Let Your Babies Play

When the pandemic first started and distance learning became the new reality for millions of children, I noticed an alarming and saddening trend. Many parents equated distance learning with homeschooling and worried about younger children who may have been missing time in preschool and early childcare centers. I saw parents searching for curriculum ideas for 2-year-olds and asking what their infants and toddlers need to be doing by certain ages. The answer is simply just to let them play.

It’s been proven that by letting children play, they learn and build cognitive, motor, sensory and social skills. They learn more by exploring the world around them using their 5 senses, moving around on their own, discovering how to use their body works, and manipulating objects in their environment than they do by being “taught” a complicated curriculum that tries to get them to do things they aren’t necessarily ready for.

The coolest thing about our curriculum here is that the activities are play based. The children are given the tools and get to explore how they work, fit together, react, etc. All of this helps introduce and strengthen skills they’ll need later on such as reading, writing, communication, and social interaction. So how do you teach an infant, a toddler, and a preschooler? You play with them. You read to them. You give them love and affection. You do all the things that are proven brain builders and set them up for success in the least complicated way. If you’re struggling with ideas, we have resources! Check out your child’s daily lesson plan at YSA. 

Follow The Wonder Weeks for information about what’s happening in your baby’s brain and how you can support them through it. Lookup Vroom, an amazing app that has you covered with activities, bedtime routines, tips, and more up to the age of 5! Don’t sweat if they aren’t doing advanced math or writing novels. Education isn’t a race or a competition. Relax and let your children build the positive brain foundations that will set them up for success down the road.

 

Ms. Amy

Infant Nursery Supervisor

Parent Connection Coordinator