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!
no-contract cleaning service Glenview ..No matter how old your children are, you have an... Read More
(Excerpted from Jim Rohn's 2004 Weekend Leadership Event)You have to... Read More
Julia Roberts recently gave birth to twins: Hazel and Phinnaeus.... Read More
Looking for an unusual and memorable gift? Why not preserve... Read More
"I could have helped you if I would have known,... Read More
As a step daughter and step grand daughter, I followed... Read More
Are you a professional?Notice how the questions differs from, "Do... Read More
Optimists do better academically, socially and enjoy better health than... Read More
I remember watching my 18-month-old son eat a big frosted... Read More
Because most teens have not had the experience of getting... Read More
A certain educator was once asked at what point should... Read More
Rule #1 Make Every Bite Count!Everything your child eats should... Read More
The initial state of happiness about an own child is... Read More
Wooden toys are one of the best alternatives for the... Read More
Mealtimes together deserve an important place in any family. Around... Read More
The most common medications used in the treatment of Attention... Read More
Teaching kids to deal with conflict effectively and peacefully is... Read More
Despite serious reductions in funding for arts programs in... Read More
I wanted to share with you one of the most... Read More
Managing money is one of the most critical skills we... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Compulsory attendance laws are school authorities' first assault on parental... Read More
I've learned numerous, important lessons on life, motherhood and men... Read More
You send your child to school and the teachers teach... Read More
For the first year or two of life outside the... Read More
house cleaning company Glencoe ..Parental example, whether for good or for bad, is undoubtedly... Read More
When I was pregnant, we knew that we had some... Read More
In the beginning, having children was just a byproduct of... Read More
There isn't a school day that goes by that I... Read More
Imagine yourself lying flat on your back, totally strapped down... Read More
How bad is the illegal drug problem here in the... Read More
A great many parents are concerned that the electronic games... Read More
We want our children to do the right thing, especially... Read More
Child Safety Restraints and children in work vehiclesIf you take... Read More
You know that children can get into trouble. The older... Read More
Family decision-making is an intriguing phenomenon. Many factors become part... Read More
Predicament:My son is 4 1/2 years old. His younger brother... Read More
I am in pain. I've been in pain all day.... Read More
"Good parents give their children Roots and Wings." --Jonas SalkThe... Read More
Until the moment I became a mother, I couldn't quite... Read More
For several years now, I've told the following story as... Read More
There are many reasons for treating your twins as individuals... Read More
A tall, weary-looking mother with glasses, walked into my counseling... Read More
The wonderful adaptability of children in dealing with the challenges... Read More
Traditionally, babies have been named at a christening/baptism.... Read More
It's that time again! Parent-teacher conferences are coming. Are you... Read More
ADHD comes in differenty forms, or types. What... Read More
Dads, please let me encourage you to change some things... Read More
The back-to-school shopping is done. Brand new pencils, colored markers,... Read More
I could nearly fund my children's future education if I... Read More
Parenting |