Literacy News

Babies begin learning as soon as they enter the world. Sights, sounds, smells, and tactile sensations provide the building blocks of learning. The relationships he forms teaches him about you, himself, and the world around him. Many new parents feel apprehensive, asking questions like, “how will I teach my baby?” “What can I do to ensure my baby lives up to his potential?” Through everyday activities, daily care rituals, and play, babies form healthy relationships with their families, and make sense of the world around them. 

Knowing a bit about child development can assist parents in providing enriching everyday activities that will help their child learn, grow, and thrive. 

Language & Communication 

Cries, sounds, gestures, and facial expressions are your baby’s only way to communicate his needs and feelings to you. For example, Attuned parents can distinguish a hungry cry from a sleepy cry. By the time your baby reaches one year of age, she will begin using first words or sounds to communicate with you. Around the age of three, you can expect your child to speak in short (3-5 word) sentences.

To encourage language in your baby, watch and listen closely to see how your baby communicates what he feels and thinks. He will come to understand that you care about his needs and feelings. Meeting baby’s needs on a consistent basis gives him a sense of safety as he begins to trust. Repeat the sounds your baby makes, which teaches her the back and forth turn taking of later conversations. Talk about what you do together, from routine care like diaper changes, to running errands, to visiting friends and family. Baby will feel included as he goes about his day, and providing a language rich environment will benefit him later in school. Read, sing, and tell stories. Playing with language helps your baby understand new words and ideas. 

Thinking Skills 

By playing and exploring, children learn and make sense of their world. Through play, babies and toddlers learn about how things work, and how to be good problem-solvers. Begin by watching your child play. Follow your child’s interests because children learn best through activities that excite them. Turn everyday activities into playful learning moments. For example, while sorting laundry, talk about colors, shapes, and sorting items, like socks. Encourage your child to explore toys in different ways, by banging, stacking, touching, and shaking. As your child nears the age of three, begin asking questions that get her thinking. For example, while reading a story, look at the faces in the book, see if she can identify how each is feeling. You can begin to ask, “why?’ questions. Why is the bear angry? Why is the girl crying?  

Self Control 

During the first three years of life, your child begins to develop self control. Self control allows him to manage his feelings and actions in acceptable ways. She is also learning to wait, share, and work out his problems with friends. Teaching your child to use words to solve a conflict will give him the tools to succeed with classmates and friends. Use words to help your child understand his feelings. You are really mad because we have to leave the park. Offer choices to older toddlers. Would you like milk or water to drink? Stay calm when your child is upset. This helps her feel safe and regain control of her feelings.

 Self Confidence 

Your child is learning that he is loved, fun, capable, and smart. Your child is learning that people see her as a very special person. When children feel good about themselves they are more confident, take on challenges, and learn acceptable risk taking. Encourage your child to keep trying. This helps her be persistent and successful. You are working so hard to put the puzzle together. Sometimes it takes lots of tries. Help your child be a good problem-solver. Be close by to offer support, but avoid solving the problem for him. He will feel more capable if he solves the problem on his own. Offer the least help needed to avoid frustration. Comment on what your child does well. Give specific and genuine praise. Avoid overuse of phrases like, “good job.” “You finished the puzzle all by yourself!” Give your child the chance to do things for herself, even if it will mean a larger mess. Allow extra time when possible, and let her feed or dress herself. As she nears age 3, give her jobs like setting the table, pouring her own juice, or helping stir the spaghetti sauce. 

Remember, as a parent, you are the best teacher your child will ever have! Make a game of everyday experiences, and you turn them into playful learning opportunities that give your child the skills to succeed. These early years set the foundation for school readiness in areas of literacy, language, math, science, and social skills. Take time each day to play.

Related posts:

1. The Importance of Books and Reading in Early Learning
2. Overcoming Reading Difficulties is Crucial for Success
3. Early Reading With Fun Phonics