Families are key to their children's learning. You're the ones who are there day in and day out to listen, comfort, and help guide your children through the sometimes difficult task of growing up. As a parent or family member, it's simple to encourage your child's love of learning. You don't need any expensive materials, just a bit of your time and attention each day. Here are a few suggestions:
|
 |
Make
your home a place for learning: If your child
is involved with Ready to Grow at child care, find
out the topic of the day and continue exploring
it with your child at home. Ask what your child
is studying at school. Maybe you can follow up with
activities, books, or discussion at home.
|
|
Each
day, try to spend a few minutes alone with your
child: Take a moment to ask how things are going.
Choose a television program to watch together, or
turn the TV off and play a game. Tell a joke or
share something about your day. Your child will
appreciate the gift of your time and attention.
|
|
From
time to time, check with your child's teacher and
child care provider: How is your child doing,
both academically and socially? Are there any signs
of trouble? Have there been any recent triumphs?
Celebrate your child's successes.
|
|
Know
where to go for help answering your questions:
Talk with other parents and families. Ask your child care
provider or someone from your child's school if
they have any thoughts. Hunt for answers at your
local library. You can also use the resources on
this website to answer your questions, address your
concerns, and spark your own ideas.
Check out the following links to discover additional ways to extend your child's learning:
Spotlights
Kids
Are...Ready to Grow Child Care Provider newsletter
Ready to Grow workshops
Links |
|
Above
all, trust your instincts! There's no magic
to helping children grow. It's a simple matter of
showing your love-and no one can do that better
than you.
|
