The human brain is an amazing thing and it starts soaking up information and learning the moment we are born. The first few years of life your new baby will grow and develop at an astonishing rate, they will transform from a totally helpless infant into a confident well accomplished 6 year old going off to school all by themselves.
Through the eyes of a child the world is an infinite scary place. It is a parents responsibility to provide their basic survival needs like food and water but, parents must also teach them to grow into productive adult members of the community.
Children have short attention spans but are eager to learn everything! Their attention spans are so short in fact, once they learn a skill they do not remember a time they couldn't do it. Each time they master a new task their confidence builds.
For a child to learn it should be fun and challenging. Sometimes they work best when a parent is close by encouraging and participating, but by the time a child is two or three the parent could be a distraction. Buying them educational toys is the key to helping them learn new things.
Researchers have done a lot of studies and they continue to find new information about the human brain and how it works. They have put a lot of effort and money into developing and manufacturing age and developmentally appropriate educational toys.
The good news is you do not have to spend a lot of money to have educational toys that your child will love and learn from. There are limitless opportunities to teach your child all they need to know. What you need to recognize is the opportunity to teach.
- When you are outside: Talk about the clouds and the weather, look at the trails in the sky from passing jets or airplanes, what is the difference, and why don't helicopters leave a smoke trail? The seasons offer an excellent opportunity to talk about the colors and texture of leaves and the amount of bugs seems unlimited. Why do you need to water the flowers and grass and why do you stop the water? Why shouldn't you grab handfuls of sand from the box and throw it high in the air? Which direction gets the sun and why it is important are key to a healthy crop in the garden.
- When you are in the house or waiting room: A simple scrap of paper can make an airplane. Crayons and pencils teach colors and fine motor skills. Telling stories and talking about what you are going to do develop communication and critical thinking skills. Singing and dancing are fun and develop memory and large motor skills.
- While you are riding in the car safety should always be talked about. From seat belts to behavior children need to be taught how and why to ride safely in the car. Then you can talk about the different kinds of cars, why it is called a tractor and trailer and the safety issues compared to a car. Kids love to see and talk about school buses and emergency vehicles and the different purposes they serve. When you travel through construction zones you could find yourself in the middle of an argument about the differences between a backhoe and a tractor. Local landmarks help children develop an awareness of space and direction.
Helene Goldnadel is of the view that you don't need to spend a lot of money or be a genius that the best way to benefit your child is communication. Without you to encourage and explain their natural curiosity a child does not know the answers.
The human brain is an amazing thing and it starts soaking up information and learning the moment we are born. The first few years of life your new baby will grow and develop at an astonishing rate, they will transform from a totally helpless infant into a confident well accomplished 6 year old going off to school all by themselves.
