Caring adults can use cooking tasks and routines to help kids develop necessary thinking, language, and motor skills. Letting children stir the pancake mix, measure a cup of water, or roll out dough is a fun way to spend time together and prepare them for success. Caring adults can use reading time to support children's language skills by asking about pictures in the books they share. "How is the little girl feeling? Why do you think she feels that way?" In this way, children learn how to think about what they are seeing and hearing in the story. Caring adults can focus on positive relationships to create a soothing and emotionally safe space for children to learn. Try playing the game "Guess What I Am Drawing." Turn the child's back to you and 'draw' on their back with your finger. Gentle human touch relaxes (most) children, while quiet, authentic conversation engages their thinking skills.
If you are curious about your child's growth and development, visit our website, refer your child to our home visiting program, or call Jacquie Gibbs for more information: 306-848-4722.