Learning Begins at Home
I should have very well called this the Introduction to School With Squeaker because that’s pretty much what this is. I’m not really getting into the reasons as to why I stay at home with her, and I’m not even giving you a break down of our day. All I’m really doing is sharing what’s worked for us in my quest to make the world her classroom by providing everyday learning experiences because for me, learning begins at home- regardless if you’re going to send your child off to public or private school or homeschool them.
I will begin by saying that I’m not a professional and I don’t have a degree in education.
But I don’t let that stop me from providing every day learning experiences for Squeaker. I’m sure that some of these (if not all) will seem pretty self explanatory and I’m not, by any means, trying to insult anyone’s intelligence. I just wanted to share what works for us.
I also try to incorporate special activities (art, sensory play) into her every day learning experiences. When the weather is nice, we also try to take daily walks or play in the backyard. These are great learning experiences for Squeaker. We find a lot of things to look at, and I talk to her about the world around her.
Learning Begins at Home: My Tips
Squeaker loves to be read to.
Mostly from her own collection of books, but she also will listen to just about anything that’s being read to her. For that matter, she enjoys being talked to. And sure, she might not be able to reply in sentences or even words that make sense, but in her own way; she’s building conversational skills.
Books that are designed specifically for babies will often include textures and things that make noise. Talk to your baby about these things beyond the text, or if there is no text, make up your own!
Books, and reading to babies, are a wonderful way to start learning at home.
Are you a visual, auditory, or hands-on learner?
The way that an individual learns is determined over time, and often times a learner might fall into multiple categories of learning styles. For Squeaker, hands-on and visual methods have worked best with her so far, though she also enjoys listening to music and hearing stories.
With that being said, there is no hard and fast rule- especially at this age, that you have to stick with one method throughout your learning experiences. Experiment and see what works for you and your baby. Introduce things in a variety of ways. For example; textures are a great way to introduce a new concept, toy, or experience.
Try making a texture box using an empty tissue box with items inside.
Be mindful, of course, for choking hazards and don’t leave your baby unattended. Another great hands-on experience for babies is sensory play. Crystal at Growing a Jeweled Rose shares 56 ideas for sensory play with babies.
You may have heard of methods such as Montessori or Waldorf and maybe you’ve wondered how to incorporate that into your home. Or maybe you’re already doing that and just didn’t know it yet. Whatever the case may be, do some informal research. I’m not suggesting that you go out and buy every book on the market or break your bank purchasing specific items; but just take a look and see.
Google ‘teaching methods’ or ‘teaching philosophies’ and see what you come up with. Find one or two that interest in you and figure out how you incorporate that into your every day learning experiences.
Squeaker is a very hands on baby, so we’ve found that incorporating a little Montessori works very well for her. How else do I plan on integrating Montessori into the home? Well, I want to introduce treasure baskets and natural materials. I want to teach her life skills and how to be independent in her work. I feel that Montessori principles will work wonderfully alongside other plans that I have for Tot School and Homeschool Preschool.
At the end of the day, don’t stress yourself out.
Don’t try to come up with detailed lesson plans or a strict routine and expect it to work. As moms and parents, we know that babies have their own routine. Yes, you can try to introduce a routine and maybe you’ll have some success. But being flexible enough with that routine is also important. Maybe you could start simple and incorporate themes, but I really don’t think that’s necessary at this age.
Just have fun with your baby and enjoy your time with them. They’re only young for so long. And maybe you’ll also see that there is a learning experience in every day.
In what ways do you, or did you, introduce everyday learning experiences for your baby?
Linking up with Mom’s Library and The Mommy Club
Kori
I couldn’t agree more. I have read to my boys from day one. Now they can read to me, but they are still reading and that is what counts.
That’s great to hear! It saddens me to hear when parents don’t read to their kids.. and that is awesome.
I think my kids learned the most from the everyday experiences. Talking about everything and exploring just lead to learning!
🙂 That’s always a great way for kids to learn. To just let them explore their environment.
i figured out very early on what kind of learner my daughter is from teaching her things at home. She is a “do it” kind of learner. She doesn’t like to watch you do it but rather do it herself. If everyone could figure out what kind of learner they had at an early age, going to school and being a successful learner may come easier to them 🙂
Ah that’s a great way to learn! I was more of a visual learner, at first. Now I’m a mixture of visual and hands on.
