First of all, observe the child to try to determine why the child is gravitating towards activities that are too simple, not challenging them. Why are they going in that direction? Are they afraid of failure? Do they not have enough information about the “age-appropriate” materials?  

Give choices of things to work on until the child can make spontaneous choices that are more appropriate.  

Are you following the ages for materials listed in your album or are your following a child’s interest. If a child is interested in a material that has some pre-requisite knowledge/experience, explain that to the child, offer the pre-requisite material so that the child knows what might be coming next.

For the younger child, give more age-appropriate choices. For the older child discuss their choices and why those materials are being chosen.