Some thoughts that were shared during the session -
Learning through play - All play provides opportunities for learning. You do not need to sit downfor an instructional session to learn about colours, numbers, counting, language. Do not make it academic. Children learn most through conversation so keep it interesting, varied, and at their level.
Child led - Always be led by your child's interest. Ask a child to do something your way and watch it lose interest quickly. Dont instruct and ask, instead, observe and comment on what they have done to engage them. e.g. Dont ask of a child - "What are you making?" which a child wouldnt know how to answer, as at this age most play is without prethought or purpose. Instead say "Are you making a house/mountain/ball?"
The child knows best - Children know better than we do how to play. We have forgotten to think like 2yr olds. Our adult brain sees specific patterns, rules, of game playing. Children are creative and imaginative. If your child enjoys an activity dont shy away from something you think is too advanced for their age.
Flexible - Dont be restricted or restrict a child to the way you think a game is meant to be played. If they are enjoying a game/toy different to its purpose or method, let them (or risk losing their interest again). As long as they are having fun, invent games around what they are doing. Dont restrict their creativity or exploration.
Language skills - Focus on increasing their vocabulary, rather than introducing alphabets, numbers and reading. Build language to enable them to express their thoughts, feelings and ideas. Build on their existing conversation ability. e.g If they say "bus", respond with "yes, a red bus", "a big/noisy red bus" and so on. Build on this by using that as a subject of a conversation. e.g. Talk about how a "cow" eats grass, gives us milk, etc.
Chat times - Find quiet times when you can sit down and talk face to face. Get eye contact and talk about anything you can think of , for instance what you see outside the window, in the park, at play. Make remarks and encourage them to respond.
Environment - Make them aware of sounds in their environment - airplane, machines, birds, police car, train - more opprtunities for conversation, expression and exploration.
A happy child will learn. A child who is happy, interested, enjoying, leading is what you must aim for.
