Toddlers Are Sponges

Have you noticed that your toddlers seem to learn something new every day? Toddlerhood is a busy and sometimes frustrating stage, but it is so amazing. My daughter has learned so much. I wanted to tell you about some things she has learned to give you some examples of how to optimize this prime learning time in your child's life.
*She has learned most of her capital letters and some lowercase letters. No, we don't do flashcards every day, and no, we don't have one of those video programs that you sit your child in front of that promise that your child will be reading by age 3. She has picked up letters from me talking to her, pointing out things, and playing with her. I use names a lot. She gets excited to see letters that stand for people she loves (e.g. B for Brenda, D for Daddy, etc.). She also loves puzzles, so I got her some puzzles that have letters. At first I would hand her the pieces and let her put them in. As she picked up more letters, I would tell her the ones to find. Now she is starting to know a little bit of the order. It is simply amazing. We were in the car yesterday passing High Point University. She looked at the sign and all the sudden I heard, "T for Thomas". Then I heard, "I for ice cream". She was pointing out letters on the sign and was so proud of herself.

*As I have mentioned before, children love songs. Your child will think you are the best singer in the world even if you are tone deaf. Sing out, be enthusiastic, and don't worry about anything else. There are so many good songs out there. Songs teach children the alphabet, counting, rhyming, etc. If you need some good music, check out the library. I know the High Point Public Library has a ton of cds right when you walk in the children's room.

*Point out objects and talk to your children while out and about. My daughter can get very restless in the car, but she loves to watch everything going by. She now knows so many of the things we pass in the car and says "hi" and "buh-bye" to each one. For instance, we often pass the train tracks, the playground, and a large replica of a dresser. She is also starting to recognize our road sign. Today I decided to tell her the directions on the way home to give her things to look for. I told her we would go over the train tracks, down the road, turn on Banbridge, pass the geese, and then we would be home. I repeated it over and over sometimes leaving words out, and she would fill them in. She was excited to tell Daddy how we got home when she saw him.

These are just some ideas, but the possibilities are endless. Being a former Kindergarten teacher, I have seen young children learn, but nothing beats toddlerhood for maximum learning!