Support your child’s early learning and development with these tips:
- Create a Stimulating Environment
Designate a space in your home where your child can freely explore and play. Fill it with age-appropriate toys, art supplies, books, and other materials that encourage imaginative play and creative expression. - Get Outdoors
During any time of year, bring your play outdoors. Exploring their surroundings and learning about plants and animals in nature will organically extend your child’s play out into the larger world. Think: making mud pies, playing in a sandbox, games of hide and go seek, pulling favorite stuffed animals on sleds, and more. - Follow Your Child’s Lead
Pay attention to your child’s interests and join in their play. Whether they’re building with blocks, drawing, or role-playing, your engagement and encouragement will boost their confidence and creativity. - Incorporate Play into Daily Routines
Turn everyday activities into playful learning experiences. Cooking can become a science experiment, sorting laundry can teach colors and counting, and a walk in the park can be an adventure in nature exploration. - Limit Screen Time
Encourage activities that require active viewing and learning instead of passive consumption. While some educational programs can be beneficial, it’s important to balance screen time with hands-on, creative play. There’s no judgment in this because we all use screens, but young children learn better when they interact with the real world versus a screen. - Encourage Problem-Solving
Provide toys and activities that challenge your child to think critically and solve problems. Puzzles, building sets, and games that require strategic thinking can enhance their cognitive development. - Be Patient and Positive
Let your child experiment and make mistakes. Positive reinforcement and patience will help them develop resilience and a love for learning through play.
