While formal education may not begin until age five, those
years preceding classroom learning are crucial to brain development. You can
get your child started on the right path early on by encouraging learning
whenever possible.
Read more: More ways to nurture your baby's brain development
Sing a song
Simple songs can be a fun and helpful way to reinforce basic
concepts like numbers, letters and animals. Sing with your little one in the
car, or when you have free time at home. Great choices include “Head,
Shoulders, Knees and Toes,” “The Alphabet Song,” and “The Wheels on the Bus.”
Colorful books
“Books for young children should also be learning tools that
help build vocabulary and language skills,” says Sophie Mitchell, preschool
publisher at DK Publishing.
For newborns, Mitchell recommends books that feature bright,
bold colors and vivid patterns that are easy to hold, for sharing between baby
and parent.
Read more: Why the first 5 years are critical
“Babies love to hear the sound of their parents’ voices, so
read enthusiastically to your child,” she says. Mitchell also recommends that
parents choose books that are filled with the things babies find fascinating,
such as images of others babies, toddlers, animals and vehicles.
Toddlers love pointing out things they know and saying the
words out loud. They appreciate book content that features images of their real
world. Surprise elements like flaps, sounds, pull tabs and textures can provoke
curiosity and engage reluctant readers.
Read more: Can supplements boost baby brain power?
Be active
Babies, toddlers and preschoolers need lots of mental
stimulation for brain development. Rather than simply sitting them in front of
the TV, take little trips that can foster questions and observations. Whether
that be the playground, the zoo or even a run-of-the-mill trip to the grocery
store, these experiences are crucial for early learning.
Talk to your child throughout the trip, pointing out things
you see. When you get home, you can reinforce the real-world concepts with
learning books.
Article provided by
State Point