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SCIENCE SAYS YES!
Often parents feel that their child should
only play during their preschool years and learning, or teaching,
should be left for the teachers when they go to school. If
they understood the development of a childs brain, they may
think differently.
Many parents do not realise that the first
five years, the preschool years, are dubbed the formative
years. This is the period that a child develops approximately
70% of their brain connections. Stimulation to the brain during
this time is imperative as it strengthens these connections
and absorbs information like a sponge. Learning after this
period almost becomes hard work.
Teaching your child is not a formal process
where specific rules and targets must be met. All teaching should
be playful and be done with games. You need to feed your child's
curiosity and need for new experiences. When your child starts
to say or explore numbers, introduce them to numbers and counting
through books, puzzles and games. When they ask 'Mummy, what does
that say" or "What letter is that?", give them
some learning tools to nurture that curiosity.
Reading, writing, and counting proficiency
requires certain basic skills that your child will acquire through
building and construction toys, playing with puzzles and jigsaws,
and matching colours, shapes and textures. One of the best ways
to develop a child's concentration and memory is by using puzzles
and playing (board) games. Choose toys for their educational value,
not their license or brand.
"The formative years"
- the first years, when a child develops intellectual and social
skills.
Don't miss their opportunity!
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