Supporting your children’s learning and development
Talk and sing to children from day one. It will help them develop their memory of sounds and later of words. Be guided by the child and observe what she or he is able to do and encourage them gradually to build on what they are able to do.
Accept that each child grows and develops at his or her own pace. Avoid comparisons with other children, and try not to put a child under pressure to do anything she or he is not ready to do. This applies equally to walking, to potty training and to reading. Encourage reading and talk about the pictures in books and read to your child from an early age. Encourage them by having books, magazines and newspapers in the home. Let them see you and other family members reading them. Pointing to and saying words as you travel together in parks, in shops, etc. also helps.
Feed children’s natural curiosity and give toddlers and young children a variety of safe and interesting objects to explore. Play with your children sometimes as it is an opportunity to show your interest and delight in their discoveries and achievements. Try to give toddlers and young children space to enjoy physical movement and games. This includes running, skipping, climbing, playing ball games in parks and playgrounds or your garden. Use creative play to help them develop their abilities and skills.
Consider joining parent and toddler groups, children centres, playgroup or a toy library. These too are good places to meet other parents and help a child develop social skills in readiness for school. It is important to enjoy everyday activities together. These are opportunities to talk about things, name them and identify words.