Many parents fail to realize the teaching opportunities that exist in the day-to-day routines of a child. That's okay, much of what I've learned, I've learned with the benefit of hindsight, and in my job as a Child Development Specialist.
These are just a few tips any parent can implement throughout the day. Teaching during routines is one of the most effective methods to teach a young child because of the repetitive nature of routines.
So, number one, yes, reading. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to read to your child on a daily basis. Many parents know this but fail to include reading to their child for one reason or another. The best opportunity can be found with setting a bedtime routine. If lack of time is a factor, then try starting your bedtime routine earlier.
Keep in mind that story time needs to be a positive time for both the child and parent. To make it fun, include books that the child can choose and then some the parent chooses. Keep a limit of 2 books maximum per night. This is plenty for a young child.
Observe your child as you read, if your child struggles to listen or tries to play then the book, it may be too high a level to keep your child's interest. Try a book that rhymes or is shorter. A favorite book of ours was Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. Another favorite is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.
Make sure if the child is under 8 that the book contains many pictures to go along with the story. Try to pick books with things that are familiar to the child. Also, try to include books, which are non-fiction as well. There are many good books to choose from these days, which have realistic photos and information.
With any child, make sure to snuggle up with them in their bed and that all other bedtime routines are completed before reading. A good routine to follow will include a light snack, bath, brushing teeth, pajamas, and a story followed shortly by lights out.
Number two tip for including education in your day is mealtime. Mealtime tends to be a stressful time for parents of young children. This is because children tend to be picky eaters and parents feel responsible for putting good foods inside the child. One way to help this be a more peaceful time is to include the child in the preparation of snacks and lunch. Not only do many science concepts occur in the preparation of food, but also math.
All parents want their child to eat good foods. So, rather than picking a meal and setting it in front of the child, ask the child to pour some dressing in a bowl for dipping of veggies or have the child stir in a bowl or chop some of the veggies. Snapping green beans is a wonderful task for a child. This will help his fine motor skill along with perhaps discovering what is inside a green bean.
Pizza making permits a child a many options in being included from the placing of the veggies or cheese to the spreading of the sauce. As the child is working, make sure to name the veggies and note the colors, shapes and counting when appropriate. A simple guessing question like, "How many pepperonis will be on this pizza?" can be a fun way to introduce number concept. Many young children do not know what 1 through 10 look like even though they can count to ten.
Tip number 3; try to play with your child for 15 minutes on the floor. This can be the most beneficial way to observe your child's learning style. It is also great for building language skills.
Sometimes, all a parent needs to do is be there. Try to let your child lead the play. If your child rolls a car, then you roll a car. Suggest things to enhance playing with cars such as building a ramp. Also, make sure to name different things a child is playing with. Introduce new words such as headlights on the car, or ramp while rolling the car up the ramp. It's ok to teach a child a new way to play with the toys, but if the child resists, then back off. Observe some more and imitate the child's play with language.
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