4 Simple Ways To Help Your Child Learn
Early learning is one of the most important aspects of a child’s upbringing. It’s foundational, and as such, sometimes seems like a uniquely stressful prospect for parents. While you can rely on early learning centers and later schools to take some of the strain, there are a few simple tips that you might follow at home.
#1 Read to them
The simple act of reading to a child can make a huge difference to their educational outlook. Reading simple bedtime stories works wonders for a child’s imagination and could be the start of a lifelong love of books and the written word. There are plenty of children’s books available, some of them have been popular for decades, so you won’t be short of choice. Reading not only encourages learning, but it fosters a deeper bond between you and your child – plus, it’s a fantastic way to help them get to sleep at night! Enhanced literacy is also linked to better social skills, concentration, and brain development. Reading a story to a child is a simple act with far-reaching consequences.
#2 Swap screen time for educational games
This applies both to televisions and smartphones/tablets. We live in the age of the screen, where nearly every form of entertainment seems to be broadcast. Apps and video games have made the situation even worse, so it’s more important than ever to limit how much time your child spends glued to a screen. Although some educational apps are available, most tv shows and smartphone games are unproductive and won’t stimulate a child mentally. Moreover, screen time has been linked to a type of “tunnel vision” whereby the child is cut off from the world around them, limiting their interactions with, and therefore understanding of, their surroundings. Screen time should be substituted for intellectually stimulating exercises. Even simple games like painting with numbers, treasure hunts, and reading pop-up books are better uses of a child’s time than screens.
#3 Enroll them in a nursery
Although parents play a crucial role in their child’s education, the emphasis doesn’t have to fall entirely on them to provide learning opportunities. Enrolling a child in a nursery like the Seahorse Nursery is a wonderful way to ensure that they’re learning as they play. Nurseries provide education that’s wrapped up in games and fun activities. This has the dual effect of keeping the child active and stimulated while providing a foundation for further education later in life. Nurseries are also adept at understanding individual children’s needs. They know that different kids learn at different paces and tailor their lessons accordingly.
#4 Foster a positive environment
This can be summed up using three words: positivity, positivity, and more positivity! Encourage your child in everything they do. When they complete a puzzle, draw, or pick up a book for the first time, let them know how proud you are. Fostering a culture whereby education and learning are rewarded as desirable makes a huge difference. Make sure that your child knows you believe in them so that they have the confidence to try new activities and learn.
