bornlearning

Turn Everyday Moments into Building Blocks For Children’s Future

It’s the simple things that make a difference in building a young child’s foundation for future success. It’s not flash cards or expensive educational toys – it’s making your grocery trip into a treasure hunt for colors and shapes. Turn bath time into a silly song about body parts. Even dinner can become a learning opportunity, as your toddler builds math skills by counting eggs.

Sound real simple? Well, that's the idea - to turn everyday activities into opportunities for parents to encourage learning. You can get ideas from the Monmouth County Born Learning program, a new campaign helping parents, grandparents and caregivers enrich children’s learning in everyday moments.

It’s all based on the latest brain research showing us that children begin learning at birth. Emotional, social and cognitive development starts then. During the first few years, the foundation for learning is built. That’s because brain structure in the early years supports future learning, just as an architectural framework supports a house. Infants’ brains are twice as active as ours during “construction.” With the right kinds of interactions early on, a baby’s brain architecture becomes strong. And so does his or her foundation for learning.

Who helps this happen? Parents, grandparents and family or friends who may care for the child during the day. These are a child’s first teachers, encouraging education long before school starts. So what can parents do?

• Exploring is learning, so follow your child’s lead --if your child stops to look at a bug, talk together about its colors, shape and activities. Look up the bug at the library. Choose a book about bugs for bedtime reading. Encourage questions, curiosity and creativity – and have fun!
• Read Everything – Reading is more than bedtime stories. Read street signs and grocery store labels. Read your magazine to your infant.
• Narrate Your Life – Explain what you’re doing. Even making a quesadilla explains sequencing and nutrition. Think of yourself as a “play-by-play” announcer, helping your child understand the world.
• Ask Questions – Ask questions to encourage thinking, not one-word answers. Instead of “did you having fun at the park?” ask “What did you like about the park? Why?”
• Fun Thinking – Count spoons while setting the table. Put groceries away together – making up games about colors and shapes and numbers as you go.
• Build Confidence – Label your child’s feelings, while explaining what behaviors are acceptable. This helps children learn to manage emotions and make choices, while knowing he or she is loved.
  

For more tips, visit www.BornLearning.org