Social development is parallel to emotional development; they simply go hand-in-hand. When children play, they are learning to regulate their own emotions and feelings towards others in social situations. Children can practice their verbal and nonverbal communication, body language, release of feelings and build self-confidence through emotional development.

In addition to the social aspect of growth & development, this activity addresses the need to develop motor skills.

Although it’s commonly believed children automatically acquire motor skills as their bodies develop, maturation only means that children will be able to execute most movement skills at a low performance level. Continuous practice and instruction are needed if the performance level and movement repertoire are to increase. In other words, once a child is able to creep and walk, gross motor skills should be taught—just as other abilities are taught.

This activity will help your child develop locomotor skills which are the basic ways to move - the building blocks of coordination!

Steps:

1. Create a numbered grid on your floor using yarn, masking tape and sticky notes

2. Have your child start at square one and walk through the grid following your directions

3. Stepping to the left or right would require a side step

4. This activity is even more fun when done in a group. In case you do not have more children to engage, join in with your child to navigate the grid!

Note: Some examples of directions are; Take 3 steps forward, Take 1 step to the left etc.