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Teachable Moments
Encouraging Little Minds and Helping Them Learn By Melinda Copp
"By 2, kids are more interested in concepts," Kostelc says. "And around 30 months, kids are learning colors, shapes and sequences." At this age, your child will want to name the shapes and colors they've become familiar with. And you can encourage your child to learn these concepts by making them a part of everyday life.
"I went to the education store and got cutouts and put them up in my daughter's playroom," says Christine Guidry, a mom from Washingtonville, N.Y. "There are shapes and a big box of crayons with all the colors written on them, also an alphabet along the wall."
Over time, your child will begin to recognize that letters sit on a line and have different shapes. But knowledge of shapes, letters and colors all starts with carrying around and manipulating blocks and other items.
"Toddlers love to just go with you wherever you go, like the grocery store or post office, because they are learning about the world around them," says Carol Kessler, an associate professor of education at Cabrini College in Philadelphia, Pa. "Just be careful not to exasperate them by making the trips too long."
You can help keep their minds engaged on these outings by talking to them about what you're doing and why you're doing it. Talk about what's going on outside the car while you drive, what's going on as you walk through the parking lot and what you're doing when you reach your destination. Name the colors of vegetables and fruits in the produce department of the grocery store, and ask your toddler to hold a can of food while you walk through the store. Keeping a running narrative of what you're doing and what's going on around you will help your child connect words and sounds with different items and experiences.
Toddlers are born to learn, and parents are their most important teacher. Using these tips and taking advantage of teachable moments in everyday life will help prepare them for school and education later in life.