Missionaries of the Sacred

Education Begins At Home PDF Print
Monday, 10 August 2009 08:48

 

85% of the brain’s core structure is formed by the age of 3. State of the World’s Mothers, 2009

Parents and guardians play an important part in the education of their children, starting from infancy. As part of their role as educators, parents teach their children about faith, the difference between right and wrong, and moral values. Parents and caregivers also directly help children reach their cognitive potential, become life-long readers, and prepare them for (and support them during) formal education.

Most people realize that proper nutrition, good care, play time and affection are all necessary for children’s growth, but did you know that those things you do almost instinctively, such as singing or reading to a baby, are also important for cognitive development? There are many activities that  parents, baby-sitters and others who care for young children can do to help children reach their full cognitive potential. It is helpful to have a good understanding of the timeline of child growth and development, so you can make sure to include activities that are age-appropriate.

Below are some examples of age-appropriate activities from Save the Children’s The State of the World’s Mothers 2009.

Examples: Cognitive Building Activities

  • 0-3 months: Begin reading regularly to the baby and talk and sing to him or her.
  • 3-6 months: Place the baby in different positions to help develop new skills such as rolling, creeping and crawling.
  • 6-9 months: Comment on the baby’s activities and give explanations for items the baby is curious about.
  • 9-12 months: Name things the baby sees and hears and tell the baby what is happening.
  • 1-3 years: Provide writing instruments and opportunities to practice. Establish a reading routine.
  • 3-5 years: Play games with rules. Establish routines such as bedtime. Be sure to involve the child in daily activities that involve counting, sorting and identifying shapes.

Remember, pre-natal care is important too. If you are expecting a child, be sure to get adequate nutrition and avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.

 


Read the State of the World’s Mothers 2009
See the Talaris Institute’s Child Growth Timeline
 

JPIC Corner August 2009
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