Early Learning is Child's Play!
It's so easy to let ourselves get caught up in the housework, cleaning and the million and one other things we need to do when looking after our little ones. But the Scottish Government's PLAY, TALK, READ campaign is encouraging parents and carers to incorporate playing, talking and reading in to their daily routines and have fun from day one!
A brand new website (www.playtalkread.com) has launched to support the campaign and is crammed full of hints, tips and interactive elements.
Just by playing, talking and reading with our children, we can have a huge impact on their future learning, behaviour and chances in life. Research shows us that the first three years in our children's development are key. It is estimated that by the age of three, 50% of our language is in place. While studies have shown that by 2 years, children whose parents talk to them frequently know 295 more words than less talkative parents. So even if you read your favourite book or magazine aloud, your child will learn new words, and you can relax at the same time.
There are loads of fun things we can do together, and they don't have to cost much either.
Spot the colour
Ask your little one to match colours. So, when you eat a yellow banana, ask them to look for something else the same colour – for example, a yellow item of clothing which you've placed nearby.
Label game
What you need:
- A thick marker pen
- Plain white paper
- Blue tack
What to do:
In large, clear print, you could write down the names of simple objects and furniture in your house, like 'cupboard', 'table' and 'door'.
Then, try cutting these out and sticking them on the objects themselves. You can point to these labels as you say its name – next time you go to the cupboard, try pointing to the label and saying your little one will think this is great fun – and it's a great way for them to learn new words and items.
Homemade Playdough
What you need:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup water
What to do:
All you do is mix flour and salt together in a saucepan, then slowly stir in the oil and water. With the saucepan on a low heat, you keep stirring the mixture. Once the dough becomes hard to stir and comes away from the sides - that means it's done. It's best to leave it cool for a while. Then you can knead it, by rolling and pressing into the dough until it's squishy.
Your toddler will love squeezing it and pressing it into shapes. And you can talk about what you're making. It can be used again and again too, by storing it in an air-tight container.
For more play ideas, hints and tips on how to keep your little one stimulated and to find out about free activities in your area, visit the Early Years website www.playtalkread.com.
The brand new website also gives you the chance to upload pictures and videos of you and your little one having fun together. It means you can share your play ideas and photos with friends as well as getting some inspiration from other parents and carers.
To upload your own video visit: www.playtalkread.com
Audio Features
Listen again to our on air features for this Life Matters article. Click on the 'play' link next to one of the titles to play that item.
PLAY > LM Early Years 1.mp3
PLAY > LM Early Years 2.mp3
PLAY > LM Early Years 3.mp3
PLAY > LM Early Years 4.mp3
PLAY > LM Early Years 5.mp3
PLAY > LM Early Years 6.mp3
Comments
The Talking Tots classes are available throughout West Lothian and Edinburgh West and certainly support the Scottish Government's aim of working alongside parents to support them in their role as their children's first and main teacher. For more information: www.talkingtots.infoLorraine Murray
Talking Tots classes are groups which help develop children's early language skills. The groups work with parents using games and activities to develop social confidence, good listening, vocabulary building, narrative and phonological awareness in a friendly, caring environment.Lorraine Murray