Engaging in regular conversations, playful interactions, and shared reading experiences with your young children lays a crucial foundation for their cognitive growth, equipping them with the essential skills for their educational journey.
Whether at home or on the go, the simple act of two-way dialogue, responding to their questions, and cherishing those special moments fosters robust brain development and strengthens emotional bonds.
We’ve known from The Education Hub to bring you five straightforward tips for giving your child a head start in life, from infancy through early childhood.
Don’t be afraid to take it slow
Take a breath, slow down, and immerse yourself in the present moment with your child.
- Infants (0-1 year): Those fleeting baby smiles can be missed in the blink of an eye. Holding facial expressions a touch longer allows your infant to process your communication and learn how to respond.
- Toddlers (1-3 years): Toddlers are just beginning to use words and gestures, often at a slower pace than adults. Be comfortable with pauses; let them fill the silence with their thoughts.
- Preschoolers (3-5 years): Patience remains key. While waiting for them to complete a puzzle might test your limits, neuroscience suggests they learn more effectively when they solve problems independently.
Engage in Meaningful Back-and-Forth
Healthy development flourishes through the everyday interactions within your daily routines.
- Infants: The give-and-take of facial expressions, gestures, and those adorable “oohs” and “aahs” stimulates their developing brains. Even mimicking their sounds and expressions makes a substantial difference.
- Toddlers: Help them refine their communication by translating their early attempts into proper words. For example, if they say “wed,” you can respond, “Yes, that’s the color red.”
- Preschoolers: While early conversations might seem repetitive, this repetition reinforces speech processing, allowing them to hone their language skills over time.
Cherish the Small Moments
- Infants: Forget fancy toys; simple interactions during everyday routines are brain-building opportunities.
- Toddlers: Lift them up to see the world from your perspective. The world is built for adults, a different view helps them understand your perspective.
- Preschoolers: Get down to their eye level when you chat. This ensures they see your face and helps you focus on their words without distractions.
Cultivate Curiosity Together
Children are naturally inquisitive. Encourage their exploration by responding with smiles and answers, strengthening neural connections.
- Infants: If they look or point at something, share the experience. Brain research indicates that responding after they point enhances brain activity more than presenting the object first.
- Toddlers: Keeping up with their constant movement can be challenging, but it’s worth it. You’ll be amazed by the little things that capture their attention.
- Preschoolers: Engage them by asking what they’re curious about. Discuss their preferred activities and reminisce about past experiences.
Unleash Creativity Through Play
Play is fundamental for early brain development. Let your child lead the way, observe their actions, and show genuine interest.
- Infants: Even simple sounds stimulate brain development, teaching them about cause and effect.
- Toddlers: Repetitive play, like stacking blocks, is still creative. It builds strong neural pathways, especially with your involvement.
- Preschoolers: This is where imaginative play truly takes off. Embrace shared imaginative games and let the fun begin!
The Open Flow Bali International School
The Open Flow Bali International School embodies the principles of- educational philosophy that emphasizes experiential learning, where children actively engage with their surroundings. This approach directly correlates with the article’s advice to ‘be curious together.’ By fostering an environment where kids explore and question, The Open Flow encourages the formation of strong neural connections, much like how responding to a child’s curiosity does at home. It’s about getting to their level, literally and figuratively, and joining them on their journey of discovery. Enroll Now.
