Are you aware that learning is not restricted to only the four walls of the classroom? Do you also know that there are unconventional ways your children can learn? There are certain games that you with your toddlers can actually influence their interest in learning subjects like science and math as they grow older.
Young children have the natural desire to explore and experiment all thanks to their natural curiosity. Here are some things you can do with your preschooler at home and around your neighborhood to increase his learning experience.
1. Talk and Listen
Children love talking about their experiences, fears, anxiety, and dreams. You may think your preschooler is just four years old, but you will be surprised at how much he can tell you. Kids love having this little talk time and you will see how easily they can tell you so much with just a little encouragement. Spend a few minutes at the end of each day getting your child to recap the activities of the day.
He will be able to tell you so much in great detail, you will be able to bring the love of language into your home every day! Sharing daily experiences also instills sharing of information – as your child grows up, he will keep sharing details of his daily life without you having to probe much. You will always share great communication in your relationship.
2. Go for A Walk
Children, being naturally curious ask questions and learn a lot of things that are science related. Do the same with your child and you will be surprised at how much you can teach them without a textbook. When children see things, it beats seeing it all in books. The same goes for when they look at cars, buildings, and streets around them. They will ask you many questions to satisfy their ever-growing curiosity and you will be surprised at how much information they manage to retain from the answers you give them.
3. Brain-Stimulating Toys
Picking the right toys for your child is very important. You will notice that the toys at Montessori schools are meant for exploration. They need not be expensive, but they should be “brain-friendly”. Puzzles help children to solve problems and at the same time, they learn about shapes, colors, and sizes. Get your child to help you make your own unique puzzle with magazine pictures. When you get your child to be creative with toys and make their own toys using their imagination, you are actually opening doors for them at home – doors of creativity, free will, and imagination.
4. Shopping with Mummy
As patience-testing as it may be, take your child grocery shopping with you every once in a while. He will learn how to practice his numbers by counting the number of things he bought and increase his vocabulary by teaching him the names of fruits, vegetables, and other things you look at together and learn some social skills by behaving in a proper way.
This has dual advantages – your child will also learn how to behave in a socially acceptable manner in public places if you take him out more often.
There are loads of things you can do with your preschooler to constantly challenge and improve his knowledge. These tried and tested methods have worked wonders. Try these things and see how your little one absorbs knowledge without a proper lesson at a desk and without confusion.
