By the time children enter school, some know a lot more than others. That’s because learning begins at birth and it happens at home, in the park—anywhere your child goes. Families can help infants and toddlers build strong foundations for later learning in school.
Infants' Activities Promote Learning
Some simple, fun family activities that help babies learn include:
- Set them free to explore. When they were babies, bright children were allowed to explore. They were not kept in cribs, playpens or high chairs all day long.
- Talk, talk, talk. Bright children have parents who talk to them all the time. Caring adults explain and expand on things they say.
- Go on outings. Bright children have been taken places, like to the market, the post office, the fair and the park. Travel for toddlers opens up new worlds and stimuli.
- Offer “just enough” help. The parents of bright children give them just enough help so they can do things alone. For example, put chairs together so an early walker can hold on while walking. Gradually, move the chairs apart a bit, making the job just a little bit harder.
Source: Parenting the First Year, Month 12. University of Wisconsin-Extension, NCR Publication No. 321. 1999.