What resources do you use to educate your toddlers?

1. 72

   Quilligrapherposted 14 years ago

   Sony has posted a cautionary note on its Japanese website advising that the vision of children under the age of six is in the developmental stage. They add that 3D content delivers different left and right eye images which has a potential impact on the growth of children's eyes. The Sony warning went on to recommend that all viewers take regular breaks while watching or playing 3D videos and games.
   
   What tools/resources do you use to educate and/or entertain your toddlers?

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      Julie2posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I know that I am going to sound like an info-mercial but this is how I truly feel when it comes to this.
      
      I use, "Your Baby Can Read". I bought it for my son when he was 18 months old. At 20 months he was diagnosed with mild Autism. I used the program along with the occupational and speech therapy my son was receiving. When he was 2 and a half years old he was able to read 150 words. It has helped me a great deal. Now he is able to ask for things by saying, "Want milk, want juice, want orange". That has been a blessing for me.

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   2. 61

      mkvealshposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      No resource can replace you, the parent.  Of course we all like to take a little break by setting them up with a dvd or game now and then, but the best way for them to learn is by spending time reading stories, coloring, and just talking with Mom and Dad.

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         TheMusiconomyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         We should not solely depend on the classroom to educate our children. The parent IS one of the most educational resources. I am getting ready to publish an article about Steven Spielberg, the filmmaker, that actually proves this point. His story is a great example.

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2. 68

   2uesdayposted 14 years ago

   I preferred the old fashioned method of talking to them and reading to them. Most days I would answer between twenty and thirty questions. Luckily it worked well enough for them to help solve my problems sometimes now

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      Druid Dudeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Cell phones cause brain tumors, using aluminum skillets and containers causes alzheimers. Producing hazardous products is OK long as you tell the public that you are doing it.
            When my son was about four, I used to put my Levi jacket on him backwards with his arms through the sleeves, then tie the sleeves behind him, like a straight jacket. He enjoyed it, I enjoyed it, and now, he is a fine escape artist.

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   2. 72

      Quilligrapherposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      
      Talking and reading are at the top of my list, 2uesday. Both are essential in later years for learning from and about the rest of the world.

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         rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I agree with communication, by talking and reading daily with your toddler. Asking open ended questions helps extend their vocabulary and comprehension. Interaction with age appropriate technology for a short period of time is fine for a 3 year old and can be very helpful.
         
         Letting them help with chores is a great way to educate and help instill responsibility at a young age. A toddler can pick up his toys and put them where they belong. Labeled storage bins with an image and name of the toy are helpful for the little ones.

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            nell79posted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Exactly

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3. 66

   anniedeeposted 14 years ago

   I stick with traditional learning tools too. I'm weary of incorporating too much technology (e.g. automated learning systems, consoles, etc.) into her learning process.
   
   Glad to know about the 3D caution though. My nephew always has the newest gadgets, so I'll send my sister some info so she knows.

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4. 68

   2uesdayposted 14 years ago

   When my kids started school the comment that I got about them from the teachers was how wide the range of their vocabulary was.
   
   I feel sorry for the parents now who would have to resist the temptation to use the technology available if they were to have as much talking and reading time as we had together.

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      JustMikeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Personally all I can say is read read read to them and by the time they are about five they will be reading to you. They will love to read and if you can read  you can learn to do anything. Just my .02.

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   NCBIerposted 14 years ago

   I like to think that the best way to entertain and educate my children is by involving them in the world around us. Talking about what we see when we're out, helping with the chores and cooking, making decisions together, that kind of thing. Reading and playing games (particularly not tech games) have also been incredibly rewarding.

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6. 72

   Quilligrapherposted 14 years ago

   Thank you all for sharing! I am pleased to see so many interesting and informative comments. It’s encouraging that so many are aware of the importance of their role as a parent and teacher.  There are so many resources available to supplement, not replace, the important aspects of parental interaction. Who else has ideas to share with us?

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7. 61

   TLMinutposted 14 years ago

   Experience! I took my children out to play in the rain and explore bugs, mud, leaves; we went hiking and camping, we went to tourist spots. We spent time with foreign families and in cultural museums. We did science experiments of all sorts.
   
   I read to my children a lot but then ended up with one that didn't want to be read to. He hated it! I had never met such a child before and this is one I made myself. I discovered that if I helped him experience something first, THEN read about it, it helped a great deal. He learned that reading could teach him something but only after being able to understand it through experience first. He's sixteen now and still dislikes reading but does read occasionally.
   
   Teachers annoyed me by telling my children that "the only way one can learn is by reading". That's obviously untrue, but reading certainly helps if you choose the right things to read.

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   nell79posted 14 years ago

   Books are a favorite at our house, and I think that certainly helps. We also love puzzles and games. Another thing we do is when the kids have a question about something that I don't know the answer to, we'll research the answer online together. Lots of great info that way!

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9. 62

   CASE1WORKERposted 14 years ago

   We read to them and they acted out plays of their favorite stories.I incorporated maths by counting the stairs (steps) as I carried them up for nappy changes(yes even at a few days old they are never too early to learn). We pointed out the numbers on passing buses and pointed at the clock to signify time. We didn't have computers in those days,only just a few videos ( 21 years ago) but the kids learnt- The eldest is training to be a primary school teacher and the middle one is a computer geek- the youngest is a budding Prime Minister so we reckon it worked well

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10. 72

    Quilligrapherposted 14 years ago

    Wow.  A great bunch of suggestions here!
    During the pre-school days, Saturday mornings was spent at the library.  We would browse and lounge. My daughter still talks about it.

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11. 60

    cobrienposted 14 years ago

    Finger plays, songs, finger paint, communication, simple crafts, storybooks and toys.

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    raxxsachposted 14 years ago

    My toddlers learning started with my backyard ,my kitchen,my bed time stories and travelling.Whenever i used to cook i used to describe a lot .Like for dinner today green vegetable ladyfinger then we will count chapatis(Indian bread)we have to cook.we will count stones in the backyard ,sing rhymes in the car and yes all the moral and religious stories in the night..

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    SharkFuelposted 13 years ago

    It should be noted that kids want to be like their parnets. So, they often want to do what adults do. Parents can easily make use of this fact. If, for example, kids see that you use a computer, iPhone or notebook they will probable like to do the same. It can be used by parents for educational purposes. So, if, for example, you want your kids to start reading it makes sense for parents to show their interest in reading, just start reading and show your kids that you find this activity interesting. Most likely they will desire to do the same.

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    Monisajdaposted 13 years ago

    They learn through play at this age so playing is encouraged in my house. I love reading so I am passing on my book loving attitude on them. We go to library weekly and check out tons of books, some are for fun and some for learning. We visit parks and play with friends. We cook and bake together, both of my girls like to mix the batter for muffins etc. Learing at this age is supposed to be fun and relaxed. I don't remember teaching my younger daughter ABC and yet she knows them and can write simple words at 4. They learn by observing and copying. It is fun age. Play in yard, plant plants, watch the worms, arrange rocks, make mud pies. Go for nature hikes, meet people.

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    Disturbiaposted 13 years ago

    A nice long willow switch... just kidding. I no longer have any toddlers, but I do have a little grandson and we use everything available, educational toys, videos, games, even TV. But mostly we just take him around and let him explore.

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