Cognitive development refers to a child’s ability to make decisions, problem-solve, and remember details. Toddlers are in a key stage of cognitive development, so what they learn in day care will build the foundation for future learning. Even when children are at home, parents can help support their education. Here are five excellent methods to continue expanding your child’s cognitive abilities.

How to Support Cognitive Development After Day Care

1. Break Out the Crafts

Arts and crafts build creative thinking and fine motor skills, and they can also contribute to a child’s cognitive development. Put crafting materials in a box or bin, then have your toddler decide what they would like to do. Giving them the ability to choose their activity, organize their supplies, and plan out their creation feeds into their cognitive abilities.

2. Sing the Alphabet

In preschool, your child will memorize the letters of the alphabet and practice writing each one out. Day care prepares them for these lessons by introducing them to the alphabet. You can reinforce their learning, help them associate sounds with letters, and develop their language skills by singing the alphabet together.

3. Allow Them to Play With Puzzles 

Puzzles work the memory and concentration, which will benefit your toddler throughout their academic career. Pick some colorful puzzles and ask your child to put them together. Be sure to choose simple, age-appropriate sets to avoid frustrating or boring your toddler.

4. Play a Sorting Game

Although they may seem like simple activities, sorting games allow kids to identify and think critically about what makes each object different. Have your child sort various toys by size, shape, and color. You can even play while you’re on the road or out running errands. Ask them to point out objects that match your one-word descriptions.

5. Count Everything

It’s easy to turn just about any moment into a learning opportunity. Whenever possible, give your child the chance to practice counting. They can count anything from toys and clothes to fingers and toes. Soon, they’ll memorize the pattern and begin associating numbers with quantity.

To improve cognitive development, children need support both at home and at day care. Imagination Childcare Academy in Monroe County, NY, provides an enriching curriculum that properly prepares toddlers for preschool and beyond. Their certified teachers are committed to nurturing each child’s development, so every hour is dedicated to a variety of diverse and engaging learning experiences, from standard academic subjects to communications skills and emotional growth. To learn more about their childcare services, call (585) 413-3948. Visit them online for information on the curriculum.