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The years before a child goes to school can never be recaptured. This is the time when so much is discovered and absorbed. Every day there is something new to wonder at, think about, observe and create. It is a very exciting and joyful time for children and parents alike.

But even if you are the most inventive parent you will sometimes face the thought, 'What do I do now?', especially if the child is your first. Your child has ceased to be a baby, and is a lively, mobile, curious and highly individual person. You no longer have the support of doctors, midwives or health visitors, but your child is a long way off going to school. Even if he or she goes to a nursery, day-care centre or playgroup, there is still the rest of the day and the weekends, when it's you, the parents, who are on call.

As every first-time parent finds out, you do not have to 'do' that much; given the right things- to play with, children will often entertain themselves. But there are times when you will want to or have to involve yourself more, and children will always benefit from your time and enjoyment of the activities. Even if you are busy doing something else, a little thought put into their play will make it more valuable than simply giving them some paints and letting them get on with it.

Young children learn through play, not through formal teaching, and what may strike you as an essentially pointless activity is, in fact, the best way for a child to explore the world and to find out about his or her own capabilities. That does not mean that anything goes - there are a few guidelines which should help when you come to organize an activity.

First of all, pick a time when all of you have some energy and enthusiasm and not when you or the children are exhausted or hungry. After a busy morning at playgroup or nursery school they will not want to concentrate on something like a word game - certainly not until they've had a meal and a quiet time with a picture book.

Secondly, a play session with you should be relaxing. Never try to force children to concentrate. You can suggest and cajole a little, but if you sense a lack of interest, find something they want to do and let them get on with it; try the activity again later or the next day.

Don't make too much fuss about mess. Children will not be able to relax or become really absorbed in something if they (or you) are constantly worried about the odd spillage or paint splodge on their clothes. Having special clothes for messy activities is an answer.

Finally, tempting though it is, do not take over an activity. You will learn a good deal by observing how the children explore their materials and use them in quite different ways from those you had suggested or expected. That's how they find things out for themselves.

Using EdgezoneGames.com Free Printable Kids Craft Ideas

Although EdgezoneGames.com Free Printable Kids Craft Ideas are intended for 2 to 5 year olds, with the enormous changes that age span encompasses, I have not indicated an age for each activity, because I found it extremely difficult to decide how to do that. I know from experience that whereas one 2 year old will happily paint for hours alone, another will refuse to sit still for a moment. Often it is not a question of age but of motivation, personality and the ability to concentrate. Each child is quite different. For the same reason, the activities are not graded according to levels of difficulty. Each can easily be adapted to suit the needs and likes of your own family or group.

The activities are organized into different sections - indoor, outdoor, seasonal and special occasions - so that there should be something for every child at all times of the year.

Although the book is mainly addressed to parents, it has been written with playgroups and other care centres in mind. Many of the activities are suitable for groups, and all can be done with other children around, even 1 if they are engaged in other pastimes.

Playgroups, pre schools, and day-care centres

The main value of a playgroup (or pre school or day-care centre) is that it offers children a chance to play with others of their own age. This means that they have to share their toys, get used to being separated from their family for a period, to begin to control their own feelings and take the feelings of others into account. They also become familiar with other adults, which is good practice for coping with the teachers they will meet at school later on.

Playgroups in Australia and Great Britain are usually run informally, with other mothers present. The best have a happy atmosphere and are an extension of a child's home. Playgroups belonging to the Pre-School Playgroups Association receive advice, support and training from them.

The only way to find a playgroup, pre school or day-care centre for your children is to ask around the neighbourhood and go along with your child for at least a session. Note the atmosphere, the relationship between the adults and the children and the range of activities on offer.

If you don't like the playgroup or day-care centre or pre school you don't have to send your children to it. You have two other choices. Set up your own or keep the children at home, making sure they have plenty of young visitors to play with.

Finally, although the activities in EdgezoneGames.com Free Printable Kids Craft Ideas are educational, don't treat them too seriously. Everything a child does is in some way educational, and the main aim of this book is to suggest ways to channel a child's natural inquisitiveness and curiosity. The important thing about play is that it is fun, and if an activity ceases to be so the child will stop it. The fun is there for the adults too - the excitement and joy are there to be shared.

Click for EdgezoneGames.com Free Printable Kids Craft Ideas List!

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