Disclaimer:
This medical
information is designed as an aid only for the
patients of
Drs. Concannon & Vitale.
It is not a substitute for a medical
exam and direct
advice from your physician.
Smart
Ways To Help Children Learn
Born learners
Studies show
babies are motivated to make sense of their world. Few
parents might imagine that when their baby first opens his eyes, he is
actually preparing for his first day of school. Research shows that
children are born ready to learn and are naturally curious beings
motivated to make sense of the world around them. In fact, the brain is
the only organ that is not fully formed at birth. Children learn best
through their everyday experiences with the people they love and when
the learning is fun.
Language and Literacy Skills
Language provides the foundation for the development of literacy skills.
•
Talk together. Copy your baby’s sounds and encourage her to imitate
you. Point out and name the things you see together.
• Read books. It’s never too early
to start sharing books. Let him
explore in whatever way he likes — even if it’s chewing on them or
holding them upside down! Let your child hold the book and point to the
pictures as you read.
Thinking Skills
Children are born eager to understand how the world works.
•
Encourage your child to explore objects and toys in different ways.
Touching, banging and shaking help children learn about how things work.
• Incorporate math games into your
everyday routines. Count stairs as
you climb them. Ask if there are enough crackers for everyone.
Self-Control
Self-control is the ability to express and manage emotions in
appropriate ways. It is essential for school success and healthy
development overall.
•
Teach acceptable behaviors. Tell and show your child what he can do,
not just what he cannot do. For example, tell him balls can be thrown
outside but not inside.
• Give choices. Present him with
acceptable options and let him choose.
If a decision is really yours, don’t offer a choice. Say, “It’s bed
time,” not “Are you ready to go to bed?”
Self-Confidence
When children feel competent and believe in themselves, they are more
willing to take on new challenges.
•
Establish routines with your child. Most children feel safe and in
control of their world when events are predictable.
• Let your child be the problem
solver. Give her the support she needs
to solve a problem but don’t solve it for her.
Adapted from ZeroToThree.org
LastRev 10/2005 ChildrenLearn.htm
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