Children are natural-born learners, and the grownups in their lives are their first teachers. It is never too early, or too late, to start reading to your baby. As soon as babies are born, they start to learn language and sound. They like to listen to their parents’ voices, and they love to hear rhythm and songs. Learn more about early learning and the reading process by visiting Reading Rockets and ¡Colorín colorado!
Here are five activities adults can do to help get their brains ready to learn.
Talk: Talking to and with young children in whatever language you are most comfortable speaking helps them figure out how to form words and learn new vocabulary.
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Tell family stories then give your child an opportunity to talk with you or ask questions
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Make sure your child has opportunities to talk, not just listen to you talk
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Describe what you’re doing, hearing, seeing, or tasting
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Repeat what your child says and use new words to extend their vocabulary. “You want a banana? That’s a very healthy choice.”
Sing: Singing helps children learn to play with sounds, including rhythm and rhyming, and develops language, math and science skills.
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Sing along with the radio
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Sing nursery rhymes so children hear different sounds in words
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Clap along to the rhythm of songs to hear the syllables in words
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Use words that rhyme
Read: Reading out loud is a wonderful opportunity to snuggle with your little ones and help them learn about the world around them.
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Explore the whole book. Talk about the pictures or colors
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Ask questions about the story
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Read books again and again
Write: Writing starts with activities that strengthen finger muscles. This helps with fine motor control that will make scribbles turn into letters and numbers later on.
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Draw and color with crayons or markers
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Trace shapes, letters, and numbers.
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Cut, glue, and tape paper
Play: Playing helps children gain vocabulary as they learn how to express themselves creatively and interact with other people.
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Build with blocks, boxes, or LEGO
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Make time for unstructured play, when children can use their imaginations and create what they’re doing
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Act out favorite storytimes
Being ready for school is about more than what your child knows. Here are some things to help you child get ready to be part of a class:
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Make routines
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Take turns
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Talk about feelings
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Be kind
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Read and play together everyday
