by Steven McKinnon, Mindful Mum, 7th December 2011

• Threading cards
• Stress balls
• Science kits
• Craft kits
• Dot-to-dot books and games

Threading cards

Threading cards are wooden shapes with graphics on them, (for example, a car or farmyard animal) with holes along the edge for threading. This helps children develop their motor functions, hand-eye co-ordination and attention skills.

Stress balls

Stress balls have been introduced to primary schools in recent years to help calm down children who feel sad, angry or anxious. If your child is prone to tantrums, this might be just the remedy you need. Most of these are non-toxic, but always check with the manufacturer to be sure!

Science kits

If your child has an interest in the stars and beyond, why not get them a telescope or pair of binoculars? It might be early days, but this could inspire your child to be the next Einstein!

Craft kits

3-5 year old children have mastered the arts of running, climbing and jumping around as their motor functions are fully developed. Buying your child craft kits, like child-friendly scissors to cut around specific shapes and crayons to keep them colouring ‘within the lines’ will help refine skills like hand-eye co-ordination and dexterity whilst still allowing them to express themselves creatively.

Dot-to-dot books and games

Dot-to-dot games can be a great way to help your child practice with numbers and get used to sequencing. If only maths was always this fun!

Illustration: Marie Canat