Helping kids develop the habits of mind that they will need for future learning activities.
We often worry so much about preparing toddlers for reading and other academic skills that we don’t focus enough on other areas which are just as, if not more, important for early learning. Here are five crucial developmental skills for your tot, and ways to incorporate them into your every day interactions.
Following Directions. Give tots experience with success by beginning with simple commands. Asking them to bring you specific items, to drop toys into a toy box, or to pull off their socks are good starters. Plus, following directions reinforces responsibility and self-help skills. Some kids may need you to physically “walk them” through the request the first time. As kids get more adept at processing and responding to verbal requests, try two-step directions. Give lots of praise.
Taking Turns and Sharing. This is one of the toughest social skills for little people to master. Give your child lots of exposure to both structured and unstructured play opportunities with other kids. Use the words “Share” and “Turn” often in conversation with kids so they realize the importance of these concepts. Physically practicing skills helps cement them for kids, so structure and facilitate many turn-taking experiences for them. Use educational games or toys to practice this skill. Or, demonstrate the concept with two dolls and a spoon (“One bite for this doll. Now it’s her turn. One bite for her. Now it’s his turn.”) Have your child alternate “feeding the dolls” to help crystallize the concept. Praise them for their patience.
Attention Span. This is one of the most important skills for later school success. Encourage toddlers to gradually increase time spent on an activity before moving to another. Try making verbal suggestions about other play options for a specific toy before getting out something else. Focus is also sharpened when kids are able to occupy themselves, so don’t feel the need to entertain them very minute. Start with small increments of time and work from there. Verbally reinforce when kids are playing well by themselves. Be extremely careful with TV time. No screen time at all for babies under two, and limited time from that point on, is best (American Academy of Pediatrics, Television and the Family.) Plus, the goal is for kids to learn to engage themselves in activity, rather than learning to need TV to entertain them.
Problem Solving. It’s amazing what even the littlest of children are motivated to figure out. Capitalize on this by giving kids time and support to solve problems with increasing levels of independence. Ask them to locate a toy that has fallen behind a sofa or to upright a small chair that has been knocked over. Encourage them to try again or try something else if their initial attempt doesn’t work. Help them work through frustration by demonstrating confidence in their abilities, and by praising their effort as well at the outcome.
Persistence and Frustration Tolerance. Toddlers frustrate easily. They often want to do things their motor (especially fine motor) aren’t quite able to do yet. Rather than stepping in and doing it for them right away, provide scaffolding. Arrange their task so that it is achievable for them (move the toy closer so they can reach it, partially unscrew the lid so they can pull it off the rest of the way, etc.) Build their confidence by helping them learn to overcome difficulties rather than giving up. Verbally encourage them to try again when things don’t work out, and let them see you doing the same.
For more ideas to promote early learning, please also see Raising a Reader. you may also be interested in Family Activities That Teach.
