Better Learning Starts with the Environment.
Here are the two changes that I made to help my kids thrive.
Change #1: Optimize the Play Area
So, the main idea here is to create a space where your child can easily access their toys, activities, and books while promoting their independence. Here are some things to consider:
- For shelving, you can go for low and open options like wide single infant shelves, lower shelves of a tall bookcase, cube shelf units, or even use existing furniture like a coffee or TV table. If you don't have shelves, no worries! You can just use the floor space along a wall.
- Make sure to have a designated area for playing or doing activities. If you have carpeting, great! Otherwise, adding a large area rug can make the floor cozier. Alternatively, a small table and chairs designed for kids can also do the trick.
- You'll need storage solutions for toys and activities. Natural material baskets and trays in different sizes, colors, and shapes work well.
- It's a good idea to have a limited number of activities available at a time, around 8 to 10 per child. This helps avoid overwhelm and keeps things organized.
- Leave some white space between the items on the shelves. This means giving a few inches of space between each basket or tray so that it's clear where everything belongs.
- Aim for a variety of activities that cover different learning areas like hand-eye coordination, language, sensory play, math, science, culture, music, and practical life skills. Don't forget to include open-ended toys like blocks.
- Display books in a way that's easy for your child to see. You can have around 10 to 15 books available, depending on the age. Consider using a front-facing bookshelf, picture ledge-style shelves mounted at their eye level, a small book display, or even a basket with the book covers facing forward for easy flipping. You can also stand them up along a low windowsill or lay them flat in a designated area on the wall.
- Create a dedicated space for arts and crafts with a child-sized table or standing easel. You'll also need some storage for art materials, like a utility cart or small chest of drawers.
- If you have kids of different ages, safety is important. Keep small pieces or potentially hazardous items out of reach of younger children. You can store them on higher shelves, in containers that only older kids can open, or in a separate area altogether.
- Add some beauty to the space by hanging quality artwork at your child's eye level. It can be a nice touch.
- Lastly, consider including live plants or small animals that your child can help care for. It's a great way to teach them about responsibility and nurturing.
Remember, the goal is to create a fun and functional space that encourages your child's independence and provides them with a variety of engaging activities. Have fun setting it up!
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Change #2: Don't Interrupt
Well, guess what? Babies and toddlers have the attention span of a goldfish. (Not literally, but certainly feels like it.)
Their brains are wired for constant action, distractions, and soaking up sensory stimulation. So, it's completely normal for them to only hold their attention for a couple of minutes at best. Even older toddlers can stay focused for just a short while (unless they're some kind of attention superhero, which is rare).
But here's the thing: every now and then, you'll catch your little explorer getting super into something and staying engaged for way longer. They might be happily playing with their favorite toy, turning object to different angles, or obsessively fixating on a tiny detail like a crumb on the floor. You'll see that intense look on their face, like they're in a zone.
"Play is the work of the child." - Dr. Maria Montessori
When your kid gets all wrapped up in their version of "work," it's like they're doing the most important thing in the world. For them, play and work are the same gig. It's all about wonder, joy, and excitement.
But here's where some parents mess up. They interrupt their kid's flow and break their concentration. They're all like, "What are you up to?" or "That looks fun!" or "Great job, kiddo!" Sure, they mean well. Some are just curious, others want to encourage their child's focus, and some can't handle the silence and need to blabber.
But here's the secret sauce: letting your child stay focused on their work, especially when they've chosen it themselves, is super important.
Respect their space and time to concentrate, without unnecessary interruptions. That's how they'll develop the ability to concentrate for longer as they grow. So, resist the urge to butt in.
If you really gotta know what they're doing, just chill and wait until they're done or at least take a break. And you don't have to shower them with praise or rewards every five seconds. The activity itself is what motivates them. That's why they were so into it in the first place. If their silence makes you uneasy, find something else to do for a few minutes, like reading a book or sipping a cup of tea.
Of course, life happens, and there will be times when you need to interrupt their play. You gotta run errands or eat lunch, or maybe they need your help with something urgent. They need to learn that interruptions are part of the deal (and you can totally understand their feelings about it). In those situations, give them a quick heads-up: "You've got a few more minutes to play, then we're off to the library."
But whenever possible, create an environment that lets them stay engaged in their work for as long as they want:
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Ditch the distractions: Set up a peaceful, quiet space for play without a ton of visual clutter. Turn off the TV or radio, and go for calming tunes if any.
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Keep it simple: Give them open-ended toys that let their creativity and imagination run wild. Skip the flashy plastic gadgets that do all the entertaining.
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Don't interrupt unnecessarily: If they're happily doing their thing without needing your help, don't comment, correct, or bombard them with questions. Let them be. Sit back, observe, or find something else to occupy yourself (like that pile of laundry screaming for attention). Of course, you should still praise and celebrate their accomplishments, but do
