Brain development in children is a topic with which every parent should be familiar, as the minute a child is born, their rapidly developing brain influences their future in every way! Brain development is part of cognitive development, which describes how a child’s intellect forms, and includes thinking, learning and problem-solving skills. These skills affect all other areas of development, and in turn effect the child's entire life.
The first three years of a child’s life are critical for learning and development, and the brain is 90% developed by age 5, and 95% developed by age 6! Okay, don't stress out if your kids are over the age of 6 and you are just becoming aware of this info. The exposure kids get after age 6 is also very important and how kids spend their time greatly impacts every stage of development.
One of the main problems today is that kids are glued to screens rather than spending time reading or playing word and reasoning games that are important for their growth. Just about any activity that does not involve a screen is great for development and truly crucial. So put away the devices and help your kids invest their time wisely in order to have a bright future!
Here are fifteen fun brain exercises and activities to get you started. Time is of the essence, lets get to it!
1. Jigsaw Puzzles
Puzzles give kids' brains a workout, boosting spatial skills, teaching them to focus on small details, and learning that some things take time.. Patience is an important skill to develop, especially in this fast-paced world.
Pick puzzles with pictures that will keep them hooked. You can choose from easy 50-piece sets to tougher 200-piece ones.Some children can spend hours putting bright pictures together, not even realizing they're training their brains.
2. Crosswords
Crossword puzzles are fun and great for increasing a child's vocabulary as well as enhancing problem-solving skills. Begin with easy crosswords made for children, like the ones you can easily find at crosswordanswers911, which have crosswords and answers for easy assembly. As kids get better at solving the puzzles be sure to challenge them with something harder.
Another way of using crosswords is to plan a game where kids need to think about words with similar meanings, opposite meanings, and context clues, making crossword puzzles a good workout for language growth in older children as well.
3. Word Games
Word-based games help kids recognize words and build their vocabulary. These push children to scan letters and spot hidden words, which boosts their focus and language skills.
To make them effective, pick word games that match topics your child is currently learning. Games like Scrabble or Boggle help build vocabulary with active recall, which is vital for memory development and learning. They also develop strategic thinking. These games push kids to think about letter combinations and of course spelling, very valuable!
4. Memory Matching
Speaking about memory, memory games can also be very helpful, sharpening short-term recall and focus. You can easily make your own memory game with pairs of cards or pictures turned face down, and kids will have the chance to turn over just two cards each turn in order to find pairs. Kids must keep track of where each card is and find its match. You can make it tougher by adding more cards as kids get better at the game.
5. Sudoku for Kids
Sudoku is a number puzzle based on logic that can help kids improve their critical thinking and ability to spot patterns. Few people grow up liking this game because it is so “complex.” So, introducing your kids to it at a young age will help them be excited about it later in life.
You can find easier versions for children with smaller grids and fewer numbers to fill in. A pro tip is presenting Sudoku as a fun "number game" to interest kids.
6. Brain-Teaser Riddles
Riddles are a fun way to get kids thinking about the world. They help kids use their brains, logic, and creativity to come up with answers that aren't always clear right away.
Challenge kids with riddles at breakfast or in the car to keep their minds busy and pass the time. And of course the riddles you teach them can be shared with friends, making them popular and boosting self confidence.
7. Storytelling and Creative Writing
As a child grows , so too does their ability to form sentences. Storytelling and Creative Writing is an amazing way to develop the brain.
If your child isn’t speaking yet, approach them with story-telling. Push your child to make up stories. If they are learning to write, they should use creative writing as a helping tool.
These activities boost imagination, language skills, and memory as they require remembering details and creating narratives. If they struggle to begin, give them prompts or pictures to kick start their creativity.
8. Playing Chess
Alright, hear me out! Chess is one of the top brain exercises for kids. It requires strategic thinking, planning, and foresight. It teaches children to predict their opponents' moves and devise tactics to outsmart them.
You might be wondering, what if the kids find it uninteresting? Well, I have some tips for that. For beginners, start with easy versions or check out kid-friendly online guides.
Another way to get them hooked is with colorful chess boards and pieces, but be aware they might use them for their pretend-play, though that is great too!
9. Sensory Play
Sensory play can help develop a child’s senses, motor skills, and coordination. It can also be used with babies!
You can make a sensory board by making “oobleck” which is equal parts cornstarch and water, or chia seed with water. You can look up different sensory recipes as well. Your kids will be thrilled and it will keep them occupied, just do make them taste-safe and be prepared for the mess!
10. Mazes
Mazes offer a straightforward way to boost a child's problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. As kids find their way through different paths, they learn to plan ahead and spot obstacles, be patient, and keep their calm as well.
You can try maze books or online printable mazes with different levels to keep things fresh and fun. To take it a step further, go to a live maze at different parks, but adult supervision is advised.
11. Math-Based Games
Counting and solving math problems helps to activate their problem-solving skills and is a great addition to playtime. Games like Math Bingo, Number Jumble are a good start.
You can also do crafts that develop math skills or math board games too. They can turn learning numbers and arithmetic into a good time. Count everyday things like snacks or toys to make math feel real and enjoyable.
12. Arts and Crafts
Drawing or painting exercises get the right side of the brain working. This part handles creativity and spatial awareness. Ask your child to draw something specific or give them an idea to sketch out.
You can set up a small art exhibit at home where your kids can display their work. Similarly, you can choose themes like summer crafts or cartoons, which will get them engaged and boost their self-esteem and excitement.
13. Games with Music
Music plays a key role in helping the brain grow. Games that involve rhythm, such as making clap patterns or playing an easy instrument, can improve memory, coordination, and sound processing.
Bring in instruments like a piano or drums so kids can make their own tunes and check out different sounds.
14. Obstacle Courses
Outdoor activities can also help exercise the brain. Navigating a simple obstacle course in the backyard can boost kids' motor skills, coordination, and strategic thinking.
They'll figure out the best way to complete the course. Change the course often to add new challenges and keep kids interested.
Conclusion
And there you have it! All the fun activities for good brain development. In this tech-dependent world, these games can create a space for your children to grow, though of course the trick is to make these activities fun so kids want to join in, and end up preferring game time to screen time. As parents for kids who just really want that screen, start a slow weaning process by limiting time more and more gradually over the period of a few weeks so that the whole experience is joyful, not traumatic.
Remember, we don't want to make these activities feel like work. Instead, we should blend them into playtime so they come across as natural and fun for your child. Use your own brain juices and have fun with it, and down the road you'll be so grateful you took this extra time to focus on your children's brain development!
