Tag Archive | "starting preschool"

Tips For Choosing Preschool Lunch Boxes


Now that your toddler is starting preschool, he will need a container to hold his eats and keep them fresh until lunchtime. Nowadays, it is not enough to pack a child’s lunch in a brown bag. You have to buy a lunch box that fits your preschooler’s personal style but is totally functional. Here are some things to consider when choosing preschool lunch boxes.

Consider What You Will Put Inside

Not all preschool lunch boxes are the same. Thus, you have to figure out what your preschooler will be having for lunch every day. Once you have figured that out, it is time to pick which type suits your little luncher best.

If you will be packing lunch food that can break or smash, choose a classic lunch box. Classic lunch boxes are available in metal or plastic. They are very sturdy and easy to clean. Plus, they are offered in different colors and designs so your toddler will surely love toting one with his favorite cartoon character’s photo plastered on it. But since they are not insulated, you will need to put an ice pack to preserve your toddler’s food.

If you are packing your toddler’s lunch in plastic containers, a soft lunch box will do. You can take your pick from insulated lunch boxes which keep food fresh, hot or cold for a long time. They are made from polyester, available in cute designs and are machine-washable. However, these bags easily stain and most models have zippers which can be difficult for your preschooler to manuever. Uninsulated lunch boxes are made from vinyl-treated, coated cotton or oilcloth bag. They are lightweight, a cinch to clean and great for tiny hands with their easy to open and close Velcro. The only downside to uninsulated lunch boxes is that it does not have insulation. You will have to buy an ice pack if you put meat and dairy.

Get The Right Size

Size matters when it comes to preschool lunch boxes. Go for a preschool lunch box that is spacious enough to accommodate your toddler’s lunch food, water bottle and juice yet small enough that the contents will not move around when jostled. Also, getting the right size is very important so your little one will not need wheels to bring it to school.

Choose A Design Your Toddler Likes

Your preschooler will be the one carrying the lunch box so see to it that the lunch box you choose pleases your toddler’s taste and complements your toddler’s personality. There are so many cool designs on the market from cartoon characters, superheroes, animals, nature, musical instruments, vehicles, robots, stripes, fairies, florals and so on. Preschool lunch boxes are also available in almost every color, from neutrals to brights to pastels. If you are having a hard time selecting a design your little luncher will love, bring your toddler to the store.

But beyond the design, choose a preschool lunch box that is easy for your little one to handle. Lunch boxes with a fold over the top Velcro closure are ideal for smaller children than lunch boxes with zipper closures.

Make Sure It Is Safe

The most important consideration parents should make when choosing preschool lunch boxes is the safety of the lunch box. If you plan on buying a preschool lunch box made of vinyl or plastic, see to it that it is PVC (polyvinyl chloride), lead and phthalate free as this can be harmful for your toddler’s health and well-being. Most preschool lunch boxes today were made to meet child safety requirements, but just double check the label or ask to make sure there will be no future problems.

Preschool lunch boxes are a fantastic gear for storing and preserving a toddler’s food and drink. Choose one that will reflect your toddler’s inner self. If your preschooler loves carrying it to school, he will be more than glad to eat the healthy lunch inside.

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Choosing The Perfect Backpack For Preschool


With so many choices of toddler backpacks to choose from, it can be confusing to pick out the best one for your toddler. Here are a few tips you should bear in mind when shopping for your toddler’s backpack for preschool.

What To Look For In A Toddler Backpack

The Right Size

The first factor is the size of the backpack. It should be small, otherwise, it will swamp your toddler and make it hard for your little one to carry it comfortably and securely. The right size of toddler backpacks is 13 inches by 11 inches and 4 inches deep. The top of the backpack must not go over your toddler’s shoulders and the bottom must rest in the arch of his back. Also, make sure it is lightweight. It should not add too much weight to your toddler’s load.

