How do Children Learn?
by Karen Gliddon

As parents we are our children's first teachers in life. We are under the scope at all times. Wouldn't it be great to know that when we sing, read, and dance with our children that they learn to "play" in a fun and imaginary manner with others?

By letting go of our inhibitions in life and really getting silly with our children is not only a stress reliever to us adults, but it builds a bond with our children like no other! Our children deserve and need our undivided attention.

Engage in stimulating activities this holiday season by developing crafty traditions together. First, you may want to start by initiating a treasure hunt of household items to make homemade crafts, using items such as Q-tips, cottons balls, glue, coffee filters, tape, markers, crayons, straws, magazine pictures, family pictures, etc. Then, store all these items in a storage bin and let your little ones explore.

Remember this is your time together, turn off the phone and be present in the moment! These hands on experiences promote sensory stimulation in both fine and gross motor development. Children also learn best when they have tangible items in their hands to control.

William Glasser states that 95% of what we learn is from teaching someone else. Puppets provide children the opportunity to control their actions and stimulate their imaginations. Grab an old sock and transform it into a chatty creation, engage in conversation, be silly, and have fun together!

Karen Gliddon is trained in Early Childhood Education and is a licenced 'Music with Mar' instructor.