Each activity is designed for a specific
age group In
this page we will give you an idea of the typical
motor and intellectual development and suggest
suitable activity types. The
ages given for individual UpToTen activities are intended as a guide.
Your child will not necessarily fit neatly into these categories.
Your child is unique and will develop at
their own rhythm. Only suggest
activities that they are capable of completing, or at least getting close.
Your child could become frustrated with a game that is not designed for
their age group. Avoiding such frustrations will help to maintain self esteem.
On the other hand, please don't discourage
your child from playing games aimed at younger children. It is important
for them to relax. Don't worry, your child is still learning !
The bottom line is this : if your child can do an activity and enjoys
it, then it is just right !
Please note that there is NO MAXIMUM age limit for playing ANY UpToTen
game.
That means you are welcome play them too, if you want to. Who knows, you may enjoy them. How do I know if an activity is suitable
for my child ?
When your child is playing (and learning !) on an activity,
click on this button (in the gray navigation bar) to see the suggested
minimum age for that activity.
The suggested minimum ages are shown with the results
in the UpToTen search engine. To use the search engine, click on this
button in UpToTen Kids.
What will my child benefit most from
?
From 0 to 2 years old Stage of development : Your child
is gleefully discovering their world at their own rhythm. Your active
participation is necessary and hugely beneficial. You can suggest : Listening activities
(such as songs), or read the stories to them. The stories can be particularly
fun if you share your thoughts about the pictures and animations as you
go along. Click on the "next" buttons to move the story along scene by
scene, and click everywhere on the pictures in "Around the world in 12
songs with Boowa & Kwala" for some animated surprises.
At around two years old, you can suggest some games using the keyboard
arrows.
From 3 to 4 years old Stage of development : Your child
is increasingly dexterous, hand-eye coordination is improving and oral
expression is becoming natural...
Encourage their need for independence on certain games and activities
on the site. Explain how a game or activity works, then leave them to play
at their own rhythm... your child will often play a game they like 10
times or more... Or listen to the same song 50 times in a row. Your child
will call you if they get stuck or if they achieve something. Congratulate
and encourage. Kids love that! You can suggest : Boowa & Kwala
games and activities. You will be surprised by how well your child will
use the mouse. Try the coloring section - in many games, your child can
simply click on the drawings to change the color of different elements.
Print out some pages from the Print and Paint section too. You can then
encourage your child to color them in off-line - this will help improve
manual dexterity and color-awareness.
From 4 to 6 years old Stage of development : Your child's
intellectual development is in full swing and their concentration span
will be increasing all the time. Keep trying new activities and games
with them. Your child is able to navigate the site and play alone for
longish periods.
But don't simply leave them to their own
devices. Your child still needs your help and guidance. Your presence
is particularly important for active (and human) encouragement. Once your
child gets to know the site and the games they like the best, they will
ask for games using descriptive words or phrases (not always logical for
you). Try the search engine. Chances are, you will find the long-lost
"Kwala and the wiggly lines game". You can suggest : Suggest Boowa & Kwala games - most Boowa & Kwala activities will be a perfect fit. Don't
forget the Boowa & Kwala puzzles section in Kidsgames, though - delightful
16-piece puzzles. Your child will also have a lot of fun in the animated
coloring and the Print and Paint sections. The Mixed bag section will
help with creativity.
Sending animated cards to friends and family
(with your help, of course!) is fun for both of you. You could also send
a card to your child yourself from time to time - kids LOVE to get mail.
6 years old and up Stage of development : Your child
will be interested in everything and will want to learn. Try to provide
as many answers and as much information as possible. Your child will want
to navigate the site and play alone (and on-line play sessions can last
a LONG time).
But don't leave them completely to their
own devices. Your child still needs your help and guidance. Your presence
is particularly important for active (and human) encouragement. Once your
child gets to know the site and the games they like the best, they will
ask for games using descriptive words or phrases (not always logical for
you). Try the search engine. Chances are, you will find the long-lost
"The dog and rabbit game. With the tons". You can suggest : Suggest games from
Kidsgames, Animated coloring and Boowa & Kwala. Don't forget that some Boowa
& Kwala activities can be quite challenging, even at this age. Even if the game looks "easy",
please don't discourage your child - the ages we give are for guidance only.
Kids and adults of all ages love Boowa & Kwala - don't forget, a fun
game is still fun, even when you are 100 !
Sending animated cards to friends and family
(with your help, perhaps !) is fun for both of you. You could also send
a card to your child yourself from time to time - kids LOVE to get mail.
UpToTen c/o Business Consult 6th Floor, Newton Tower, Sir William Newton Street, Port Louis, Mauritius.