Comfortable

Your preschooler will be using the backpack every day so it is important that you get a backpack that is easy to use. Look for the following characteristics:

  • Two Shoulder Straps – to evenly distribute the weight
  • Adjustable, Wide, Cushioned Shoulder Straps – to ensure a snug fit to your toddler’s body and to prevent the straps from digging into your toddler’s skin
  • Padded Back – to offer lumbar support, minimize tension on the shoulders and guard your toddler from being poked by pointed objects (e.g. pencils, ruler, scissors, etc.) inside the backpack
  • Waist Belt – to divide weight more equally across the body

Multiple Storage Space

Look for a backpack with several compartments - an outer pocket for holding crayons, pencils or other small items, an inside pouch that can accommodate a “lovie”, change of clothes, jacket and other things and a side compartment for storing a water bottle or your toddler’s sippy cup so he can easily get it whenever he gets thirsty.

Durable Materials

Preschoolers do not take good care of their things very well. Thus, it is essential that you pick a backpack made of strong material such as canvas, nylon or ballistic to ensure wear and tear. Look for a backpack that is water resistant, with sturdy stitching and fastenings your toddler can easily open. Zipper fastenings should be big, chunky and made of plastic (not made of metal). Velcro is a fast and hassle-free way to lock a bag but it can come undone after a while once it loses its “stick”.

Simple Design

Steer clear of backpacks that display cartoon characters, have wheels and handles or those that come in very bright colors. They may look cute and trendy today, but later on, they will go out of style or your toddler will outgrow the character and ask you to buy a new backpack. Go for a backpack with a simple design or one in a neutral or pastel color such as black, brown, sky blue, white or blue.

A backpack is a valuable accessory every preschooler should have. With a little time and a clear understanding of what the backpack is for, you and your toddler will be able to choose the perfect backpack for his needs.

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Toddler Clothes For Starting Preschool


It is not enough that you know your toddler’s school dress code. You also have to consider what type of clothes your preschooler really needs. Here are some suggestions of toddler clothes that can ensure a happy and secure preschooler.

Season-appropriate Clothing

Shorts when it is 60 degrees? Jackets in the summer? A toddler wearing inappropriate clothes will not be able to function well in school if the preschooler is feeling too hot or cold. To avoid this, always be updated with the seasons and weather forecasts (check it every evening). For warmer climates, dress your toddler in shorts and lightweight tank tops. For colder climates, have your child wear pants and a long-sleeved top.

Easy To Manage Clothes

Forget overalls, suspenders, tights and button closure pants. They may be fashionable and will make your toddler look more adorable, but these types of toddler clothes do not encourage independent dressing. Opt for “dash and go” clothing (e.g. pants with garterized waistbands) instead. Preschoolers should be capable of dressing and undressing themselves to make their experiences using the restroom successful. These clothes also prevent embarrassing accidents from happening.

Comfortable Clothes

Because preschoolers are always in action, they need clothes that will allow them to move freely and comfortably inside and out. Always go for school clothes that are loose-fitting, lightweight and made from breathable fabrics such as cotton. Cotton is durable and absorbent which keeps moisture away from the body so toddlers can stay fresh all day.

Easy To Care Clothes

Most of the time, preschoolers will come home with stained clothes which can make a parent’s life more difficult. To minimize your work, look for school clothes that are machine washable. This way, you can just toss them in the washing machine, add laundry detergent to remove stains, hang them dry and your toddler’s clothes are looking clean and new once again.

Jackets

Most teachers’ advice preschoolers to bring a jacket with them to school regardless if it is summer or winter season. Jackets will come in handy in case of unexpected climate changes or if the air conditioning in your toddler’s room makes your little one shiver. Place a zip jacket with a hood in a plastic resealable bag (do not forget to write your toddler’s name on it) in your toddler’s cubby or inside your child’s bag.

Forget Ruffles, Sequins, Laces and Other Embellishments

It is common for parents to dress their little girls in frilly clothes. Sure, they look cute, but wearing this kind of clothes in school is very dangerous. Your toddler’s classmates can step on the embellishments and they can snag on playground machines while your preschooler is playing causing your child to trip or fall.

