Children learn thinking skills when parents talk about the characters in the story or ask them “what do you think will happen next?” Reading every day to babies, toddlers and young children helps increase their vocabulary and develop memory. These skills are important for children to succeed in school and in life.
- Talk to your child about daily events, activities or their interests.
- Point to and name new or common items at home or outside.
- When talking, get down to your child’s level, make eye contact, take turns and give your child time to respond.
- Respond positively by answering your child’s naturally curious “why”, “how”, “where” and other questions.
- Ask your child questions that require thinking. “How does it rain?” “Where do birds go at night?”
- During talks use numbers, label shapes and name colors. Example: “Would you like one or two crackers?” “Bring me your big green ball.”
- Use interesting words and describe features, and size of objects, “Is the big book heavy for you?” “These blocks are triangles with three sides.”
- Talk about directions, activities and emotions. “Your balloon popped, you must be sad!” “Take your sock off of your left foot.” “You kicked the ball under the table.”