“Look, that’s my name!” How understanding symbols helps your child notice important letters
As children’s cognitive development progresses, they start to be able to enjoy symbolic play, as they can understand that what they see is representing something else. Although it might not seem closely linked to learning about the alphabet, developing an understanding of symbolism is in fact an important step towards being able to read and write in the future. Here’s why.
Your child might have started out understanding symbols using physical items which can be held and moved, perhaps by holding a toy brick to their ear as a phone. As their understanding of symbolism grows, they will be able to make more abstract links like realising that the numbers on a clock are showing adults what the time is and that the squiggles on a page which we call letters represent sounds, and even words.
Learning through stories – our top three books to help your child think about colour
Have you noticed that your child is becoming more thoughtful about the colours they use when they draw, paint or make artwork? We love to see the emerging ideas and preferences that can be seen, or talked about, as they pick the colours they most want to use.
One way to start a conversation about colour, and what it might mean to you, is through stories and there is no shortage of books which explore colour in interesting ways. Here are three of our favourites.
Music and memories – why is the link so strong?
Many of us have songs we associate with specific moments, people and places. Your child may be beginning to create these connections as well, and they may soon have a collection of songs that they relate to parts of their lives.
We often find comfort in music, and it's great for bringing people together
Why is my child using words like ‘big,’ and ‘little?’ Why does it matter?
You might be wondering why there is a lot of fuss made about your child using words like, ‘big,’ and ‘little.’ These words are massively linked to cognitive development as they help your child to categorise objects, but there is a huge link to their language development too!
We use language associated with size all day long when reading, talking to others and describing what we see.
Why does my child love to join in with parts of familiar stories?
You might let out a little sigh when the same book comes out again, and again, but hearing the same words being read helps your child learn as they can better understand word meanings and how to use them in context. It’s typical for children to enjoy books that have repetitive and familiar phrases as they are easier for them to remember, and it’s quite fun for them to chant along with you as you read!
Why repetition in stories is good...
The sequence and flow of the day – how understanding is coming together
Sequencing helps your child carry out events and tell stories in the right order. You probably talk to your child every day about what's happening, putting together a sequence of plans. Being able to put events into chronological order is a skill that’s used more than you might think, and one that'll be handy for your child to achieve.
Putting events in order happens all the time – your daily routine is a perfect example of this!
The challenge of giving your toddler space (and time) to learn new skills
As parents we often have to think through the complicated dance between what is best (easiest, most comfortable and realistic) right now, and what might be best in the long run for your toddler’s development, independence and confidence. It’s not easy, and there’s no one answer which will work every time, but what we want you to know is that you’re doing an amazing job just by being realistic about when you can, and can’t, let your toddler take the lead.
You know that your toddler needs lots of chances to try, and fail, at new skills before they really get to grips with them and become able to do something independently. Sometimes, however, you simply find it is easier and faster to help them out to get the job done.
Sunshine and happiness: getting outside to play in natural light can benefit you and your toddler
It seems a bit obvious, and not very useful to hear, but remember to go outside! Getting out into sunlight can make you happier, improve sleep and be good for your body.
Heading outdoors can be the just the thing on a tricky day, resetting everyone’s mood and giving your body a bit of fresh air and exercise, but the benefit of being outside in natural light is often overlooked – and it shouldn’t be!
Heave-ho! Exploring why toddlers love lifting heavy objects
Have you noticed your toddler trying (and maybe managing) to lift or move items that just seem far too big, or heavy, for them to manage? Never mind superheroes, your toddler is growing and developing so quickly that they are the ones truly embracing super strength as they challenge themselves to lift large or heavy items.
Lifting is often a skill that can be overlooked when thinking of physical development and gross motor skills. But each time your toddler lifts something big up off the floor, or pushes against a heavy object to get it moving, they’re demonstrating (and developing) their rapidly developing sense of strength and balance.
How remembering past events shapes your toddler's actions and behaviours
Remembering things that have happened in the past can change how we act in the future. Our memories can shape our perceptions, influence decision-making, and affect how we interact with others. Your toddler has been forming episodic memories for quite some time now about what they’ve been doing, the people they know and emotions linked to events and experiences.
Memories can make your toddler feel happy or scared, and they can help them understand the world better.
