Back to School for Your Toddler: Fun Learning Routines for Young Children
by Bette Holtzman
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."
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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.
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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