For the past two decades, theories about childhood have gained prominence, emphasizing that this stage represents the structural foundation of children's development on all levels: physical, cognitive, and, fundamentally, emotional. In this sense, Early Stimulation has become a widespread practice. Today we'll explain what it is, because you've probably heard about it many times, but you're still not entirely clear on it; and what benefits it offers for the psycho-emotional development of the youngest members of the family.
We also recommend some activities for different stages between 0 and 6 years old. Keep reading, you'll find them interesting.
What is Early Stimulation?
Early Stimulation (ES) is simply a set of activities and techniques aimed at maximizing the development of cognitive, physical, emotional, and social abilities during early childhood (0-6 years). This stage is the ideal time because the brain is like a sponge, absorbing all the stimuli around it to learn and adapt to the environment. In other words, it is the stage in which the brain establishes neural connections most easily and quickly.
Important note: This set of activities should not be confused with therapy or an educational model. These are repetitive exercises designed to enhance and develop brain functions. In other words, our brain develops based on new and varied stimuli and information that allow it to grow.
Benefits of Early Stimulation
Among the main benefits of this set of stimulation activities, it is important to note that:
- It stimulates children's curiosity and observation skills.
- It promotes psychomotor and intellectual learning regardless of age, although the earlier it is started, the more benefits the early intervention exercises will provide.
- It stimulates the emotional and sensitive side of children.
- It favors the natural maturation process, because activities are not proposed for which they are not yet prepared.
- It helps to identify and resolve language and memory disorders early on.
- It increases children's safety and confidence through the manipulation of various materials.
- It strengthens family bonds, and an educational goal is promoted through the activities.
Early Stimulation by Stages
1-year stage
During this phase, the following is central: stimulation of type Motor skills : crawling and creeping. To achieve this, the individual must first exercise arm and abdominal strength without moving from the same spot to lift themselves up from a prone position.
Sensory stimulation exercises are also very powerful.
2-year stage
In this phase there are three very important milestones to promote the cognitive development of the little ones: gross motor skills , motor skills fine and stimulate the language and the memorization of words.
3-year stage
From this point on, the activities to be carried out become more diverse and complex; it is important to perform motor exercises , focused, for example, on figurative drawing; the development of game ; the socialization peers and development of reading and expansion of vocabulary .
Stage from 4 to 6 years
During this phase, the autonomy developed in previous stages is reinforced through activities such as: specific requests, routines, and behaviors that they can solve on their own (tidy their room, help with some chores at home); handling of social skills and emotions (empathy, respect and above all frustration management), and stimulate prerequisites for literacy.
Visit our online store And you'll find games and toys for each of the stages that early stimulation of the little ones needs.
