Many parents are looking for ways to give their children the tools they will need for later in life. It is important that parents work with their children early on to develop some much needed skills. It has been proven that children are more likely to learn a new skill through play. Here are some important activities for early childhood that your children are sure to find fun.

Coloring

Many people may not look at coloring as an important activity. However, encouraging a child to color has many benefits. Coloring will help a young child develop their fine motor skills. Often children are first exposed to how to grip a writing instrument when coloring. It is thought that children that color often during their early childhood find it easier when learning how to write. As young children become more accustom to coloring try using other tools such as an easel or tape the paper to the wall. You can also introduce markers, colored pencils and chalk to give them a new experience and broaden their coloring ability. A simple activity would be to trace your child’s hand and have them practice coloring within the lines.

Play Dough

Playing with play dough is a fun activity for young children. Many are not aware but this is a great exercise to develop a child's fine motor skills. Play dough can be used to help a child learn many things such as shapes and letters. Introducing rolling pins and child safe scissors is also a way to help develop a child's fine motor skills and makes the activity more fun. For a fun early childhood activity try making homemade play dough and allowing the children to help in measuring the ingredients. Creating your own play dough also allows the children to work on their color recognition by choosing their desired colors.

Playing with Blocks

In a child's early years it is very important to give them many activities that develop their fine motor skills. Playing with blocks is can teach a child many things. Blocks come in a variety of sizes, shapes, textures and colors. In early childhood you should begin with large blocks so that the children does not get frustrated and give up. You should not introduce small blocks right away as they can also be a choking hazard. Children can learn how to sort the blocks as well as how to maneuver the blocks when stacking them. Many experts suggest that you have few different types of blocks such as foam and wood. This will teach a child about the difference in weight and texture.

Painting

There is a lot of fun and learning that can be accomplished with painting. Painting comes in many styles such as finger painting and water colors. Painting can help the children learn about mixing the colors to create other colors. Painting in early childhood helps a child develop hand-eye coordination. When beginning painting have a variety of paint and brushes available to allow the children to be creative.