Cognitive and Language Development

Whether we know it or not children begin learning from the moment they take their entrance into this world by listening, looking, and interacting with people and objects (Gleitman, 1981) that carries them from birth through adulthood. Literacy Development in children is sort of the same thing but it is focused mainly on things that help them with speaking, listening, reading, understanding, watching, drawing and writing.Infants and Toddlers are like sponges; they absorb everything about their environment (Lally, Torres, & Phelps, 1993). They learn through sensory and motor experiences (Gleitman, 1981). You might say well how I can help them with all of this it is a lot. Well here are some ways that you can help them with out having to do a lot. Infants ( Cognitive & Language Development) Put a mobile over the crib, he/she will enjoy it Let them listen to classical music Read to infants.They may not understand you but it helps develop early literacy skills Play peek-a-boo Let the infa nt play with an unbreakable mirror so they can see their reflection Sing/Talk to infants during feeding and while changing diapers Toddlers (Cognitive & Language Development) While reading to toddlers, name objects in the book and let them point the objects out Hide a toy and encourage the child to find it. For example, behind your back or under the table, etc. Encourage the child to sing songs with youEncourage to stack blocks and let them knock them over so they can see them fall If the child is saying simple words like dog or ball, try and use them in a simple sentence like â€Å"Where is the dog? † so they can start learning to put sentences together Infant & Toddler (Literacy Development) Try an use rhyming whenever you can- helps them understand the meaning of words as well as how they are created Repeat sounds you child makes, or make up sounds and see if you child can copy them Talk about the sounds animals make and ask your child to copy When you are out take a book as well as a toy with youEncourage your child to draw and write using pens, pencils, crayons, and markers Try and get them to write their name on all the art work they do Help them use play dough to make the letters of the alphabet or numbers Visit the library with your child, let choose the books they would want to take home School Aged Children (Literacy Development) Play words games that encourage children to learn sounds Talk about TV shows your child is watching, talk about the past, the future Take turns reading with your child Read stories then ask the child about themEncourage your child to read the names of items at the supermarket Select a few alphabet letters and move them around to make new sounds-bat, tab, abt and ask them which words are real Ask he/she to make you a book with a word on one side and a picture on the other Or let them write a grocery list or a restaurant menu just for play School Aged Children (Cognitive & Language Development) Learning to write letters and draw circles Identifying colors and drawing more complex people Knowing the difference between morning, noon and night The biggest thing for preschoolers is to PLAY.Playing is very important for their cognitive development. It promotes healthy brain development and helps children build confidence, begin to solve problems and work with others. These skills help them build leadership and group skills. REFERENCES: Cognitive Development for School Aged Children- http://www. livestrong. com/article/541776-why-is-cognitive-development-important-in-preschool/ Literacy Development- http://raisingchildren. net. au/articles/activities_to_promote_literacy. html/context/1217 Cognitive Development for Infants & Toddlers- www. highreach. com