When Does Learning Begin?
by Jeff & Annie Wiesman
Sep 13, 2018
When does learning begin? It's a question parents have been curious about for a long time, but if you have a newborn baby and want to start their education right, keep reading...
If you are a new parent, no doubt the basics of life such as eating and sleeping have jumped to the forefront of your consciousness. And maybe that is all your brain can process right now. But as the fog begins to lift, we want to open your eyes to the unique and exciting role you play in educating your children, even from birth.
Education Begins at Birth
Babies are naturally growing, developing, and learning because of the things you are automatically doing every day. And by being aware of intentional interactions you have with your infant, you will boost their development. When you create an environment that helps your child to explore his or her surroundings you foster brain growth.
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Read Education Begins at Birth: Growing Baby’s Brain
Developing Motor Skills
An important part of education is motor skill development. You can have a huge effect when you provide movement opportunities and a stimulating environment as soon as you bring your child home from the hospital. Something as seemingly simple as tummy time is strengthening your newborn’s neck and trunk for future milestones.
Read Developing Motor Skills from Birth
Learning the ABC's
Strive to develop a culture in your home that values language development. Talk to your newborn, mimic her sounds, and read books to her everyday. All of these things will help her to acquire language skills, create connections for future learning, and help to create strong bond between Mom and Baby.
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Read Learning the ABCs from Birth
Introducing Math, Science and the Arts
By having certain toys and engaging in intentional conversations you can start introducing your infant to math, science, and artistic concepts. Playing with shapes, describing nature as you walk outside, and bouncing your baby to music gives all kinds of experiences that shape the way they see and interact with their world.
Read Introducing Math, Science and the Arts to Your Infant
The interactions you have with your children within the first five years of their lives will help set them on a course to be life-long learners. To find out more about the role you play while learning teaching tips and practical strategies, read our book, Education begins at Birth: A Parent’s Guide to Preparing Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers for Kindergarten. It is available at Amazon here.
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Jeff & Annie Wiesman
Dr. Jeff & Annie Wiesman are coauthors of “Education Begins at Birth: A Parent’s Guide to Preparing Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers for Kindergarten.” Jeff is an associate professor of education who mentors future elementary school teachers, and Annie has numerous years of experience teaching preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. They reside in New York with their five-year-old daughter.
