A child’s first experiences and interactions will shape their early knowledge of themselves and the world around them.
When you make little ones feel comforted, safe and loved, they will build self-confidence. Creating stimulating and interesting learning opportunities lets little ones develop a love of learning. When you offer support and praise, your child will be encouraged to try their best.
There are many things you can do as your child’s first teacher to help the next generation of leaders grow strong, proud and capable. The lessons they learn from you can set them on the right path.
Early Literacy:
Reading to your child
Talking and listening to your child
Singing songs to your child
Getting to know the alphabet together
Early Numeracy:
Take part in baking at home – measure our ingredients together
Count, sort and match things at home
Discuss sizes of things (small, medium, large, bigger, smallest etc)
Tell them what time it is and discuss time throughout the day
Health and Nutrition:
Provide them with a variety of healthy foods
Talk to them about where food comes from
Take part in cooking together
Explore the outdoors together, climb trees, wade in a stream, take risks
Take part in exercise together, swimming, walks, sports
Talk about healthy foods and nutrition (e.g Milk and cheese are good for bones)
Please remember though, that teaching daily life skills is also an excellent way to keep your child busy and develop important skills such as independence, confidence, and co-ordination. Here’s a few things your child could do around the house:
Setting the table for meal times
Getting ready to go outside (shoes and jacket)
Getting dressed by yourself
Dress up days – Use your imagination
Helping wash the dishes
Making their own bed
Tidying up their toys
Reading a story to someone in the house
Singing songs together
Dance Parties
Help to put the food shop away
Sweeping the floor
Baking cookies/cakes
Help make the dinner
Sort the washing – matching socks
Help looking after any pets you have
Nature walks
Play Eye Spy when outside
Washing the car
