As a first time mom, my guide to motherhood includes the elder's advices like my mom, mother-in-law, even the grandparents and friends. But no matter how abundant I am with guidance and advices from experienced people, I still feel like I am lacking of knowledge when it comes to being a mother, hence, I also run to other sources such as books, magazines and internet, providing me with other information that I haven't learned from the others. From reading the mother's forums and discussion, I came across a topic discussing about teaching toddlers how to read and speak. With this, I tried some of the suggestions I have learned.
I started noticing my baby so hooked up with nursery rhymes and phonics during her early months, I think she's 5 months that time when we started to let her watch baby phonics. She doesn't even cry or ask for attention while she's in that mode. Few months later, she started to recognize objects, but the words are not clear yet. At one year old, she can speak more words than any other kids her age.
Here's what we did, just want to share maybe you'll be interested to try for your child.
1. Watch phonics or nursery rhymes, specifically baby channels teaching ABC's, sounds, colors and the likes. We let our baby watch at least an hour a day during her early months but as she grows up, she spend more hours a day watching phonics and nursery rhymes. Take note of their favorites and let them watch it everyday, repeatedly so they will absorb what is taught from that video. Remember, they are like sponge absorbing what they see and hear. And the more they hear, they will easily pick up and remember the words. Some recommended baby channels are Super Simple Songs, Songs for Children, and Mother Goose Club. Reminder: You have to be with your child whenever he or she is at the front of the TV or a computer to guide and explain everything what is showed.
2. Read books with your baby everyday. This needs a lot of patience since not all young children wants to listen and read books. Look for the perfect timing like when they are in the mood. Do not force your child to read. I see a lot of parents pressure their child to learn many things. Remember, pressuring and over stimulation is bad for your child, it may greatly affect the learning.
3. Conduct a recitation. When my baby was one year old, we have this routine to ask her speak a word. And she is happily participating. However, just like reading, it also takes time and needs more patience.
4. Be an example. If you want your child to focus on learning, show him or her that you are also enjoying learning like showing them that you're reading a book, writing etc.
5. Exposing to real objects. A child easily absorbs what they have learned from phonics if they can see or touch it in real life. There are companies selling educational tools along with nursery rhymes, so the babies can not only listen but also to feel the objects. Grolier is one of the good example. But they are a bit expensive. If you want, you can make some DIY objects to partner it with their favorite nursery rhymes.
6. Let them play. Yes, this is important. Playing is an essential part of childhood. It gives your child a freedom to be with the other kids, to be himself and explore. Remember, through playing, your child can learn many things. Just make sure the play area is child proof.
So far, these are just some of the doable ways we've done to our baby. Hope it helps. Please share your experiences and techniques in teaching your child. Hit the comment box.
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