This post is sponsored by KinderCare.

First off I am all for kids being kids as long as they can be but I also think its important to instill the importance of learning in young kids. I remember when I went to my son’s kindergarten round-up to learn about our school’s kindergarten program, I was amazed at all the information the 5 years old were supposed to know. They had to know their letters, numbers, spelling of their name and more. I was thinking how grateful I was that I sent my son to preschool otherwise he would have been behind before he even started. As a mother I try to teach my kids as much as I can but I admit it can be overwhelming, especially with three kids now.

Learning for young kids is a challenge too as it needs to be fun and simple enough for their little minds. If the task is too complex, kids will loose their focus and they won’t retain anything. It is important that learning be done through play activities too since kids like to move and feel things. Whether kids are learning their letters, science, language or the importance of sharing, joy and learning is something that should go hand-in-hand.

Can 3 year-olds really learn concepts like states of matter, force, and motion? Yep! There are activities such as Shadow Art and Freeze Tag that teach kids the concepts of science through hands-on play. Kids will think they are playing but deep down they are actually learning the principles! It is a great way for parents to bond with their kids and both learn some new things!

Even if your not teaching your kids scientific principles, there are tons of everyday activities that parents can do to make connections with their kids, which is just as important as learning. From an impromptu dance party to family game night or even just talking at the dinner table, it is important to constantly engage your kids. I have noticed that when we all sit together at the dinner table, my kids actually talk about their days and see happy but when I let them sit on the stools at the counter they separate themselves and do their own things. Kids love attention and its important to give it to them, even though that may be the last thing we want to do as parents who had a long day. I know one day I will have teenagers who are busy with their own lives and I’ll miss the days they asked me to go for a bike ride with them or play UNO with them and I said “no” because I had work to do.

There is a great article titled “10 Things Every Parent Should Know about Play” that talks about how beneficial playtime is and why its so important. It explains how playtime is more than just what you see. Its not just your child making messes all over the house (even if they are) or writing scribbles on papers, kids all learn in different ways but when they are young their learning is done in what we may see as playing.  I love how the articles encourages parents to let kids play just play to see all the amazing things they are capable of.

How do you encourage your kids to learn through playing?

See more at adventureahead.kindercare.com

Background on KinderCare Learning Centers:

KinderCare Learning Centers cares deeply about its mission to provide all children the very best care and education possible. The company’s goal is to deliver excellence every day in every one of its centers. In fact, KinderCare is nearing its goal of 100% accreditation for all of its eligible centers—a mark of excellence awarded by an independent party that ensures a center is attaining the nation’s very highest standards of care, education, and learning. Ultimately, KinderCare Learning Centers wants to nourish curiosity in all young children in its care—so that they develop a love of learning that stays with them for life.