Babies will learn through their sense of touch, what they see and what they hear. Use sensorial play, meaning you should invite them to touch objects with you, which helps them learn. A very young infant learns something the second they see or feel it. For example, once they see black on red, or feel the texture of paper, that seed has been planted. Encourage them and help them to understand new things. [2] X Research source Always make sure to speak softly, use a positive tone of voice, and move gently when holding or interacting with an infant or toddler. Allow the baby or toddler to be the one to initiate contact with you. Invite the child to hold your hand, take a toy from you, or ask them for a hug. You can also greet them with a smile, and by saying, “Hello!” They can recognize their name, so be sure to use it![3] X Research source Infants and toddlers might not like when someone they don’t know well holds them. If the baby starts crying or gets uncomfortable, try handing them back to someone they are familiar with. A good recommendation  is introducing the person to the baby through things like direct touch and letting the person talk to them.

Your feelings may affect your body language and tone. Make sure you’re in a calm, collected and reassuring mood when holding or speaking to a toddler. Don’t shout or use sharp tones near a baby or toddler.

Try playing games that repeat sounds or words. Reciting a simple nursery rhyme is also a good idea. You could both sit on the floor and roll a ball to one another. Build something together with blocks. If the child isn’t building and rather demolishing block towers, it’s okay! They are learning. There isn’t much point in saying “No, look how Mommy does it, James. " because they will continue with what they understand better how to do. By the age two, they will have learned to build, but who doesn’t love to demolish? They will still have that vibe. Get imaginative by playing with dolls or stuffed animals. Use easy, simple words when saying dialogue . This is extremely helpful in getting them to understand.

For example, offering a child a menu of more than 3 items for lunch might be too much for them. Try to keep the options simple and limited in number. If a child asks you “Why is it raining?” try responding with a simple and honest explanation, like, “When enough water goes into a cloud, it gets too heavy and has to fall back down. ” Don’t be afraid to use adult language! You can tell them, “This is called precipitation. ”[6] X Trustworthy Source Reading Rockets Online resource supported by PBS providing research-based strategies for assisting children to become confident readers Go to source

For example, if a child was stung by a bee, you might ask questions like “Did something hurt you?”, “Was it a bug or an animal?”, “Do you know what kind of bug?” and “Was it a bee?” Asking questions is a good way to involve the child, get clear information from them and help them to understand their own situation with more clarity.

Try giving kids time to speak instead of taking over the conversation. [7] X Expert Source Courtney CoprivizaElementary School Teacher Expert Interview. 18 June 2021.

Help children discuss their feelings after an outburst, conflict or argument. Try asking the child to calm down and use their words to describe their feelings and explain why they acted the way they did. Let the child know that it’s okay to feel upset or angry, but that their way of expressing that feeling was inappropriate. If a child had difficulty with some activity, try showing them another way of doing it and encouraging them as they make another attempt.

Try throwing a tea party. You can invite stuffed animals or other caretakers to join in. You can pretend to cook a meal together. Try singing songs together or reading a book to them. You could build a pillow or blanket fort together. Try letting them cut out pictures they like from old magazines and making a collage. Remember to use safety scissors.

Keep your answers short and simple. Don’t get nervous if a child asks an odd or inappropriate question. Try to remain calm and answer the question as fairly and factually as you can. Young children are often focused on physical characteristics and may make remarks about someone’s appearance. Try to answer any questions of this sort as directly as you can. For example, if a child asks “Why is your finger so crooked?”, you could reply by saying something like “I have arthritis. It’s something some adults can get and it can make your joints look like mine. ” If a child keeps asking the question “Why?”, try to ask them to answer their own question. For example, if a child asks you something like “Why is the sky blue?”, you could respond with “Why do you think it’s blue?”

Always try speaking to school age children with mature language to help them feel respected and acknowledged. If a child doesn’t understand what a word means, they will usually be happy to have it explained to them. Scolding or nagging children this age will likely only cause trouble. Instead, simply let your expectations be known and ask them how they plan to meet them. Try to get down on the child’s level, so you’re not standing or towering over them. [13] X Expert Source Courtney CoprivizaElementary School Teacher Expert Interview. 18 June 2021.

You might let a child decide what time of day they sit down to do their homework. You can try letting them decide how much help they want with their homework. Letting a child make some of their own choices can be a good thing. However, you should be ready to say no to something if it is unreasonable.

For example, a child might ask you if they can eat ice cream for breakfast. You already know they can’t, but it can be a good idea to say something like “Hmmmm. No, I don’t think that’s the best choice. Let’s think of another thing to eat. ” You can also try asking a child to repeat the question to show that you are interested in what they have to say and make them feel like they are being heard.

Whenever you are caring for a child, try speaking with them in a way that you would want to be spoken to. Giving a child your full attention will make them feel acknowledged. Try to let a child speak fully before speaking to them. This can be a way to model good conversational habits.

You could try building a race track by laying down lines of painters tape to mark “the road”. Play a game of animal charades and try to guess which animal the other is pretending to be. You could both build an indoor obstacle course. Try leaping over pillows, crawling under string, balancing a ball on your head or any number of safe, homemade obstacles. Try building something out of popsicle sticks or cardboard. Play some simple card games or work on a puzzle together. You could share a riddle, or ask them a “would you rather” question. [17] X Expert Source Courtney CoprivizaElementary School Teacher Expert Interview. 18 June 2021.

For example, if a child drew an interesting picture, you could offer praise and let them know how much you enjoy the artwork. If a child shares an interesting story with you, thank them and let them know how fascinating the story was.

If you regularly care for a child, building a schedule and sticking to it can help them feel comfortable. Try to involve children in the creation of schedules. Ask them what activity they would like to do and when they would like to do it. Make sure you provide any items or materials for activities you might do together. Work with the children to create rules. This can help them feel involved and will make the rules clear. In the classroom, you could hold a “morning meeting” where kids can talk about their weekend, how they’re feeling, and more. [19] X Expert Source Courtney CoprivizaElementary School Teacher Expert Interview. 18 June 2021.

Children up to 1 year old can play with rattles, teething toys, stacking toys or picture books. Use a small object choking tester, or “choke tube,” to gauge whether or not a toy is safe. Children between 1 and 3 years old can play with simple puzzles, crayons, picture books or small wagons. Children 3 to 5 years old might enjoy playing with puppets, storybooks or simple board games. Children who are between 6 and 9 years old can play with bikes, sports equipment, books, crafts and more complex board games. Visit the consumer product safety commission website frequently so you are aware of consumer toy recalls.

Modeling can show children how to do things. For example, if a child sees you stacking a pile of blocks, they may begin learning how to stack blocks on their own. Be careful with your language. Children will often emulate the speech of the adults around them. Modeling is the best way to teach by example.