From listening and social skills to movement and following directions, here are some simple things you can do to help your child learn ... all while having fun of course!

Your preschooler is a busy bee and never stops playing: from creative games to exploring and drawing.

But if you’re struggling to think of new activities, or want easy ways for your child to learn as they play, we’ve got you covered. Here are 11 expert ways to boost your preschooler’s development … and they’re all so simple to do!

1. Play with dolls

As any parent of a preschooler knows, getting your child to do something they don’t enjoy NEVER works. Luckily then our first tip is something every preschooler loves: playing with dolls.

From boosting empathy to encouraging independent play, there are so many surprising benefits of doll play.

And now it’s even more fun for your little one thanks to My First Barbie , an all-new Barbie doll designed specifically for preschoolers.

Slightly larger than a traditional Barbie (13.5 inches compared to 11.5 inches), the doll has a body that's easier to pose, with bigger accessories too. Hours of fun, guaranteed!

2. Eye contact is everything

Okay, it can be hard to ALWAYS give your child your full and undivided attention, thanks to the need to get dinner on/tidy up/life in general – but, where possible, look at your child when they talk to you.

It sets a good example on which to model their own listening skills.

3. Repetition, repetition, repetition

Your preschooler doesn't have the best attention span. To help them, it’s a good idea to ask your child to repeat instructions back to you to ensure they’ve understood what it is they need to do.

This will help prepare them for instructions from their teacher when they start school. (Which will come round waaaay sooner than you think!)

4. Work on their fine motor skills

It won’t be long before your preschooler is writing in a classroom. So you’ll want to help them develop their fine motor skills using the muscles in their hands and fingers.

Playing with My First Barbie is a brilliantly fun way to do this. Your preschooler can practice their grip and finger movements as they dress My First Barbie in outfits for the beach, a party and more!

The hook-and-loop closures on the clothes are easier for little hands to navigate. And along with developing their fine motor skills, they can also work on their hand-eye coordination as they brush My First Barbie’s hair.

5. Offer choices

Preschoolers often respond best to being given a choice rather than what they view as a command. You could say, ‘Would you rather wear red socks or green socks?’ or ‘Would you prefer an apple or banana?’

The important thing to remember is that you need to be OK with either option!

6. Practise following directions by making it a game

Ask your preschooler to follow a direction and make it something entertaining so they find it fun. You might say, ‘Make a silly face’ or ‘Spin around in a circle’. Or why not play a game of Simon Says ?

This is another great way to boost their listening skills, while teaching them about taking turns and having the patience to wait!

7. Be positive

Give positive, concrete suggestions by letting children know what to do rather than telling them what not to do.

It’s as simple as switching up your own language. For example, instead of saying, ‘Don't run’, say, ‘Walk'. You'll be surprised how well they respond to this tiny change.

8. Set up an indoor obstacle course

Here’s a fun way to give their motor skills a leg-up: create an obstacle course throughout the house.

Activities could include weaving through cushions scattered on the floor, crawling under a sheet spread out or tossing beanbags or soft balls into a laundry basket.

9. Go for a family walk

Going out into nature is a great way to teach your preschooler about the world around them.

And if they get a bit bored, liven things up by collecting leaves together or counting how many red cars you spot on your journey. Not only are they getting some exercise, they're also learning about their environment.

10. Ask questions

Discussing previous events is a great way to boost your child’s memory skills.

For instance, after you’ve been to the supermarket, you could say, ‘What food did we put in our basket?’ You can also try the same after you’ve read a story together – ask your child questions such as, ‘What did the fox say to the mouse?’

This will encourage your preschooler to think back and also help them practice their recall skills.

11. Encourage independent play

Solo play is an important part of your preschooler's development. Not only does it help boost their creativity, it can help with problem solving and patience too.

The experts behind My First Barbie know this. Their research* found parents wanted their preschoolers to have a Barbie but said they struggled to play independently with the doll.

This was another key reason for the creation of My First Barbie. Not only is the doll much easier for little hands to play with, there are all sorts of accessories that will give your preschooler the base for creative, solo play. Be it a sleepover, a party or a day trip out, My First Barbie's activities let your preschooler's imagination take them wherever they want to go.

*Based on My First Barbie Exploration findings with mums of preschoolers, conducted by Mattel Global Consumer Insights in December 2020.

©2023 Mattel

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