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I have a passion for early learning – it may have something to do with my mom, who has been in the early childhood education field for over 25 years. I worked as a nanny and taught preschool for a while before my children were born and I also provide free preschool resources on my blog. I believe that it is NEVER too early to start teaching our children. As homeschoolers, we do not follow the public school guidelines for many things – so why would we follow their idea of when a child should start learning?
If 85% of children’s core brain structure is developed by the age of four (Source), then early learning is a crucial aspect of educating our children. Nationally, less than 10% of public investments in education and development are spent on children, ages four and younger (Source). This is yet another area in which homeschooling parents have the opportunity to step outside of the societal norm – and take advantage of this crucial and exciting time in your child’s education.
For toddlers and young preschoolers, sensory learning is huge. The more hands-on, the better. Many people think of sensory learning simply as a container that you fill with items for a child to play with, but sensory learning is truly about engaging all five senses.
- Sight: Colorful, but simplistic – you want to catch their attention without over-stimulating. Make sure that signs and posters are on their eye level. Show them picture books that allow them to find items, like Seek & Find or Lift-a-flap books. Play “I Spy”. Do scavenger hunts (like this!) to search for colors, sizes and shapes.
- Touch: There is a reason that young children want to touch everything. This is a huge part of their learning – long before they are even verbal. Allow children to explore different textures – you can do this easily with items in your home: carpet, leather, wood, plastic, silk, yarn, feathers, dirt, sand, rice – you get the idea! Let children play in water and play with food items (jell-o, pudding, ice). Stacking is another important aspect of touch – duplos, wooden blocks and stacking cups are all great investments. Your children will learn to compare sizes, shapes and put things in order. Sing “head, shoulders, knees & toes” or do the “hokey pokey”. The teaching opportunities are endless!
- Smell: Do you smell something? What is that smell? Does it have a smell? What does it smell like? Simply asking your child these questions will inspire learning. Use everyday moments to investigate the scents around you. Let them smell the ingredients as you are cooking, sniff flowers and plants on a nature walk, you could even diffuse essential oils (which have many other benefits as well!).
- Sound: Listen and talk – communication with your child is one of the most important roles you can play in early learning. Play music – I like to play worship music and fun children’s songs as we go about our day. I put on soft classical music whenever we are reading. Practice animal sounds and vehicle sounds with them. Just make silly sounds and have them mimic you. Create rhythms by clapping, stomping, and using musical instruments – encourage them to echo you. Sing to your children (they don’t care what you sound like!). Practice using quiet voices and loud voices, low voices and high voices, fast voices and slow voices.
- Taste: This one is pretty simple. Encourage your child to taste as many different foods as you can. Read stories about certain foods and then let them try it. Describe different tastes to them – salty, sweet, sour, smooth, hot, cold. Talk about where foods come from. Play taste-testing games with them and let them help prepare their food – they will be more likely to eat it!
- Independent play: Let them play whatever they want, with anything they want (within reason!), however they want. Using that incredible imagination God gave them.
- Structured play: Set up learning experiences for them. Put out play-dough, paint sets or a game.
- Group play: Find a mom group, church program or just invite some friends over! Siblings work well for this as well. It is wonderful for them to have time to play with other children, practicing leadership, cooperation and problem solving skills.
- Adult play: Play with them. They want and need you to engage. Build a fort, create a sidewalk chalk masterpiece or role play with them.
Be present with your early learners, communicate and have fun! They are sponges in a world dripping with adventure.
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