Two Minute Tips - Play Flashlight Tag

I have decided to start a "Two Minute Tips" feature on the blog.  What's a "Two Minute Tip"? It is anything from a quick activity or game to play with your little one, to a strategy that might help you get through a situation or circumstances.

Flashlight Tag is a favourite "Two Minute Tip" of mine.  All you need is a dark room, a flashlight for you, and a flashlight for your little one.  Aim your flashlight at the wall or ceiling, and begin to slowly move the beam across the surface.  Have your tot track the movement with his eyes.  After a minute or two, challenge him to turn on his flashlight, and match up the movement of his light to yours.  Slowly increase the speed at which you move the light, and the complexity of your movements.  See if she can follow a circle, square, or zig zag pattern.  This activity develops your toddler's sense of sight and hand-eye coordination.  It also enhances fine motor skills and builds concentration.  You can also challenge your child to identify the shapes you are drawing, and use it as an opportunity to work on directional words like "up", "down", "left", "right","fast", and "slow". Simply explain that you are moving the light beam up, or ask your child whether the beam is moving quickly or slowly.

For a more active version of the game that develops gross motor skills, move your flashlight, and have your child try and physically chase the beam of light as it moves along the wall.  Shine it on a spot on the floor, and have your child jump on that spot.  Move the beam to a new spot on the floor, and have her jump on the new spot. 

In addition to the educational benefits, flashlight tag is a lovely, cozy activity to bond with your child over, and it's a lot of fun too.  It may even help with fears of the dark.  Take two minutes, and have some fun with flashlight tag today!