Newborn babies are intent on studying the faces of their parents. It is through studying facial expressions that babies learn about the brand new world they have just entered. Newborns cannot see much more than twelve inches, which is the perfect distance to observe their mother and father’s faces when being held. As babies grow to be between three and eight months, they will learn to make many sounds, as well as smile. This is the best time to introduce toys. They will learn to reach and grasp objects. Remember that everything will go in your baby’s mouth, so make sure everything you give her is safe to gnaw on.
As child developments stages progress, the baby learns to crawl and walk. Now, the baby will learn to understand gestures, and should start to respond. They will start responding to phrases as well. For example, if someone asks the baby “where is daddy?” she will turn to look for dad. They also are beginning to experiment with words, and by eighteen months, she should be saying a few words clearly. This is the best time to really begin exploring books. Books can be interested earlier, but they can really be loved between 12 and 18 months.
Moving on into the toddler years, early childhood development really takes off. From 18 to 24 months, babies learn an amazing amount of words. They should be able to respond to requests, such as “hand me the toy.” These are the months when you will hear “why” repeatedly. Answer these questions! This is the best way for your baby to learn. Child development’s experts will all agree that the more you talk to your child and answer their questions, the better they will do in school and life.
From two years to three years, the baby is becoming a small child. Here is when they learn to “write,” holding a crayon or pencil like a school child will. This is a great time to give them lots of coloring and drawing supplies. They can begin to learn letters when they start to show an interest.
Next, from three to four years old, preschoolers start to really explore their language. They get a little bossy, and like telling their friends what to do. They also love to make believe, and make up stories. The best thing a parent can do is to listen intently to their talking. This is important, because it shows the child that what they have to say is important. As they head to five years old, they begin to draw and write more distinguishable. Between four and five is the best time to start formal education. They may be shy and clingy at this age, but they are ready to learn, whether at home or in a structured school setting. Finally, as children approach school age, at five or six years old, it is crucial that they learn to read and write now.