My toddler always needed a little calm down time before going to sleep. I started by taking him around the house and describing holiday decorations, room contents, family pictures, and educational materials that were in my daughter's room. My son loves to point at objects or pictures and ask "what this"? He enjoyed this time so much we made it part of our daily routine. Before naps and bedtime we "see what we can see", which my son now calls "see see" for short.
It is quick and easy. There is no mess to clean up and my daughter even likes to get involved sometimes naming things in whatever room we are in. It doesn't sound like much but just taking a few minutes once or twice a day to focus on vocabulary has made a big difference for him.
We use the closet doors of their rooms as a bulletin board for educational materials. In my toddler's room I put up an alphabet poster that I got from my local school supply store. I wanted to add something for shapes as well, but never saw anything that I loved. So I got the idea to use extra flashcards of shapes on his closet door. It was an instant hit! He has loved reviewing his shapes every day. He can now recognize and say oval, star, and heart.
Using flashcards on his "bulletin board" has worked out so well. I decided to add a few picture cards each week to add more vocabulary. I don't know why I hadn't thought of this sooner, it is so easy and quick to change out for new pictures.
Every child is unique and learns differently and at a different pace, but this is something that has really worked for us and both of my monkeys really enjoy.
It is quick and easy. There is no mess to clean up and my daughter even likes to get involved sometimes naming things in whatever room we are in. It doesn't sound like much but just taking a few minutes once or twice a day to focus on vocabulary has made a big difference for him.
We use the closet doors of their rooms as a bulletin board for educational materials. In my toddler's room I put up an alphabet poster that I got from my local school supply store. I wanted to add something for shapes as well, but never saw anything that I loved. So I got the idea to use extra flashcards of shapes on his closet door. It was an instant hit! He has loved reviewing his shapes every day. He can now recognize and say oval, star, and heart.
Using flashcards on his "bulletin board" has worked out so well. I decided to add a few picture cards each week to add more vocabulary. I don't know why I hadn't thought of this sooner, it is so easy and quick to change out for new pictures.
Every child is unique and learns differently and at a different pace, but this is something that has really worked for us and both of my monkeys really enjoy.
