Pointers for
Grandparents
Using LEGO Bricks to Gauge Your Child’s Development
The first two years of a child’s life are crucial in laying a foundation for their future. With an increasing number of how-to books and conflicting reports from experts, it can be difficult for parents to know exactly how to nurture and measure their child’s progress.
According to a study of fine motor skills conducted by children’s hospitals across the U.S., at the age of 12 months, children should be able to let go of objects and hand them to their caregiver upon request. During the course of the following six months, children begin to first manipulate objects by “fiddling” with them, then develop the dexterity to place objects in containers.
At 16 months of age, children typically use both hands to play and can identify objects based on visual differences or icons. By the time a child reaches 18 months, they should be able to create a tower of blocks by stacking them one on top of another.
Albert Einstein once said “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Through inventive, creative play, children acquire important developmental skills. Toys designed to foster a child’s imagination, development of social skills, manual dexterity and creative storytelling abilities, while delivering pride through a sense of accomplishment, best aid that growth.
A new line of extra large construction bricks called LEGO QUATRO, has been specially developed with youngsters’ ever-changing motor skills in mind. Designed for children ages 12 months and older, brightly colored QUATRO bricks are made of a slightly softer plastic, according to the same high quality standards as the smaller bricks for which the company is most known, making them easier for small hands to grasp and manipulate.
Available in three bucket sizes that double as storage solutions, QUATRO is designed to grow with a child’s developing ability. As simple brick stacking comes easily, toddlers can progress to the next level in LEGO building with more familiar LEGO DUPLO bricks for preschoolers – half the size of and compatible with most QUATRO bricks – featuring favorite preschool characters and role play patterns.
For more information on the importance of creative play, visit www.legolearning.net.
The developmental
information is a general guide based on age. Please keep in mind that each
child is unique and develops skills at their own rate.
Pointers for
Grandparents