| CONTINUITY : |
| Continuity and reinforcement of lessons remain fundamental to the long-term retention of specific information. Long-term memory banks are not only functional during this phase, but capable of immeasurable levels of retention from the beginning. Consider why bilingually taught children not only learn and understand (and sometimes speak) two or more languages by 2 years of age but carry that information forward into adulthood -- the content of knowledge never breaking from memory but rather, continuously growing. Consistent reinforcement through exposure is the key. |
SPATIAL REASONING SKILLS: |
Continue building on and developing spatial-temporal reasoning skills from the previous section. Jigsaw puzzles with just a few very large pieces are a productive choice. Initially help the toddler understand the concept of fitting the pieces together but as the toddler begins to independently play with the puzzle, do not immediately rush to help if the child becomes frustrated trying to fit the pieces together. Allow the toddler some time utilizing trial and error as this will further develop overall problem solving skills.
Building simple constructions or basic designs with large building blocks is another activity to develop spatial temporal reasoning skills. The parent should build a simple construction like a straight line of blocks or a 3-block pyramid. Encourage the toddler to copy and build the same. As your toddler progresses, slowly increase the complexity of the designs like a 5-block pyramid or a circular formation of blocks. If the toddler takes the initiative to build his or her own design, follow suit and take a turn copying to encourage a dual learning experience. |
SORTING GAMES: | | Towards the middle of this phase, toddlers often become interested in sorting together similar objects whether by color, shape or some other type. Reinforce active teaching lessons by expanding this interest with simple games that encourage sorting. |
| Example: Place a mixed-up group of different shapes in front of the toddler like 3 circles, 3 triangles and 3 squares. Ask the toddler to find a circle. When the toddler locates one of the circles, set it aside (but still within view) in its own pile, the “circle” pile. Then ask the toddler to find a different shape like a triangle and make a separate “triangle” pile and so on for a square. Start again and ask the toddler to find another circle. Place the second circle found right next to the first circle found in the “circle pile”. Continue on until the baby has found all the shapes and you have 3 complete piles, one for each shape. Ask the toddler to locate the shapes in a varying sequence so all 3 shapes can be sorted. As the toddler becomes more familiar with this game, begin encouraging him or her to locate and independently sort the shapes into like piles. Remember to vocally reinforce the shape names. Utilize a variation of this exercise to also review colors. Be cautious, however, not to use shapes to reinforce colors unless the toddler has shown a clear understanding of both colors and shapes separately. |
ALPHABET : | | In general, the alphabet should be initially introduced and taught in the same manner as colors, shapes and numbers. Begin with teaching the baby letters in all capital form with clearly printed visuals, concentrating on one letter at a time over the course of several optimized learning times. Remember to begin each teaching session with reinforcement of any previously taught letters before moving onto a new letter. |
DRAWING AND WRITING : | | Introduce and encourage drawing and writing early on. Since the toddler’s fine motor skills are still developing, the toddler’s hand control while using a pencil or crayon will be somewhat erratic so in the beginning, help guide the child’s hand to make basic shapes, numbers and the ABCs. Vocally reinforce the appropriate name as you draw together. As this phase and overall hand control increases, begin promoting independent drawing. Draw a basic shape yourself then encourage the toddler to copy and draw the shape (without your assistance). Ideally, start with the circle shape as it tends to be the easiest shape to first learn how to draw. |
BABY SIGN LANGUAGE CONTINUES : |
| Continue adding to the toddler’s sign language vocabulary to further bridge the communication gap and advance overall language and speech development. Some more useful words are: |
| MORE: In both hands, curve fingers down so all fingertips are touching the thumb tip. Bring the fingertips of your right and left hand together so all the finger tips are now touching each other. |
| DRINK: Curve one hand into the letter “C” (or backwards "C" if using the right hand) and lift it up to your mouth as if holding a cup and taking a drink. |
| JUICE: While making a fist with one hand, extend straight up your pinky finger. Swing your pinky in the air in the shape of a “J” two times. |
| BATH: While making a fist in both hands with both thumbs extended straight up (palms facing chest), rub fists against chest in an up and down motion as if scrubbing yourself. |
| HURT: Make a fist in both hands and extend straight just your pointer fingers. Tap, tap, tap the pointer finger tips together. |
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| LOOKING FORWARD : |
| The journey of learning does not end here. Continue to expose the child to a wide variety of information whether its adding more complex shapes, colors, sign language, reading basic words... With demonstration, consistency and reinforcement, the capacity to learn is literally boundless. The key is to continue taking those precious steps for the child to awaken his or her inner genius and help that child meet his/her true potential ultimately, unlock that's child's true potential in life. |
| PLAN OF ACTION : |
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