As a mom, I know how important it is for your children to learn new things at an early age. Children typically learn very quickly and easily during those early years especially their language skills. I also knew that I needed to find some preschool teaching materials and tools to help keep him occupied and to make learning fun. I knew that it was important for him to continue learning so that he wouldn’t lose the skills and knowledge that he has already acquired from daycare. If you have a toddler, you probably already know that they have a short attention span and you have to keep them busy and entertained.
I wanted to share with you how my son’s first week of “Mommy’s Preschool” went.
Disclosure: All the ideas shared in this post are my own opinions and may differ from yours.
Make Learning Fun
When you make learning fun, most children don’t even realize that they are learning new things. You can actually teach your child a great amount of information using play therapy. Playing is a great way to introduce your child new vocabulary words. There are additional benefits of using play time to make learning fun: it enhances creativity, promotes social skills, helps develop their cognitive skills, and improves your child’s motor skills. For example, last week I was teaching my son about animals with animal flash cards. When I showed him a new animal I would add the silly animal sounds that matched the picture on the flash card. He loved making animal sounds and being silly. I was amazed at how many animals and sounds that he already knew.
Toddlers are Easily Distracted
Toddlers are easily distracted and they don’t have the ability to stay on task for long periods of time. My mother in law is a teacher and she suggested putting him in his high chair while doing activities. Each morning after breakfast, I would move his high chair into the living room for our lessons. It was a great way to keep him in his seat and it was easy to get him back on task when he was ready to move on. If you find that your toddler is having a tough time paying attention for long periods of time, try breaking up the lesson into several short sessions and slowly work towards improving the amount of time that he or she can spend on a particular task.
12 comments
These are great tips!
Thank you Jennifer.
Hi Christy,
Your post brought back old memories 🙂
Yes, when my kids were this age, they were easily distracted by so many things, and television was a HUGE one I’d add. But as you mentioned, we always had fixed time for television and this is one thing I’ve carried on to date, even though my kids are well into their teens. I guess with time they’ve got so used to it now.
There were certain rules they had to follow – like finish all their home-work, and other chores, before switching on the TV, and they were allowed only an hour, still are in-fact, except on weekends and holidays then a movie or perhaps 3-4 hours are allowed. It’s worked pretty well with us.
Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Harlenna thank you for sharing your experience. So far my schedule is working out nicely and he is allowed to watch a max of an hour and a half of television a day.
Great tips. 🙂 I am starting to think about school more, as my oldest is going to kindergarten next year most likely. (I’m going to homeschool him). My middle boy, who is 2 works into these tips perfectly. He’s a great helper with the laundry – putting into the dryer and washer and pressing all the buttons I as him to. 🙂 Folding.. that’s another story. lol My 4 year old is a great help with folding. ;)’
I do think I use the TV to much. They shows they watch are strictly ones I pick though. NO cable. So it’s Super Why, Curious George or Mighty Machines really. 🙂
I did find when my oldest was younger on youtube he gleaned A LOT from KidsTV123 videos. (http://www.youtube.com/user/KidsTV123?feature=playlist) Noah did as well. Although I think interaction and play AWAY from the TV is best. Something I need to implement just a bit more then I do. 🙂
Sarah thank you for sharing the youtube video channel. I will have to look into using that as a learning tool as well. He love interactive play but gets bored pretty easy.
Great tips Christy! I also like your new presentation with your header points, and breaking up your paragraphs. Much easier to read:)Hope you don’t mind random feedback like that.
Thank you for your feedback Courtney. 🙂 I want my posts to be easy to read.
I have been looking for a preschool program in our area but I love the idea of following a program from home.
I am enjoying it so far and love the flexibility that a home school program offers. My son is loving the additional mommy time that he gets to spend with me during the day.
A big YAY on the importance of those playgroups! We used to find that those were frequently the best parts of our homeschooling. Not only did they get a break and have fun, but they’d end up having the chance for field trips and co-op classes, and mom chat. Enjoy!
I am still searching for play groups and hope that I can find one in my area. I know that it will help both of us and give us activities to do.