As children are in the midst of their first few weeks back to school this year, they're not the only ones who are starting off a new year of learning. Younger children, especially those younger than three, can be exposed to learning-routines as well. Bette Holtzman, Vice President of Consumer and Family Advocacy at The Goldberger Company, has some pointers for families to keep in mind for their toddlers going "back to school."

Every day is one big play date: Young children are like "sponges". Play is learning and learning is play in the first few years of their lives.

Schedule learning time into your child's daily routine: Developing a routine is vital to a young child's development. Depending on your child's own daily eating and sleep schedule, active learning can be encouraged when your child is most alert and gentle play such as reading and soft singing can be used for a wind-down.

Sometimes it's the box - not the toy: It is important to allow young children to "experiment" while trying new things. Kids need to touch and see EVERYTHING they come into contact with. Even allowing children to play by themselves at times, with safe items of course, is a good way for them to learn how to do things themselves. Basic "non-toys" such as boxes and other containers are perfect for unlocking the key to a child's imagination.

Dramatic play gets kids to be creative: Your old hats and clothes are a child's dream when it comes to playing. When a child sees things, they love to act them out. You may walk in on your child playing "mommy" or pretending to be Elmo or any other favorite character.

Playing with dolls can be educational for kids: Using a child's doll, parents can teach basic skills and emotions. For example, when playing "tea party," children learn manners and how to be gentle. You can use words such as, "let's feed the baby," "be gentle" or any other fun song or rhyme to help them develop language skills. Fine motor skills are also developed when a child dresses or undresses their doll.

Let your child do the talking: You don't want to become "helicopter parents" hovering over a child's every action. It is important to inspire them to think, do and try things by moving in, planting an idea and then quickly moving out. Try not to stifle their play or creativity. Listen and watch, as they develop social skills, and guide with a gentle hand.

Reading to your child is integral to your daily routine: It is very important to set aside time every day to read to your child. Younger children love rhymes, simple stories and looking at pictures of other babies. Just remember, while they may not hang on to every word or look at every single picture, it doesn't mean that they are not listening. Your child will develop a love of reading that will stay with them for life. You may even walk in on your child "reading" to his or her favorite doll one day!

Remember, your kids are watching you: Children are "wired" to imitate. Play for children is imitative because it helps them master basic skills. Don't be surprised if you catch your child imitating a phone call or pretending to cook dinner. For good or bad, they'll be watching and learning - so be aware of what you do in front of them!

What's Related:
Life After Television: Teaching Our Children to Play Again
Children's Museums: A Hands on Learning Adventure
Child's Play is Anything But

About the Author
Bette Holtzman has been a family therapist and children's advocate for more than twenty five years. As Goldberger's Vice President of Consumer and Family Advocacy, she interacts with parents, product designers and professionals to help clear paths of information and inspiration in the playthings Goldberger creates and in the concerns of parents for and about their children's playtime.

The Goldberger Company is a 91-year-old family owned and operated toy company that specializes in toys for children aged 0 to 3. The Goldberger Company produces a variety of 'soft and snuggly' dolls that are perfect for teaching your children basic skills. There is an entire Basic Training line of dolls devoted to teaching young children including Sing and Learn, Baby's First Educational Doll and Zippity Do Dolly - the doll that teaches children to dress, tie, snap, button and close.

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