Studies have shown that learning should start at a young age. Early childhood is an opportune time to kick off your child’s learning as it is considered a crucial period of development where children not only experience a lot of firsts, but also that a lot of things learned during this time stick for life.

With this fact, it is therefore important that you do your part in shaping your child’s learning education. And this can be done by enrolling your child in a good pre-school, as well as by availing home tuition services that specialize in early childhood education.

Parents also have a vital role to play in their child’s early learning. The following are some ways in which parents can provide support for early childhood education:

1. Expose your child to an institution that has a good early childhood program

When looking for which pre-school to enroll your child to, or to which tuition agency you can get a tutor from, consider what kind of program they offer for early childhood education.

It is very important that the program is specifically designed for young learners, and with the goal of helping the child holistically learn. This means that beyond fundamental academic development, the program should also touch on a child’s social and emotional development.

Schools would normally have a pre-set early childhood program and it would be easy for you to assess whether this is what you want your child to enroll in. And on this note, it is best to seek a school in which the curriculum includes a decent amount of playing and socialization.

Home tuition services, especially those from reputable tuition agencies, would also have a standard program that is especially designed for young learners. Early education specialists would know that beyond building your child’s academic foundations, there should also be time spent on exploring your child’s social and emotional skills.

2. Leverage educational shows and child-friendly films and games

Children at pre-school level typically don’t spend a lot of time in school as compared to more advanced ages. Tuition services at this stage are also unlikely to be as intensive so your child would still definitely spend a lot of time at home, and more often than not, this would be screen time.

Make sure that screen time for your child would be used well so play some educational tv shows, or apps and games that are specially designed for young viewers. But make sure that your child only spends a healthy amount of time watching and using devices.

3. Play off-screen learning activities with your child

One great way to actively participate in your growing child’s early learning is by playing some educational games with him or her. This can be world puzzles, basic math games, or activities involving arts or music. You may even do small science experiments, or play sports together.

These fun activities are not only good ways for you to bond with your child, but can also help him explore his or her many different faculties. You will also have the opportunity to know which of the multiple intelligences your child may have a gift at so that you can maximize your child’s potential as he grows.

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4. Communicate with your child

Yes, communicating with your child is a great way to support his learning, even at a young age. Make a habit of talking with your child about what he or she learned in school, or what his or her tutor has taught, and allow him to discuss it to you in detail.

Children are naturally curious so be patient, and they will tend to ask a lot of questions. Don’t let this curiosity fade. Support it. Allow your child to ask you questions about the many different aspects of life and do give your answers in ways that your child may understand. Tap on the curiosity of your child, allow him or her to explore it, and be there to support.

5. Encourage your child to read

Reading is definitely something that boosts learning and should similarly start at an early age. Of course, reading is a skill that is learned after some time, so it would normally start with you reading books to your child. Read often for your child, and he or she will relate reading to a positive experience and make him or her want to read by themselves one day.

And so, when it’s time for your child to learn how to read, he or she will definitely be willing to give it their all in order to be able to read books on their own.

Then, to encourage them to read more: take your child to the bookstore so they can choose a book that they will want to read. Guide your child with great age-appropriate books and step up the level as they grows.

6. Practice values at home, and be a good example for your child

Values are definitely part of a child’s overall development. We all hope our children will grow up to be well-mannered and law-abiding citizens. Learning this actually starts at home.

Sure, your child’s teacher and tutor would definitely touch on values too, but the biggest factor that shapes a child’s character is how people behave at home. And this is something that parents should be aware of.

Be a good example for your child, and when the opportunity arises, teach him about core values such as honesty, integrity, sharing, and others. Your child’s character development at this age will be carried on as he or she grows up.

Early childhood education is definitely a crucial time in your child’s life and there would definitely be a lot of advantage in exposing your child to a great early childhood education program that can allow them to grow into a well-rounded person.

Parental involvement and support boost your child’s early learning, and the tips shared above can help you do your part well. So, start them young and start them right!

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