Leather or Canvas Shoes

Avoid boots, flip flops and sandals. Sneakers or tennis shoes (for little boys) and mary janes (for little girls) will allow a preschooler’s toes to move freely without trouble so the feet can stay comfy all day long. Look for shoes that are easy to put on and remove and those with shoelaces or Velcro fasteners.

When dressing preschoolers, always prioritize comfort and function so toddlers can move unrestrained and perform their best in school.

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Five Things Every Toddler Should Know Before Starting Preschool


So you have chosen a preschool for your toddler and classes will start next month. Think everything is all set? Think again. Does he know everything he needs to know? Here are five little lessons your toddler should learn before starting preschool.

Personal Hygiene

Your toddler should be fairly self-sufficient before he starts preschool. Meaning, your toddler should know how to use the bathroom, recognize and tell the teacher when he feels he has to go, wash and dry his hands, dress himself, raise his hand when he needs something, eat on his own, remove caps and covers and hold things (spoon, fork, cup, pencil, crayons, etc.) correctly. Train him as early as possible so he will not feel so helpless.

How To Interact With Other Toddlers

The first day of class is always terrifying, especially for toddlers. This is normal. But, do keep in mind that your preschooler has to co-exist with other students. Having appropriate social skills will make everything easier. Teach your toddler to say “please” each time he asks for something and “thank you” whenever he receives something. Spend more time at the playground so he can mingle with his peers. Organize play dates. Let him order his food at the restaurant. Try role playing and have him introduce himself to you. Read books or watch videos about friendship. These things will teach your toddler essential social skills such as sharing, cooperation, taking turns, listening, respect and making friends.

Basic Math and Reading Skills

No, your toddler does not have to know a lot of words nor memorize the multiplication table. Expecting your preschooler to learn those things is unrealistic. Knowing how to recite the alphabet, recognize letters and shapes, count to ten, identify numbers, sing songs and nursery rhymes, talk in 5 to 6 word sentences and write his name will put him at an advantage. Let him read a lot of books and practice drawing shapes, counting and sorting objects and writing his name at home.

Safety Basics 101

Safety is an important lesson preschoolers should know. If his mode of transportation is a school bus, attend practice rides. Take a walk with your toddler to his bus stop and give him a list of information he has to know – what time the bus will arrive and leave, where he can find his bus after school, how to use a seat belt, what will happen once he is inside the bus, what he needs to do once he gets off the bus and how to obey a crossing guard and watch for vehicles when crossing the street. Tell him that he should never talk to strangers. Make him memorize your phone number and address.

Confidence

A few days before school starts, take your toddler to his school. Let him see his classroom, meet the teacher, walk the hallways and play on the playground. Talk to him about school and at the same time, acknowledge his fears. Assure him that you also got scared when you were little and share stories about how you made friends with your classmates. The more acquainted your child is with school, the less nervous he will be.

Preschool is a place for learning and fun. By teaching your toddler these things early, he will be able to savor this important milestone in his life.

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Managing Anxiety In Children Who Are Starting Preschool


Starting preschool is a difficult time for your toddler. New faces, a strange environment plus the thought of being away from you will truly make him nervous. While you cannot erase his first-day jitters completely, you can help ease some of his anxiety so he can welcome this big change more openly.

Recognize Your Toddler’s Fear

Being in a new environment scares toddlers. Ignoring your toddler’s anxiety or telling him everything is okay will only backfire. Get your toddler talking about his fears. Listen to what he has to say, no matter how irrational they may seem. Ask him why he feels that way. Let your little one know being scared is normal and that you understand how it feels. Remember, fears will not go away when you disregard them.

Talk About It

A few days before preschool starts, talk to your toddler. Keep your conversation casual, say, over dinner, while playing or giving him a bath. Keep your voice jolly so he knows it is something he should be happy about. Use simple sentences to explain what he can expect like who will be there, what will happen during class and the likes. The more he knows, the better he will feel.

