Edutivities

     A few days ago I read an article about how much your 3-4 year old should know.  It spoke of a group of women discussing the academic achievements of their little children, each getting more grandiose with their child’s skills.  The mother who originally started the discussion became discouraged as she contemplated all the things her little child didn't know.  She later rebutted with the article I read stating what she thought her child should know. 

     I couldn’t find the article to quote her, but what I caught as the main points was to not worry so much about the academics but to make sure the child felt loved, free to be him/her self, and was read to frequently.  I agree whole-heartedly with most of what she said however, as an educator I also know the importance of preparing your child for the academics of school. 

     I went through five years of college education and have taught for the past seven so academic teaching is always on my mind.  It is second nature for me to come up with little academic tasks to do with my children.  I am afraid when we think of those moms who have little brain preschoolers, we see a mom sitting at a table drilling skills into the child’s mind.  I see a mom walking in the street talking about words and numbers on the street signs.  A mom saying what color is that car passing by or, how many steps does it take to get from here to there.  Those are simple little tasks that if done consistently incorporate educational skills while also showing your child love and acceptance.  By making learning a game you can accommodate all the academic, physical, and emotional needs a child has.

     As I know thinking of these little activities can be difficult for someone without a background in education I will be including a new tab on my page with activities or edutivities you can do with your child.  As you learn to use these tips you can become a master at incorporating educational activities into the everyday tasks you perform with your child.  You will be amazed at how easy it really is to teach your child as well as love and play with them.

     I also welcome any ideas you may be using in your home.  Together we can compile a great list that will be beneficial to all.  You can give a child all the love and attention they deserve while also preparing them for a wonderful future.  Besides, what better teacher can a child have than a loving parent.