Children learn new things every day – at school they learn about science, at home and outdoors they learn the patterns of the world. This happens thanks to their cognitive abilities. If they are well developed, the child’s development will be fast, harmonious and effective. And if cognitive abilities are reduced, there may be problems with learning, assimilation of information, memorization.
What are cognitive abilities and what is the cogat test used for?
Cognitive abilities are a person’s ability to accept, process, analyze and remember information coming from the outside world. They include:
gnosis – it is responsible for assimilation of information
Attention – allows us to concentrate on the object studied
Memory – the ability to remember new information
Speech – it is necessary t
o bring the acquired knowledge to the others
thinking – for analyzing, processing and “digesting” the facts
ability to make informed decisions based on information learned
the ability to apply the knowledge in practice in everyday life
These skills must be developed both during pre-school classes and in high school, college, and even in adulthood including the use of dra reading. For the development of cognitive functions, it is useful for both adults and children to solve puzzles, read a variety of literature, learn to analyze information, and find non-standard applications for it. Chess classes are useful. There are also special exercises that contribute to the development of the child and train memory, attention, analytical skills, etc.
5 games for the development of cognitive skills in children
The “Name the words” game
Ask your baby to recall and name objects or concepts that correspond to one topic. For example, say, “Name all the sports you know.” This exercise trains children’s mental flexibility, memory, and the ability to use known information. The reverse version of the game is also acceptable, when the parent names different concepts, and the child must unite them with one topic.
Explain the word” game
Offer your child a few simple words (button, handle, bicycle, etc.). The task is to explain these words without using their names. For example, you can offer the child to explain these concepts to a foreigner or a person from the past who is not familiar with the subject. This game is often used in courses for children and helps
improve the child’s speech development.
The game “What is common?”
There is an opinion that Leonardo da Vinci liked to entertain himself at his leisure in this exercise. He took two unrelated objects and tried to find connections between them. Invite your child to play such a game, too. What do the book and the chair have in common? What is the relationship between the frog and the rocket? This exercise not only develops the speed of thinking and the ability to think outside the box, but also a great mood elevator. Especially if played in company.
The game “Draw an Object.
Give your child a sheet with an element drawn on it – it can be a geometric shape, a spot or a squiggly pattern. The child’s task is to create a ready image from this element. This exercise develops quick thinking, imagination and fantasy.
Game “Remember the Words”.
A child is given several words. His task is to memorize the words and make a story out of them. For memorizing, it is allowed to use the method of associations, generalizations, but it is not allowed to write down or sketch the words.