Expose and Explore

Read books about school. Watch videos about a little boy who is preparing for his first day of class. A week before classes start, tour the school. Visit his soon-to-be room. Introduce your little one to his teacher. Play at the playground. Doing this helps him familiarize himself with the surrounding, easing some of his anxiety.

Practice

During your playtime, why not role play what happens in school? The two of you can take turns pretending to be the teacher and student. Dress the part. Use his stuffed toys as his classmates. Give him certain scenarios (e.g. introducing one ’s self, shared activities, etc.) and see how he handles them.

Increase Social Interaction

If your toddler is anxious being with other children his age, he will truly have a hard time  getting along with his classmates. Train him by organizing play dates with other children in the neighborhood. Ask your friend’s kids to join you for a picnic or a trip to the park. Enroll him in a workshop. Visit the playground more often. Even if they will not be in your toddler’s class, the exposure will help your toddler deal with unfamiliar faces once he starts school. In addition, this is an excellent way to teach your toddler important social skills such as sharing, taking turns, listening, cooperation and respect.

Teach Your Toddler How To Be Independent

Maybe the reason why your toddler is so anxious about starting preschool is because he does not know how to do things on his own. Teach him how to dress on his own, use a bathroom and to raise his hand if he has to go to the restroom. Let him eat and drink by himself.

Do Not Show Your Anxiety

Keep your emotions in check. While you may also be feeling scared for your toddler, letting him know will also increase his anxiety. If you are excited for his first day of school, your anticipation will rub off on him.

Finally, when the first day of class begins, take time to get him ready. Prepare a healthy and yummy breakfast. Walk him to his classroom. Give him a hug. Tell him mommy will be back in no time and most importantly, to enjoy.

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Ways You Can Help Your Toddler Succeed In School


It is the dream of every parent to see their children succeed in school. However, in order to achieve that, parental support must be present. Here are some things you can do to help your toddler do well in school.

Be Involved

Children are more motivated to do well in their studies when parents take an active role in their education. Talk about school at home. Ask your toddler how his day went, what they did in class and what he learned over dinner or before tucking him to bed. Help him with his homework. Set a regular time for homework (e.g. before TV or play time) and create a cozy study area with no distractions. If he needs assistance, help him, but never do his assignments for him.

Go to PTA (Parent Teacher Association) meetings and school fairs or performances. Meet with his teacher frequently. Ask if the teacher needs help in preparing next week’s activities. Volunteer to be the chaperone during class field trips. This will help your toddler realize the value of school and how fun it can be and that you want him to try his best.

Help Your Toddler Feel Good About Himself

Ensure your little one gets adequate hours of sleep, a well-balanced diet and a good morning experience. Remind him that he is a good and smart child. A well-fed, well-rested, cheerful and motivated toddler will have no problem trying to perform his best in school.

Read A Lot

Reading provides a good start to a child’s educational foundation. Read together or encourage your toddler to read on his own. Do not just stick to books - read newspapers, magazines or leaflets. This will help broaden your toddler’s mind. Do not worry if he cannot understand every single word, what is important is that you are exposing him to a lot of materials which will help him build a larger vocabulary and develop better overall skills.

Show Support

Be your toddler’s number one cheerleader. It is easy to be happy when he gets an A in his Math quiz, but during difficult times, make sure you give your child a boost. If he does not understand his homework, go through it together or if he feels like giving up because he is not able to color inside the picture, assure him that it is okay and then help him do it step by step. Try not to focus too much on the negative as this can affect his self-confidence. Maybe all he needs is a little more time and practice.

Give Rewards

Rewards are incentives that never fail to motivate children to do well.  When your young one gets three stars for copying the words on the book flawlessly, offer a special prize. It can be as simple as buying him stickers, cooking his favorite food for dinner or allowing him to eat ice cream. Do not forget to give him a hug or a pat on the back and say “I am so proud of you.” or “Good job baby!”.

