During the early years of your child’s life, he/she is able to pick up visual, auditory and physical cues in order to learn different skill such as eating, speaking, reading, problem solving etc. Their brain is constantly developing. This essential has the brain thirsty for knowledge. Hence, a direct enhancement of their learning should be embraced by parents even with their young age.
In spite of the fact that genetics plays a huge role in the intelligence of young children, it is also been a proven factor that nurturing and other environmental factors contribute to their intelligence holistically. And since their development is centered in the home, parents can help boost their child’s intelligence with simple but effective learning methods.
Different children respond to different learning methods. As parents, we must be aware of certain signs that say which method is effective. Some of these signs are:
-Children are happy or in a complacent mood while doing the activity.
-They are looking forward to another session with you.
-They follow instructions fluidly and ask questions when necessary.
-The gradation of challenges designed within the activity motivates them to work harder not the other way around.
-Visual cues such as facial expressions and eagerness are often good signs.
Learning Methods
At an early age, parents can immerse their children into simple activities which helps them learn a skill, knowledge or morals. Some children are drawn to specific subjects or activities that is why parents should incorporate learning within or around those that catch their attention. Below are generalized learning methods that can be tweaked to suit the needs of your child. They serve as guides to help you boost their intelligence at home.
Conversational
Bedtime stories are usually a staple during nighttime. Take advantage of this by being more creative with your stories. Make up a story that is easy to understand, lined with exciting events and sprinkled with a moral lesson or two. Adding unfamiliar words and explaining them to your children also teaches them some vocabulary without them noticing. Once in awhile, shift roles by having them invent a story and throwing a question at them sparingly.
Inquisition
Children are filled with a thousand questions a day. More often than not, their questions focus on whats and whys. These are the most analytical basics of the mind. Though it can be very annoying, it is important to give them time to ask these questions, how mundane they seem. Have them write their questions within the day and maybe over dinner you could go over the list together. It makes a great conversation while helping your child learn. If a question stumps you, be honest in replying you don’t know and encourage them to figure out the answer together.
Actual
Some children are more outgoing than others and have difficulty staying at one place to learn. More often than not, they need to do some sort of movement to think. Actually, Steve Jobs often have meetings while walking because it helps him think more effectively. Engage your children into discussing a particular subject while playing catch, or doing the dishes, or walking around a mall.
Visual
Most parents shun technology for their children because they perceive these as a distraction not a learning tool. Contrary to this belief, there are several educational tools found in the Internet, cellphone applications, or video clips that are available absolutely free and are very useful. Just remember to pre-screen these educational tools to determine if they really offer fun learning and if they are applicable to your child’s age and educational level.
