Do you ever wonder if you’re doing enough for your child to aid his or her mental growth? Young children love to learn and are extremely curious, so creating a home that harbors and is conducive to learning can help them make great leaps in their mental growth.
Below you will find our top five tips for creating a learning environment in the home.
1. Choose Toys Wisely
Another way to help your child’s brain is to have stimulating toys. This may seem like a simple concept, but when you are choosing toys for your child, really put some thought into how the toy would serve him or her in their learning. Yes, a big stuffed animal is cute and cuddly, but a better choice may be an art set, a musical instrument, or a puzzle game that helps with math skills.
2. Create a Reading Corner
One way to foster an environment of learning in the home is to have a spot that is dedicated to reading books. It doesn’t have to be a big area, just a small corner will work just fine. Children love to absorb knowledge and one big way to facilitate that is by having a wide variety of reading material for them and a place where they can sit alone or with a parent and read. Once they get older, you can introduce them to higher levels of books to read.
3. Educational Goals
Educational goals are important in children. Parents can start early to help their children to create educational goals. The first thing parents can do is set the example with their own thirst for learning and formal education. This could lead to great gains later on, graduating from high school and then later, becoming a college graduate. There are so many ways to get a higher education. If your child likes to learn about people and different cultures, then maybe a degree in international relations would be a great goal.
4. Capitalize on Strengths
Furthermore, try to capitalize on your child’s strengths. Magnify and expound upon them so that your child can nurture those traits to create a real passion for something they enjoy and are skilled at. As your child gets older, you’ll notice that certain strengths start to emerge. Create activities that challenge their mind to learn more. You can also use games that will build upon the skills they’ve already established. For example, if you notice that your child loves music and dance, purchase, download, or play dance videos as often as you can to help them improve their skills.
5. Explore Interests Fully
Children’s interests can change like the wind, but you can help your child explore each interest. Be patient when this happens. Children have to explore the world to figure out what they like and what they might need to work on. Remember, weaknesses can become our greatest strengths so encourage them to work on things they aren’t as good at. This type of learning can contribute to a more dynamic skill set that enables children to apply themselves to a variety of tasks and challenges.
Lastly, no matter how much money you spend on toys and learning devices, it is you, the parent, that needs to spend time each day talking and playing with your child. Be as available as possible to answer your child’s questions, and try to be with them often to guide their learning experiences. It’s the one-on-one time that shows your child that he or she is important and this can make a huge difference in growth.
