Back to School for Toddlers

It’s not only school–aged children who are starting off a new year of learning.  Younger children, especially those younger than three, can be exposed to learning experiences as well. Bette Holtzman, vice president of consumer and family advocacy at The Goldberger Company has some pointers for families to keep in mind for their toddlers going “back to school.”

1. Back to school is really back to routine:  Developing and maintaining a routine is vital to a young child’s development and learning. Depending on your child’s daily eating and sleeping schedule, active learning can be encouraged when your child is most alert and gentle play such as reading and soft singing can be used for a wind-down.

2. Every day is one big play date:  Young children are like “sponges.” Play is learning and learning is play in the first few years of their lives.  Almost everything that you do with your young child is a learning moment for him or her.

3. Talk to your child all the time.  At first the sound of your voice, you will comfort your child. Then your words become interesting stimuli.  Very soon, however, your conversations with your child become the building blocks of language development.

4. Let your child talk back:  As you watch your child interact with his or her environment, pay attention to what gets your child’s attention and what doesn’t.  Listen to her vocalizations and developing words and phrases.  She is beginning to tell you what she likes and dislikes.

5. Sometimes it’s the box – not the toy: It is important to allow young children to “experiment” while trying new things.  Kids need to touch and see EVERYTHING they come into contact with.   Even allowing children to play by themselves at times, with safe items of course, is a good way for them to learn how to do things themselves.  Basic “non-toys” such as boxes and other containers are perfect for unlocking the key to a child’s imagination. 

6. Dramatic play gets kids to be creative: Your old hats and clothes are a child’s dream when it comes to playing.  Kids love to act out what they see so don’t be surprised if you catch your child playing “teacher” or pretending to be Elmo or any other favorite character.

7. Playing with dolls can be educational for kids:  Dolls can help parents teach so many basic skills and concepts.  For example, dolls that zip, button or snap are great for practicing fine motor skills, and baby dolls let kids practice being gentle and nurturing. Dolls act as make believe playmates which children “talk” to and interact with, practicing social interactions.

7.   Don’t become “helicopter parents”:  Hovering over a child’s every action can stifle the learning process.  It is important to inspire them to think, do and try things by moving in, planting an idea and then quickly moving out. Let them determine their own play or creative ideas. Listen and watch, as they develop new skills, and guide with a gentle hand.

8. Reading to your child is integral to your daily routine:  It is very important to set aside time every day to read to your child.  Younger children love rhymes, simple stories and looking at pictures of other babies.  Just remember, while they may not hang on to every word or look at every single picture, it doesn’t mean that they are not listening.   Your child will develop a love of reading to last a lifetime. You may even walk in on your child “reading” to his or her favorite doll or younger sibling one day!

9. Remember, your kids are watching you:  Children are “wired” to imitate and to repeat things. This helps them master basic skills. So, don’t be surprised if you catch your child imitating a phone call or pretending to cook dinner. For good or bad, they’ll be watching and learning – so be aware of what you do in front of them!