build important skills.
“I really do see the value of play and learning is so much more about the process of them exploring and experimenting,” Turner said.
Turner says letting kids be the directors of their own play helps them grow. On average, early childhood experts say 90-percent of a child’s brain develops by the age of five.
Brenda Andolina, a spokesperson for play, tells parents to let their children explore with all sorts of different toys.
“There are some really fun ways to get your kids talking... get them thinking, all of this is critical thinking, critical learning and problem-solving in a really fun way to do it,” Andolina said.
Building a truck, using rainbow rocks, and working with shapes-- Toys help influence learning but everyday activities can have a major impact as well.
“Make the most out of the intimate moments you share every day," Turner said. "Talking about the science you see, using some numbers in context… just know what you do on a normal day provides so much more than you can write down and calculate.”
Some of the toys feature in the video:
- Edx Education.com, they sell rainbow pebbles, math kits, and geo-sticks
- Crayola Create-to-learn Family projects
- John Deere by TOMY
- Buffalo Games: Charades, Scavenger hunt, puzzles
