Whether it’s “mama,” “dada,” or “uh-oh!” everyone gets excited about baby’s first word! But what about the words that come afterward? Building a child’s vocabulary is never quite as exciting as those first words, but it is no less important. Children start by building their receptive language, the language they hear and understand. Their expressive language refers to the language they can produce. Both are important not only for the ability to communicate but for academic success, as well. Having a great vocabulary is the first step in literacy and can give them many essential tools.
I, like most parents, fondly remember the first time I had my toddler in my lap, reading a children’s book with big beautiful illustrations and simple words like Goodnight Moon or Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? I remember how exciting it was to trace the words on the page with my toddler’s little stubby fingers and showing him how those words were connected to the illustrations.
Providing extracurricular activities for your preschooler can encourage their natural curiosity and their love of learning. It can also help them develop important skills like self-awareness, social development, language, and motor skills. There are countless classes and programs available for your child that are both fun and educational, but which activity is right for your child?
Does your child have an interest in figuring out how things work? Do they enjoy experimenting with their surroundings? Even a child who is not naturally drawn to all things math and science enjoy exploring their environment. STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, are activities that engage kids of all ages in these specific areas.
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