Learning Triangle
TV that teaches is a must! Smart TV can foster the development of a child's social, emotional, language and cognitive skills. Children of different ages should be learning different skills, and picking the right TV programs is essential.
Every show on Maryland Public Television has an educational curriculum, or a list of things to learn that relates to each particular show. You should choose TV programs that deal with what your child is learning at the appropriate developmental stage. Remember that discussion is an important part of understanding what is being taught. Talk to your child about what is happening in the TV show and have them make predictions about what might happen next.
Finding the right book can often be a challenge. One way to make this task easier is to read the storybooks that are suggested by or related to the quality TV programs that you watch on Maryland Public Television. You can visit your local library to find books that complement segments of your favorite children's shows.
Children love repetition and by reading the same book again and again, you are helping to build their sight word recognition. You can also add voices to the characters, act out scenes of the book, or use props and puppets to go along with what you read.
Don't forget to ask your child questions about what happened in the book. Have them predict what might happen to the characters in the future, or have them create a new ending to the book.
The learning can continue by doing multisensory activities that go along with the storybooks and the program you've watched.
Creating art projects, playing outdoors, using dramatic and creative play - even activities from our everyday routines can be mae into exciting learning activities.
The main components of a good activity are planning ahead, matching the activity to your child's abilities, and relating the activity to your child's interst. Children are more interested and engaged in learning activities when the activity is meaningful to them.
Here are more valuable tips to help you! Each one is available in English and Spanish. Share the information with other parents, family and friends.
