One thing I love about my job is educating parents about the different ways we can build language and literacy skills with children ages 0-5, through everyday activities and routines. Sometimes, life gets really busy and we just want to complete the tasks ourselves and be left alone. However, when you involve your children in these jobs and talk with them about everything you are doing, they make connections, build language, and begin to develop early reading and problem solving skills.
1 :: Shopping and putting away groceries can teach your child:
- New vocabulary
- To follow simple directions
- Grouping items similar and different
- Compare item sizes
- Environmental print skills (Brand reading: ex. Your child recognizes “M” for McDonald’s)
2 :: Doing the laundry can teach your child:
- New vocabulary words (blouse, separate, clean, dirty detergent, pair)
- Posessives (Daddy’s shirt, his pants, your sister’s pajamas, my socks)
- To follow simple directions and concept words (ex. Put the socks “in” the basket. Take the shirts “out” of the dryer. Where is your pile? It is “between” mommy’s and daddy’s., etc.)
3 :: Reading with your child can teach:
- New vocabulary words
- Ask/answer questions
- Listen carefully
- Explain in a logical order (First, second, etc. Before/after)
Some of you may be doing this without even realizing you are building these early foundational skills for success in school! Give yourself a pat on the back. Children are little sponges and they soak up everything. And remember, even if you have an infant, you can start building these skills by talking with them about everything you are doing with them such as diaper changes, feeding time, music, tummy time, etc. Keep up the good work, Mamas!
Photo credit :: www.bostinno.com
I didn’t even think about how our everyday activities can be learning experiences. Thanks for the reminder and tips.