For the first year or two of life outside the womb, our brains are in the most impressionable state they will ever be in. A baby's brain is immediately shaped by interacting with their environment. As a parent, one can have a large influence on their newborns first encounters with learning.
The mind learns optimally when appropriately challenged in an environment that encourages taking risks. However, under perceived threat, the mind does not perform as well. This makes it harder to learn when you are nervous, stressed, or not feeling well.
Before a child learns to talk, they experience emotions. Emotions are another source for improving memory. People are better at recalling stories that held strong feelings. The emotional context plays an important role in the learning process. People with excellent memories have multiple interests. We naturally remember what we are interested in. As a parent, it is crucial to teach your child the value of learning.
Motivation is the key to learning. You can help your child to discover this thirst of knowledge before they even enter school. Here are some key steps in preparing your child to be a stellar student:
1. Fill your home with reading. Read to your child daily. Fill your home with reading material such as novels, newspapers, and educational magazines. A child is influenced by their surroundings. When a son or daughter sees a parent reading at a young age, it makes an impression. As parents, we can foster that with a love for learning. Parents are the most important modeling agent in a child???s life.
2. Encourage your child to explore his or her interests. If you have a son who loves animals, offer him some educational books about animals. If he's young, allow him to explore the world Of the National Geographic Magazines. You could also direct him to some websites that explore animal facts. You're enthusiasm over your child is motivation in itself.
3. Provide play opportunities that offer different types of learning styles. Play is one of the most powerful vehicles through which children master new skill, concepts, and experiences. This will help them solve the challenges they meet in school. Through the use of blocks, your child will develop his or her creative expression and problem solving skills. A cash register would help them recreate their own experiences. However, boxes of various sizes can be great toys that encourage your child to be creative in his or her creations.
4. When your child starts school, make sure that they are organized. An organized folder lends To an organized mind.
5. Celebrate achievements. Reward your child for large and small achievements, whether it's finishing a book or completing a major assignment in school. Positive reinforcement encourages a child to continue to challenge themselves.
6. Use everyday event as learning opportunities.Encourage your child to explore his/her world. Continually ask questions and make connections that build upon their existing knowledge. The brain learns through associations.
As a central role model, moms and dads have the responsibility to create an environment that fosters a love for learning.
Alli Ross is the webmaster at the baby names box - Where you can explore over 6,000 baby names and their meanings. Read articles ranging from parenting and family to home and garden or find the perfect recipe. Be sure to say hi to GranMamma!
disinfecting cleaning services Winnetka ..Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With... Read More
In the last 20 years we've all been introduced to... Read More
Giving with a happy heart. If you teach a child... Read More
Reading is the most important skill that a child must... Read More
If you had to spend 4 or 5 hours in... Read More
What parents of a teen haven't wondered where their sweet... Read More
Do you remember how you first learned the alphabet? I... Read More
It was blisteringly hot last Saturday. As I took that... Read More
Something happened the other day that made me feel uneasy.... Read More
This article on parenting is by a practicing relationship counsellor/therapist,... Read More
Sometimes dreams really can come true! May 8th - 11th,... Read More
In a single dose of children's television, I was bombarded... Read More
So you have just returned home from your third meeting... Read More
You have a chore to do around the house, and... Read More
Q: A parent writes in to ask, "You write a... Read More
"Will my doubts and fears affect my child?" This father... Read More
Recently, a parent came to me, conflicted over whether to... Read More
The Internet is one of the greatest inventions of all... Read More
Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say... Read More
The formula is pretty straightforward: energy in/energy out. This is... Read More
Some years ago when touring the Scottish Highlands, a man... Read More
For troubled teens who are struggling with drug abuse, depression... Read More
Successful parents have learned to be both firm and kind... Read More
The hot new reality TV show "Nanny 911" has been... Read More
Past experience with federal education programs predicts that the No... Read More
last minute cleaning help Highland Park ..Looking back through my files I've come across several great... Read More
During the assessment process it is of great importance for... Read More
Research literature, recent books, and common sense, all point to... Read More
The debate in many towns continues throughout this country about... Read More
There isn't a school day that goes by that I... Read More
More and more kids these days are diagnosed ADD, ADHD,... Read More
There are many useful jogger stroller accessories out on the... Read More
It is extraordinary times that we find ourselves in. Change... Read More
Teens can freely access the Internet from computers at school,... Read More
How are parents to know they are doing the right... Read More
In seminars I am often asked about pocket-money and whether... Read More
Little Suzy has really been having a hard time getting... Read More
How many times have you flipped through the pages of... Read More
Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
Here we will come to know who are the most... Read More
Many parents would like to homeschool their children but are... Read More
I hear from many parents that their child is stressed... Read More
Are you being smart about water conservation? Do you consider... Read More
In June, elementary school children across North America cheered as... Read More
IntroductionChildren are the gifts of God to parents. That young... Read More
When growing up, my father frequently reminded me to "pay... Read More
What would it be like to have a clone? What... Read More
We all know that using cloth nappies is best for... Read More
Childhood friendships are as special as they are a necessary... Read More
Over a number of years there have been issues raised... Read More
Parenting |