Research proves that children from infancy to age five are most successful in learning when learning is hands-on, involves quality interactions with adults and peers, and is embedded into the daily routine. In early learning, we continue to empower families to be their child’s primary teacher now, and always. These are stressful times and with guidance and resources you can have less stressful days and more successful engagement with your children. Here are some tips you should keep in mind during this time that can help as you plan activities for young children at home:
Consistency is key! Predictable schedules and routines promote feelings of safety and security. It is important to keep as many routines as consistent as possible during this time where so many things out of our control. For example, maintaining a similar sleep/rest routine that your child experienced while in childcare, will help their emotional and physical regulation.
To foster your engagement with your child, these simple strategies, when used consistently, will help your child respond in healthy and appropriate ways:
▪ Model the behavior you want your child to display – children they like sponges in their formative years, soaking up everything in their environment, particularly the behavior of those who they look up to.
▪ Use positive language – describe what you want your child to do rather than what you do not want them to do. For example, “Andrea, use gentle hands and touches.” versus “Andrea, stop hitting.” and “Gilberto, please walk.” verses “Gilberto, stop running.” and “I need you to use a quiet voice, let’s try it together.” versus “Stop screaming!
▪ Get down on your child’s level so that you have eye contact, this helps to honor your child and will promote a better response.
▪ Try to limit distractions when you want your child to participate in activities to promote focus.
▪ Work to limit or set up appropriate time restrictions around screen time, children who engage in excessive amounts of screen time prove to have limited attention spans which creates challenges in interpersonal relationships as well as in engagement in learning.
Children from infancy through age eight are proven to learn best with hands-on engagement. There’s no need to stress about having fancy materials to work with your early learners, using simple items found around the house will do!
For more examples on interactions, activities, and helpful parenting tips, please visit the resources below! FAMILY RESOURCES Healthy at Home: A Toolkit for Supporting Families Impacted by COVID-19 https://healthyathome.readyrosie.com/