Early stimulation in children: exercises in 5 stages

Both animals and humans learn by interaction with those stimuli that surround us. Therefore, it is logical to think that the sooner said stimulation begins and the more it is enhanced, the more possibilities to learn and improve our skills.

These are the principles that govern early stimulation. Through these dynamics of activities the capacities and abilities of children are enhanced, facilitating their physical, psychological and social development.

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What is early intervention?

Early stimulation activities are based on a series of exercises that aim to enhance the development of the child, both on an intellectual, physical and social level. These practices can be started from the moment the baby is born and continue to be practiced until 6 years of age.

It is necessary to specify that there are a series of specific routines or practices for each of the stages of the child, appropriate to the level of development of the age. The reason that the ideal age range to perform these exercises is up to 6 years is that until this age, the child enjoys a greater

brain plasticity.

The concept of brain plasticity refers to the ability of the nervous system to change and modify as a reaction to interaction with the environment. This means that, through adequate stimulation, our brain has the ability to create new synapses and neural circuits that allow it to enhance or improve the activity and performance of certain brain areas.

These exercises can be practiced both in healthy children, with the intention of enhancing their abilities, as well as with children with some type of disorder or condition that affects their development. In this way, their compensatory capacities are stimulated and their physical and psychological abilities are improved.

What's more, These dynamics can be carried out both within the home and in schools and nurseries specialized. After a short information period, those parents who wish can do all these exercises in the comfort of home, thus also strengthening the affective bonds between parents and sons.

The main objective of early stimulation is that, through the realization of a series of stimulating activities, the child develops his autonomy and independence from her. In the same way, great advances can be made in physical, cognitive, communication skills and sensory development.

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What does it consist of?

First of all, it is necessary to develop a specific plan or program for each child. This program must be adjusted to both the needs of the child, as well as the availability and level of involvement of the parents, and the resources of the home.

In this way, they will be able to gradually evaluate the progress and progress of the child according to minimum objectives set. With a suitable activity plan, parents will be able to promote all those areas of the child that interest them.

Parents must be patient, and be aware that you cannot set too strict times when it comes to achieve goals since there is no pre-established time frame that dictates how and when the baby will have achieved a objective.

The most important thing is to provide the child with a series of exercises appropriate to her age, with which to work and increase her esteem. Gradually, the parents or those in charge of carrying out the exercises will modify the objectives of the plan according to the development of the child as well as the results obtained.

The first step will always be to create an emotional and affective bond with the little one, creating a space of trust in which they feel comfortable and safe to interact with us. Once this link is achieved, the adult in charge of carrying out early stimulation can begin work on the rest of the areas.

These areas include:

• Emotional area: development of the autonomy and independence of the child, as well as the recognition and expression of emotions.
• Cognitive area: development of the child's intellect and knowledge.
• Driving area: development of gross and fine motor skills, enhancement of muscle control and coordination.
• Social area: development of the skills of interaction with the environment.
• Language area: development of expression and understanding of language.

Conditions to put it into practice

It is necessary to take into account a series of aspects that will facilitate carrying out these activities. The first of this is that if the child is not in the mood or does not feel like doing the activities at a specific time, he should not be pressured; since for him it should be a diversion, not an obligation or punishment.

Also, as mentioned above, the exercises must be adapted to the child's age and abilities. If we force him to perform a task for which he is not prepared, we will only increase his frustration and lower his self-esteem. In the same way, if the exercises are too easy or do not pose a small challenge for the child, this will lose interest in them and, therefore, will decrease motivation.

Reinforcement from parents or professionals is very important. Congratulate the child and praise their progress It will be of vital importance to maintain the interest of this and the motivation of it.

Early stimulation exercises according to stage

Following the line of the rest of the article, we present a series of examples of early stimulation exercises adapted according to the child's age, as well as designed to enhance each of the aforementioned areas of development previously.

1. 0 to 12 months

Gross motor skills: a very effective activity to work the baby's gross motor skills is one that helps control the baby's head. To do this, the baby should be placed on his stomach, displaying flashy toys or stimuli that force you to hold your head up.

Social development: this exercise facilitates body self-knowledge and consists of placing the child in front of a mirror, in a comfortable position, so that it can begin to recognize itself in it. Next, perform movements with the arms or hands to keep his attention.

2. 1 to 2 years

Gross motor skills: through this exercise we will improve the child's sense of balance. For this it is necessary to hold the child under the arms, moving smoothly from side to side and front to back, allowing it to straighten itself.

3. 2 to 3 years

Cognitive and language area: read aloud children's stories with illustrations that the child can see. Then ask simple questions about the story or let the child tell us his version of what she has understood.

4. 3-4 years

Language and fine motor skills: the child will be asked to draw freely on a sheet, asking him to explain while he is drawing. They can also draw the two together and ask while asking about the pictures.

5. 4-6 years

• Gross motor skills: encourage the child to dance. Do fun dance exercises will stimulate your coordination and balance.