School is never easy for anyone, especially for toddlers who are still developing their skills. But, as long as parents are there to guide their children every step of the way and offer 100% of their support, succeeding in school will not be impossible.

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School Supplies Your Toddler Will Need For Starting Preschool


Starting preschool can be a nerve-wracking time for your toddler. A new environment, new routine, new faces, plus the thought of being away from you can send your child into overdrive. One way to relieve some of his fears and make him eager to start preschool is by providing him with basic school supplies.

Backpack

Every child needs a backpack for carrying school supplies. Look for a backpack that is durable, has wide, padded straps, waterproof, easy to open and close and has outside pockets for storing crayons and pencils so your toddler can just grab one instead of rummaging through his bag. When choosing a design, opt for a backpack in your toddler’s favorite color or one with a simple print of his favorite cartoon character or superhero.

As much as possible, choose a backpack that comes with a tag. If unavailable, buy a bag tag so you can input important information. Include your child’s name, home address and emergency contact numbers. A piece of advice: Do not hang the tag outside of the backpack for everyone to see, attach it to the inside.

Writing and Coloring Supplies

Pencils are a must-have for school. Make sure your toddler has two so in case one of his pencils gets broken, he still has something to use. Paper is another necessity for school. Buy a pad of handwriting paper and at least 2 notebooks with red and blue lines. Of course, do not forget to stash his backpack with crayons. Do not buy the 24-piece or 64-piece crayon set, save them for your toddler’s art time at home. Get the smaller box of crayons, one that contains the 8 basic colors.

Other less essential items you may include in your little one’s backpack are glue stick, child safety scissors, bond papers and markers.

Set of Clean Clothes

Toddlers tend to be very messy. Pack an extra set of uniform (if his school has one), t-shirt, pants, underwear and socks (make sure they are weather-appropriate). This way, he does not have to endure wearing a stained or wet shirt until the end of his class.

Cleaning Items

Diapers, tissues or wet wipes and a travel-sized sanitizer will help control inevitable messes and accidents. Store them in a clear, medium-sized pouch so your little one can easily spot them.

Lunch Box

Choose a lunch box that is easy to clean, water-resistant and spacious enough to fit your toddler’s water bottle and small plastic containers. Skip lunch boxes with snaps or buttons as this will only give your toddler a hard time opening and closing it. One with a zipper closure will do.

Napping Gears

If your toddler’s preschool has a nap or rest period, pack a nap mat (if the school does not provide one), small blanket, pillow and a lovey or comfort item (e.g. his favorite stuffed animal, a t-shirt with your scent on it or your old handkerchief) to help him doze off and ease his nerves if he starts missing you.

Help your young one calm his first day jitters by providing him with the supplies mentioned above.

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How To Build A Good Relationship With Your Toddler’s Preschool Teacher


Starting preschool is a scary and exciting time for your toddler. He will need a strong circle of support for him to thrive, and in order to achieve that, you need to build an effective bond with his preschool teacher. Here is how you can do it.

Connect With The Teacher

Contact the teacher by attending a back to school event or parent-teacher meeting. Listen to what the teacher has to say and address your concerns. Or, arrange a quick conversation with the teacher at the beginning of the year. Keep it casual. Introduce yourself and your toddler to the teacher. Ask questions, share information about your toddler – his favorites, a health condition or a behaviour issue and give your contact information so she can easily talk to you about your toddler’s progress. Do not forget to thank the teacher for taking the time to talk with you. By taking these steps, you are showing the teacher that you are looking forward to working with her and that she can easily approach you if she has any concerns.

Volunteer

Even if you are working, you can still help. Ask your toddler’s teacher if she needs anything done such as collecting art materials for a class project and dropping them off at school. Volunteer to cut out shapes, make a collage or other tasks at home. Be a chaperone during class trips or provide extra snacks. You could also call parents about upcoming events. A small gesture goes a long way to show you care. Your toddler’s teacher will be grateful for your help and take note of your eagerness to be involved.

