Activities to Help Children Learn New Skills

Global Developmental Delay (GDD) is a term used to describe a condition in which children experience significant delays in multiple areas of development compared to their peers. These areas of development include motor skills, speech and language, cognitive abilities, social and emotional skills, and activities of daily living. However, engaging children with GDD in activities tailored to their abilities and interests can promote their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. Some of these activities include:

Sensory Play: Provide sensory experiences such as playing with textured materials (e.g., sand, water beads, foam), exploring different textures and temperatures, or engaging in activities like finger painting, playing with playdough, or sensory bins filled with rice, beans, or other materials.

Fine Motor Skills Activities: Encourage activities that promote the development of fine motor skills, such as threading beads, lacing cards, sorting objects by size or color, using tongs or tweezers to pick up small items, or playing with building blocks or LEGO DUPLO.

Gross Motor Skills Activities: Plan activities that help develop gross motor skills, such as playing with balls (e.g., rolling, throwing, catching), crawling through tunnels, playing on playground equipment, dancing to music, or engaging in simple obstacle courses.

Interactive Games: Play simple interactive games that promote turn-taking, social skills, and communication, such as peek-a-boo, imitation games, simple board games with easy rules, or cooperative play activities like rolling a ball back and forth.

Pretend Play: Encourage imaginative play by providing dress-up clothes, dolls, stuffed animals, toy cars, kitchen sets, or other props that can inspire creative pretend play scenarios. Join in the play and encourage storytelling and role-playing.

Music and Movement: Engage children in music and movement activities that promote coordination, rhythm, and self-expression. Sing songs, play musical instruments (e.g., drums, shakers), dance to music, or participate in music therapy sessions tailored to their developmental needs.

When planning activities for children with GDD, it’s essential to consider their individual strengths, preferences, and developmental level. Additionally, providing plenty of encouragement, praise, and positive reinforcement can help motivate children and build their confidence as they engage in various activities.