I don’t have my own children, but I like going through the alphabet book with my nieces
That sounds like a lot of fun 🙂 Any kind of reading that you can do with a child is highly beneficial.
I love this! I’m a huge believer in homeschooling or even general schooling begins at home from a very young age – it’s an all year, full time thing. These are awesome ideas 🙂 I’m gonna pin!
Thank you so much, Stefanie 🙂 And yes, we’re starting young with her.
We have always read a TON and always loved sensory play 🙂
That’s great to hear! My daughter is iffy on sensory stuff. But if I’m doing that with her, it’s all good.
This is true. My 2 year old loves for me to read and I love because I get to read my favorite bedtime stories. Even though he is in learning mode he is definitely a hands on kind of guy. I love your ideas and will implement them as well.
🙂 I think young kids are definitely hands on learners, especially those who aren’t reading yet. It’s the easiest way to learn something.. by experience and getting involved 🙂
You are right on! Learning most definitely begins at home. I wish more parents understood this. As a former teacher and current stay at home mom, I encountered so many parents who felt it was the teacher’s responsibility to teach their children EVERYTHING. It was so frustrating because you can only do so much if curiosity and learning are not being reinforced at home. It sounds like you’re doing great work with your daughter. You seem to have a very solid understanding of early childhood cognitive development. Keep up the good work. I love all of the reading and self-guided… Read more »
I think it’s part of what I’ve studied in psychology and I also took a few classes in early childhood education (Early Literacy was my favorite) but also common sense. I wanted to homeschool my first two so badly, but because of their disabilities I was unable to. Still, I tried to learn as much as I could and helped them as much as I could. A lot of it also has to do with my background. I was in daycare growing up, but I remember reading with my parents a lot.
Great stuff kori, and definitely useful for kids of all ages and learning types!
Thank you so much, Rachael!
i agree so much that reading is so important. you have really great tips.
Thank you 🙂
reading is SO important – thanks for sharing!
Thank you 🙂
I agree, learning starts at home. I’ve been trying to read to my son and make sure he has the intellectual stimulation he needs.
That’s great Joanna 🙂
I am a HUGE believer in reading. I think it is the most important thing you can do for your baby!
Absolutely! Babies soak up so much.
Nope, lol. Trying a rigid routine with a baby is like trying to corral a cat. It just won’t happen.
I was a kindergarten/first grade teacher before staying home with my son. You are totally right on with your tips. Learning definitely begins at home. You can clearly see the difference when children are read to each night with those that are not. Reading with your child is SO important. I also like your point about having fun. Learning should be fun! It’s a shame that so many law makers forget that. Great post!
It is! It makes me sad to hear that recess is being shortened or not really part of a day. Kids need that time to play and get all of that energy out.
so true! great article you have here … thanks for sharing
Thank you for taking the time to read 🙂
You’re provided some wonderful thoughts here! Sensory play, encountering real life experiences, and reading have always been huge learning activities in our home.
Thanks for sharing and linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Thank you so much! And yes, it’s been really great with her.
I like your thinking–babies are constantly absorbing their surrounding, so we should slip a little fun education into it! Thanks for dropping by the Mommy Needs a Time Out linky, we’re pinning this post.
Absolutely 🙂 Why not start early! And thank you, I appreciate that so much!
Reading I think is one of the most important! Also hand-eye coordination, playing with toys, games and puzzles, etc. There are so many fun ways to play and learn at the same time! Counting, numbers, ABC’s, picture cards!
Yes, you are so right!
My favorite thing about babies is everything is new to them so they’re fascinated by the simplest things. Every day activities that we take for granted (just going for a walk and talking about what we see, for example) are learning gold mines for babies!
Yeah, it’s nice to also take a step back and try to see the world from their point of view.
The early childhood is a very precious time for children to explore the world. It is also a valuable time for parents as well since this is the basic of learning life. Once we miss it, then we will loose it. Thank you very much for sharing with us.