Toddlers - Memphis,TN

Dawn B. is right on! It's important to realize that young children learn best through play-based learning, not flashcards, etc... Just have fun constantly talking to your little one about the world around her!

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C.,

First let me say, HANDS ON LEARNING through discovery or learning through play. When you make learning FUN their desire to learn more in increased.

I am a homeschooling mom and mother of 2 that are 14 years apart with my youngest getting ready to turn 7 in December.
I started with Frig Phonics it says its name and sound to music. We also did colors by using M & M"s when potty training and associating it with something of that color for us we used the characters on Sesame Street, but it also can be common household items. Shapes and things that are hands on that are the shapes that you are talking about that day/week.

You can also get some index cards and put a simple word 3-4 letters and a picture of that item on the card and teach your child believe it or not it helps later on... Kids this age are like sponges and can learn ANYTHING seriously at this age if an adult takes time to teach it. We have done sign language and although my child speaks it comes in handy with reminders about thank you, potty, no, etc... You can also start to teach simple vocab words with another language if you so chose. You can do a search at Google for FREE Preschool activities... since you don't state your child's age it is hard to be more specific. Then you can chose the age appropriate things. How to use a glue stick and different mediums like water color or finger painting all teach... Most important too is just enjoy your child... and play with them. :) They really do grow up FAST... but you only realize that once the time has passed.

Remember Hands on learning through play or discovery... touch and feel stuff... have fun! Read to your child make it a daily routine, they too will have a love of books and reading.

As always do what is best for you and your family.

There is a web site that is used for pre-school www.starfall.com . If your toddler likes the pc...this is a great teaching tool! Also check out familyfun.com for printables and great ideas! All of this is FREE too! Best wishes!

basic colors, basic shapes, and names of things around. chair, couch, plate, spoon, cup, foods that they like, cheerios, cracker, apple, orange.Outside things also, car, tree, slide, house, mailbox etc...

Stay away from bad words because they will imitate everything you say and do.

I agree with everyone! This is my first year homeschooling and I was absolutely amazed at what my 5, 3 1/2 and 2 year old knew. Also how quickly they learn something. Most importantly, they might not get it the first time but repetitiveness is the key. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is their FAVORITE! There are so many FREE online activities you can find to keep it interesting! Have fun with it!!

I always refer people to a website called letteroftheweek.com It is a FREE curriculum for toddlers on up. I used it with my son when he was preschool age & he loved it.

I think parents can often push too hard and as a toddler mostly what you want to work on is colors, shapes, counting to 20. Don't push reading, they are too young. You can always point out words but I had a Mom tell me once she was so mad her 3 year old wasn't reading!! Have fun with them at this age while teaching them things. You can also pick up books at the library that teach simple sign language to toddlers that would be fun. But look at that website & see what you think.