Show me, tell me, let me have a go – what’s the best way for your toddler to learn?
You might think a lot about how your toddler learns new words and be conscious of the things you say to them (you might even have been tempted by flashcards, word books or tech that promises to teach new vocabulary). But how often do you think about how your toddler learns actions – do they learn from being shown, told, practising, or maybe a bit of all of those?
You teach your toddler without even thinking about it
Do you know what pre-counting skills your toddler is learning, and why maths is really all about play?
When it comes to maths, we probably think of sitting in classrooms learning facts about numbers – and the dread they could inspire. But the good news is that there is a lot more to maths than just numbers, and your toddler is already learning about big mathematical concepts every day as they play. Here’s why playing is so important for early maths skills, and some ways you can ensure you and your toddler make the most of mathematical moments.
Pre-counting experiences and why they’re so important
Can children multitask? – Yes, they can!
Have you ever thought about your child multitasking? Probably not, and it isn’t something we typically bring up when talking about young children. Yet, when they play, multitasking can happen coincidentally. One example of where this is true is when they walk backwards while pulling a toy!
Walking backwards demands more physical effort than walking forwards which makes the action more challenging:
Oooh, this is cosy – how your toddler processes the feeling of clothes
Our skin is the largest organ we have, literally covering us from head to toe.[1] It is a fascinating organ, one that protects and provides us with information about our environment.[1,2] Skin gives us the ability to feel, and it is around now that children can start to become more aware of whether things feel good to touch, or not! The way touch is processed is quite complex; here we delve deeper into this intricate process.
Let's explore skin: everything felt externally is through this amazing organ
Playing independently could help your toddler build their self-regulation skills
A recent study has highlighted the value of making sure your toddler has time to play freely, without an adult directing or planning the activity for them. It suggests there might be a link between how much time children spend playing like this before the age of five, and their self-regulation skills as they get older.
One of the areas scientists, educators and parents are becoming increasingly aware of as important is the ability for people to self-regulate. This means being able to control your response to events and emotions you experience.
Space – running, walking and safety
Room to run around might not always be available but having occasional access to space is necessary for your toddler’s physical development. Although space can be wonderful, it can also raise worries about your toddler's safety. Here are a few things to think about to help keep them safe.
Life has just become that much more thrilling for them now they are beginning to run. Not only that, they are also learning how to vary their speed from a walk to a run.
Pointing it out – how pointing helps your baby learn to talk
Communication involves much more than talking, and just as your baby will learn different ways to use words as they talk more and more, they are also learning different ways to use gestures. 'One of these is pointing, and there are several types of point you'll see.
Pointing to ask for something (imperative pointing)
Your toddler learns verbs better when doing – pun intended
When learning verbs, involving your toddler by showing them what the actions mean hugely supports their understanding. Verbs can’t be linked to an object, like nouns, so when we are talking about cooking, running or, say, throwing, toddlers need to see the verb in action.
When your toddler hears a verb for the first time their brain processes its meaning and association to the world.[1]
Words just keep coming and coming...
Babies, toddlers and children need to hear and interact with language to help them learn.[1] Language is necessary for neuronal development. We know that children understand and learn words better when they talk with you and others and when they listen to familiar voices, so let’s delve into why it’s good to reflect on how children learn words.
During the early years, children learn lots of words, and language is important for brain development.
Fast mapping and fast learning – your toddler’s motoring when it comes to words
In the late 1970s, a research study into how children learn words became a lead paper within the field of psychology. According to the study done by psychologists Susan Carey and Elsa Bartlet, children can pick up words and their meanings even after hearing them just once. Yes, you know some of the words this covers! This process of learning was referred to as "fast mapping." The study holds weight today, with many studies stemming from the original paper.
Fast mapping means when a child hears a word, they’ll pick it up quickly, even if they are not familiar with its meaning.[1]