Know The School’s Discipline Rules

It is very important that you educate yourself with the school’s discipline policies. For instance, if the teacher uses the time-out method to discipline children and you object because that is not your discipline style, your little one will be very confused. If the school and the teacher’s philosophies do not match your own, you have to respect that.

Discuss Issues Privately

Never discuss a problem during drop-off or pick-up. Most likely, the teacher is busy saying “hi” and “goodbye” to other kids and parents. Do not talk to the teacher in front of your toddler or disrupt her in the middle of class. If you are angry with the teacher or you have a serious concern, set a meeting so the two of you can talk and resolve issues in private. Regardless of your concerns, you still have to be discreet and respect the teacher’s relationship with your toddler.

Keep In Touch

Follow up your first meeting by making an effort to stay in touch with the teacher throughout the year. Send her an e-mail, talk to her after school hours or meet with her over the weekend.

Appreciate

Let your toddler’s teacher know that you are very thankful that she is taking good care of your child. Compliment her for a job well done. Send notes of thanks or a card to let her know that your little one cannot get over how great she is or how much he enjoyed the painting activity she planned.

Aside from you and your husband, teachers are the people who spend the most time with your toddler. Hence, you need to have a good relationship with your child’s teacher so you can work as a team in helping your toddler succeed.

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Getting Your Toddler Ready For Preschool


Starting preschool is a major phase in your toddler’s life. It is a big step and he is afraid of not knowing what to expect. Ease out his frustrations and help him get ready for preschool with these tips.

Increase Social Interaction

If your toddler has not spent much time interacting with other kids or was not enrolled in a day care center, then most likely, he will have difficulty getting along with other children once he starts preschool. Let your toddler get used to being a part of a group by arranging play dates and other social opportunities where your little one can learn basic social skills such as respect, cooperation, listening, sharing and taking turns. Enroll him in a music class. Join a summer workshop. Organize a swimming party. Make afternoon visits to the playground more frequent.

Adjust Your Child’s Daily Routine

Mimic the schedule of his future preschool class to his daily routine. This will help him get accustomed with the changes. For instance, if he is used to eating lunch at 11:30, yet his class does not eat until noon, adjust the time he eats lunch at home. Train him a few weeks in advance and do it slowly so he will not get shocked with the changes.

Practice Independence

His fine motor skills are still developing so everything is a struggle for your toddler. Opening his lunchbox can turn into a frustrating battle and lead to a meltdown. Avoid this outrage by training your toddler how to do things on his own. Let your little one eat his breakfast and drink water by himself. Mishaps may happen at first, but eventually, he will learn it and this will help him adjust to preschool more smoothly.

Practice bathroom skills. Ease your toddler’s fears of not being able to control his bladder by training him what to do each time he needs to use the bathroom. Inform your toddler that it is okay for him to ask to go anytime. Role play it. At home, act as the teacher and have your toddler raise his hand each time he needs to go to the bathroom. Constant reminders can also help your toddler remind himself that he needs to use the toilet. He will get used to these reminders which will act as his warning signals that he needs to pee especially in the middle of class activities.

Hone Your Child’s Skills

Indulge your toddler in creative activities like drawing, coloring, finger painting and clay molding. Give him basic jigsaw puzzles and connect-the-dot picture books. These activities help hone your little one’s visual and motor skills which helps enhance his writing skills.

Read books to your toddler every day. Preschool classes have at least one reading period each day. Setting a reading time (at least 15 minutes) every day will help make this a familiar routine even before school begins. Since he is not yet an independent reader, he needs to learn how to listen. Read out loud to help improve his listening skills. Question him in between pages, ask him what he thinks will happen next or how he thinks the story will end. After which, ask him about his thoughts. This will help your toddler express his views openly.

