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7 ways to cultivate lifelong learning in your child

Team AckoJun 18, 2024

Now that your little one isn’t a baby anymore, you will notice lots of changes in him. He will be physically active, socially interactive, mischievous, and naughty as well. It is both fun and tiring to bring up your kid at this stage.

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This is the right age to lay the groundwork for reading, writing, mathematical, and social skills in your child. Let’s look at some of them:

1. Vocabulary and Language

Try to describe daily activities like eating, playing, watching TV, etc. in detail to your child. Encourage him to reply to you with vivid details. The more he hears, the more he can connect words to actions. You can create labels for simple action words along with drawings so that your child understands better. Labeled materials also allow kids to comprehend things better through prints later in school.

You can together make the flashcards. Your child will learn to hold a pencil and color too! Many times, your kid will learn something new without knowing the terminology or words. Be sure to share some new vocabulary when you are going to new places! If it’s your first visit to a museum, introduce words like ‘artist’ to your kid and explain to him in simple terms what it means and connect it to the exhibits there.

Use different adjectives when you visit the zoo while showing the animal behavior.

Grandma’s Tip: Reading is very important at this age and the best way to learn and enrich vocabulary. You can read anything to your kid – from comics, storybooks, to newspapers. Read aloud and do it multiple times, slowly, and clearly. Ask questions while you read, so it becomes an interactive session.

Ask your child to read too or let him tell you a story and enact what he understood. You can sing songs or rhymes daily along with your child. Make your child use a pen or pencil and scribble on paper. Let him draw or write something daily. These improve his vocabulary and language skills exponentially.

2. Mathematics and Science

Teaching math to your toddler can be fun. Try and use different words connected to math, like heavy and light, big and small, long and short, etc. with examples, so your child gets to understand math concepts. Hold his finger and let him count the number of cars in his book. Say it aloud while he counts. You can teach him by showing fingers. Use simple examples to show and explain about more or less or first or last.

You can use Lego blocks, beads, etc. Bring toys connected to puzzles, colors, play dough, clay, for more exploration.

Coming to Science, you can teach simple ideas on science by showing your child: The sun, moon, light, and shadows. You can teach him about weather and seasons and create different arts connecting to them. Teach your child names of body parts and describe them. Take them to the park to show the nature, plants, butterflies, etc.

3. Creativity

A good imagination is essential for developing your child’s problem solving and thinking skills, making him more alert. Creativity helps at later stages in life to cope with life's struggles and hardships. Enhancing your child’s creative skills will help the little one have a healthier, happier, and positive life. At this age, you can introduce crayons, markers, paint to your child.

It could be messy at times but it is definitely fun when you watch him explore the different colors. You can allow your child to paint or draw, mold or sculpt using clay, play-dough. Let him build various structures with blocks. Do not stop him, let him use his tactile skills and try new things. Give him things like sponge, strings or yarn, cut vegetables, let him dip them in the paint, and create wonders. Allow him to use his fingers and have fun. Have a storytelling session while you create puppets.

4. Problem-Solving

Do not give step-by-step directions for everything your child is doing. Let him try and make mistakes. This will help him develop strategies to solve issues later in life. It could be simple tasks for growing toddlers. For example, allow your child to choose what he wears instead of you handing it ready to him. Let him learn to use spoons, forks to feed himself and let the food fall. Allow him to dress and undress on his own. Kids need to know that there are no readymade answers to everything. So, when he is curious about an animal, visit the zoo and show him the animal.

5. Each day, a new learning

Make sure that your child learns something new every day. It could be a new skill, like tying the shoelace, or watering the plants or looking after the pet. Make your child involved in daily activities at home. He will pick up faster and enjoy doing it. You can involve him in the kitchen, show him how to set the table. Take your child around and introduce him to new places. You can take your child to the mall, library, or post office. Let him have new experiences and connect to them. Take him to a zoo or a museum and explain how animals are different in both the places-the real vs. the book.

6. Feed their passions

While your child is picking up a new thing daily, observe what he loves to do. Did he enjoy collecting shells at the beach? or did he love the animals at the zoo? or did he just collect leaves in the park? Encourage his interest and help him learn more about it. Connect books like science books, take him to new places, watch programmes on TV, on the internet, and let him observe more and enjoy learning!

7. Mannerisms

Teaching your child basic habits and manners since these make him a responsible adult later in life. A child becomes responsible when he is given due importance. The earlier you start the better and easier it is for him to learn.

You can start off with small activities first and then move on to complex ones as your child grows up. Keep using words like please, thank you, sorry, regularly in the house so your child understands and pick up these magic words.

If he hits his friend or sibling, teach him to say sorry and explain to him how his action hurt the other person. Have an organized home and ensure your child follows the pattern by keeping reading books in order, toys in the bag after playtime, school stuff in its place, etc. Have a weekly session with your kid regarding organizing his cupboard. He will learn to look after his clothes and keep it in order. These small learnings will help your child in the long run. He will appreciate you for teaching and guiding him through!

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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