Learning in the Early Childhood Years: From Birth to Five Years Old

Submitted by Shawn Cavaness, M.Ed.

Learning begins before a child is born. During pregnancy it is important for the parents to talk, sing, read stories to your baby. After the baby is born they form relationships those relationships are important for brain development. The more interaction the caregivers have with the baby the more stimulation there is for the brain development. The more participation the baby has with learning experiences the more it helps the brain develop. Learning experiences help to shape their foundations for social, emotional, language, and cognitive development.

There are so many different learning experiences that you can do with your child, below are just a few examples you can do with your child.

Activities that support the domains and boosts brain development:

Infant
Birth – 12 months

Social:

• Give hugs & help child feel secure
• Sing songs, read books, rhyme
• Set up time to interact with other children their age
• Play Peek-a-Boo

Language:

• Talk face to face with rhythm and rhyme
• While playing talk about objects and objects in the environment
• When you are talking give wait time for child to respond

Cognitive:

• Find a space on the floor or other area to have tummy time and explore and play with objects
• Play games like Pat-a-Cake or This Little Piggy
• Play with real objects in the home (cup, spoons, and empty containers)

Toddler
12 months – 2 years

Social:

• Help with the chores
• Encourage independence-pull off shoes & socks, put away toys
• Give hugs for reassurance, separation
• Have play time to engage with others their age

Language:

• Play on the floor with toddler
• Sing songs & Nursery rhymes
• Get excited when toddlers use their words
• Read books that are repetitive
• Explore with art materials

Cognitive:

• Explore with sensory materials (playdough, sand, water, bubbles)
• Be consistent with routines
• Have conversations and ask/answer question
• Have choices for the child

Preschool
3 – 5 years

Social:

• Have the child use words to express their feelings, wants, and needs
• Be an active listener, and repeat what the child says
• Have consistent routines (dinner, snack, bath, brush teeth, story, bed, etc.)
• Use praise with all successes
• Try new things

Language:

• Give only 2 step directions
• Play games (Helps with following directions, manipulating piece, counting)
• Talk about real life experiences
• Read books and sing songs

Cognitive:

• Compare objects and describe them
• Count objects
• Take walks and explore
• Use materials and be creative
• Read books and sing songs