Visit The School

Visit the school with your toddler a few weeks before he starts. Have him to take a look inside his future classroom. Introduce him to his teacher. Stay for a few minutes so he can see what goes on, who his classmates are and so on. This will help make him feel more comfortable and less anxious to start his first day of school.

Acknowledge His Fears

Talk to your toddler. Give him a sense of what to expect and ask him what he feels. Most often, the thought of starting preschool scares toddlers. The best way to ease your toddler’s fears is to be honest. Let him know what to expect - where he will be going, what he will be doing and who will be in class with him. Try watching a video together about a little boy starting preschool or read a book about it. Share your experiences. Assure him that you were also nervous at first but everything turned out to be exciting. Information will help calm his fears.

Finally, when the first day of class starts, allow extra time to get him ready. Walk him to his classroom and do not just sneak out. Give him a hug, kiss or a high five as a sign of reassurance. Tell him you will see him later and most of all, to have fun.

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Starting Preschool - How You Can Help Expand Your Toddler’s Vocabulary


A toddler who is starting preschool require knowledge of basic words, and as a parent, you are also responsible in honing your child’s vocabulary skills. Help your toddler learn new words by following the tips listed below.

Talk

Converse with your toddler every day. Carry out conversations about everything, from his new toy to the food you are cooking. Simple conversations are one of the most effective ways in increasing a toddler’s vocabulary. Ask him questions like how his day went, what games he played with other kids in the playground and so on. Correct improper usage of words but do not interrupt your little one while he is still talking. Instead, wait for him to finish and repeat what he said back to him. By doing so, he will be able to recognize his mistake and make sense of the word without bruising his ego. Never underestimate the power of conversation and information to the development of vocabulary.

Listen

Talking and listening go hand-in-hand. When having a conversation, make sure the both of you maintain eye contact. This lets him know that he has captured your complete attention. After which, you can discuss what he said. This small act builds self-confidence encouraging your little one to talk.

Read Out Loud

The best way to expose your toddler to words is through reading. Read aloud to your child during his playtime and before bed time. Read books with characters and plots, but avoid books that contain too many words your toddler is unfamiliar with as this will only make it difficult for him to understand the story. Point out pictures in the book. After every page, stop and explain new words to him and ask him what he thinks will happen next before reading the next part. This allows him to link the words he hears with what he sees in the pictures.

Use Alternate Words

Replace common words with alternate words. For instance, if you see a spider, instead of describing it tiny or small, use the adjective minuscule. Describe a mansion as gigantic instead of big or call the car an automobile. Talk to him about what you are doing. For instance, if you are preparing food, instead of using the word “frying”, use the word “sautéing” or replace the word “chopping” with “mincing”. Explain to your little one that both words have the same meaning. In this way, you help your toddler identify similarities in words which will help him develop his vocabulary to a whole new level.

Minimize Baby Talk

Converse with your toddler the way you would talk to an adult. By doing this, you help him learn new words which he can add to his vocabulary list. Learn new words and share them with your toddler. Do not forget to explain the meaning behind each word so he can understand them.

Play Games

Games allow a toddler to get creative. Make use of his playtime by holding games that can enrich his vocabulary. Unnamed games like “I Spy” and “What Sound?” are very effective in expanding a child’s words. Another favorite is the “Show and Tell Game”. Every time you go out with your toddler, have him collect something as a keepsake. It can be as simple as a flower, shell or stone. Once you are at home, encourage him to show to everybody the items he collected and tell everyone about them.

Build A Learning Environment At Home

Create a space for learning in the area where your toddler spends most of his time. Take a good look of your living area. What do you see? Are there books, board games, puzzles, art supplies, audio CD’s and a radio present aside from the PlayStation, TV and computer? Limit TV viewing since it does not allow your toddler’s brain to create his own images of the words he hear. Building a rich learning atmosphere at home can help all aspects of a toddler’s education, especially vocabulary.

Language is an integral part of preschool education and the only way your toddler can learn is by listening to the people around him. The richer and more abundant your words are, the more well developed his vocabulary will be.

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