Here are some pro-active, hands-on, fun activities to do with your children, based on the guide Play and Grow Smart, by Nancy Pyne-Hapke.

The following material is based on the "Windows of Learning" developmental periods during which different circuits of the brain and being most heavily wired. The more opportunitiy children have to experience and repeat key activities during these critical periods, the more effectively their brains will work over the long run.

Guided Play and Parenting Activities

Birth to 3 months - GROSS MOTOR
Give Baby as much freedom to explore as safety permits. Reaching for an object helps the brain develop hand-eye coordination.
3 to 6 months - TACTILE
Provide different textural surfaces - silky satin, nubby wool, towels, rough or soft blankets, fluffy toys, straw mats and sticky, smooth and bumpy surfaces - for sensory discrimination.
6 to 9 months - VISION/SIGHT
Carrying Baby is important for her learning - many more things come into view when she's in a higher position. In your arms, she can wonder at the many things you see and talk about, remembering that what is ordinary to you is fascinating to her. Baby backpacks can be delightful for both parent and baby.
9 to 12 months - AUDITORY
Provide an environment rich with sound: help Baby learn to recognize common household sounds such as a vacuum cleaner, radio, clock, doorbell, pet noises, water from the tap and shower, whistling tea kettle, doors opening and closing, etc.
12 to 18 months - FINE MOTOR
He likes to use plastic bowls and containers (NO glass), so let Baby play in the bathtub to learn the fine motor skills of pouring and squeezing. NEVER leave him alone in the tub.
18 to 24 months - LIFE SKILLS
Show Toddler how to use things around the house, like a broom and mixing spoon.
24 to 30 months - CREATIVITY
Encourage sand, mud, clay and water play with different sized containers and spoons. Toddler enjoys messy play and learns a great deal from mixing, sifting, pouring, stirring and shaping.
30 to 36 months - SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Do not expect Toddler to share or take turns. Right now she is focused on learning how to physically handle herself and on learning to talk. Learning to share will come later.
3 years old - MATH/LOGIC
Offer color choices. Toddler can tell you if he wants to wear red or blue today. On a special day, dress him all in one color and look for that color everywhere you go.
4 years old - LANGUAGE/VOCABULARY
Ask Preschooler questions about the stories you read. "How many children were in the story?" "Where did they go?" "How di she feel?" "What did you like best?" Engage in discussion to develop listening and understanding skills.
5 years old - MUSIC
Teaching Preschooler folk dances and skipping or jumping rope to music encourages coordination and a sense of balance.