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!
recurring cleaning service Mundelein ..In our last issue we posted some of our suggested... Read More
Imagine a child who lacks ownership of his own life,... Read More
Search for Assurance: The Power of BelongingThe job hunt is... Read More
If you are a member of a stepfamily, you know... Read More
The big yellow school bus is coming down my road... Read More
All too often, children with learning disabilities are seen through... Read More
"Setting the alarm on Sunday mornings is inhuman?..God should know... Read More
As mothers, we play so many different roles and most... Read More
When we talk about attention, we are talking about two... Read More
If you are a parent, then more than likely you... Read More
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the phrase that is... Read More
Having a high level of emotional intelligence in your children... Read More
Parental Alienation Syndrome was probably first identified and codified by... Read More
The most common medications used in the treatment of Attention... Read More
Winnie the Pooh is the classic picture of Inattentive ADHD.... Read More
To every thing there is a season, and a time... Read More
Would you like your child to be the best that... Read More
Imagine having no television for an entire season. Such was... Read More
A tall, weary-looking mother with glasses, walked into my counseling... Read More
Is your baby approaching his or her first birthday and... Read More
Some public schools try to turn children against their parents... Read More
In the last 20 years we've all been introduced to... Read More
In our last article about the neurology of ADHD we... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
Vacations are fun ! Weekends with the family are nice.... Read More
tidy up service Buffalo Grove ..Do you have a high maintenance child?"Thank goodness my second... Read More
In speaking with parents a comment I frequently hear is... Read More
My name is Duncan and I'm 2 years old. I... Read More
As a parent there are lots of things that you... Read More
Most of us can agree that there is a lack... Read More
People always ask my wife and I: "How did you... Read More
Parents play a critical role in their child's success. These... Read More
For first time parents choosing a swing set or outdoor... Read More
A friend phoned her neighbor, complaining about the wafts of... Read More
My son, Dakota is now 7 yrs old. He is... Read More
Here is a top secret to make your child genius... Read More
Predicament:My son is 4 1/2 years old. His younger brother... Read More
Here are fourteen spontaneous time-outs, specially designed to help you... Read More
Dan Rather made a significant and tactical error and got... Read More
It is extraordinary times that we find ourselves in. Change... Read More
Optimists do better academically, socially and enjoy better health than... Read More
Do you know what these famous people have in common?Alexander... Read More
The big yellow school bus is coming down my road... Read More
Along with eating healthier we need to be more active.... Read More
At first I thought of titling this article "The Lazy... Read More
Is Homework Really That Important?Dear Friends,I no longer teach in... Read More
Bath time can be fun or it can be a... Read More
Q. We just got our daughter's progress report, and it... Read More
Some public schools try to turn children against their parents... Read More
Sara loves pampering. Haircuts, facials, manicures, and makeup bring smiles,... Read More
Parenting |