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Read, Read, Read to her! That is the best thing you can do for her! I've always read to my kids and they are both now great readers!

Music! Classical, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Ambient. It expands the mind and is closely related to match. Give her instruments, even if it's a pot & a wooden spoon. Kids love that stuff.

Buy her age appropriate learning toys.

I think they start out with a mobile that helps the eyes to learn to focus.

S.

first of all you need to relax and enjoy your little girl. when the time comes, the opportunities will present themselves. and, fyi: florida has a FREE voluntary pre-k program for any 4 year old, regardless of income. do a search on google for vpk floida and you will come up with a number of resources. i also worried about my son because he never went to day care. he loved going to pre-k and i noticed his personality just blossom after attending. he is now in kindergarten and doing fabulously. enjoy your baby's infancy while you have the chance; before you know it she will be in school. good luck.

Hi B.,
I am a certified instructor with Music with Mar. and we have fun, interactive music and movement classes throughout the community for ages 0-6. Classes do not teach music, but use music to teach basic developmental skills (social, motor, language). Prices are per family, not per child! For a schedule and for more info, check out www.musicwithmar.com. I teach in Tampa, Oldsmar & Lutz.

W.

A few good books to get started are "Mommy Teach Me" and Mommy Teach me to Read" by Barbara Curtis. She also has a great website that has a lot of information and great books and websites. www.MommyTeachMe.net

Good Luck!~

A. (mom of a 4 year old boy who I am currently pre-school home schooling)

I hope you are already reading to her, singing the alphabet and number songs. Black and white photos are great for her to look at. My girls are both in college now but I started talking to them and reading to them before they were even born. My oldest never had to study for a spelling test. She could read the list one time and know them all. It's a little harder for the younger one but then I didn't have the one on one time that I did with the first daughter. I would put them in the stroller and go for walks and point out everything I could think of, tell them what it was and what color it was. As soon as they could hold shapes they had several different types of shape sorters. But at four months if she is crawling you can also put her on the floor and put the toys and sit with her and tell her different colors. But talking, singing and reading play a big roll. Seaseme Street was a great help also. They watched it from the time they were a couple of months old. Any educational shows like that are great. Good Luck...Story time at the Library is a good place to go and meet other Mom's and give your daughter a social life. Hope this helps.

some great advice here. just wanted to add, when she gets old enough to start "babbling" DO NOT TALK BABY TALK TO HER! my husband and i make a point to talk to our kids like people...not idiots. none of that "oh you want you ba ba?" just simple "oh you want your bottle?" and no "ma ma" or "da da" we are "mommy" and "daddy" they will make those sounds anyway. it will usually come out ma ma and da da for a while. by 18 months old my first child could carry on a decent conversation with you and strangers could actually understand what she was saying. she could count to 20 in english and 10 in spanish. that was at a year and a half...just talk to your daughter like she's a person and read to her a lot. and point things out everywhere you go. "that's a tree. do you see another tree?" or "hey look at the puppy! see how cute that little brown puppy is?" and slip colors and shapes and numbers in everywhere "let's go get your green juice cup" or we have 2 socks for our 2 feet. can you show me where your 2 feet are so i can put your 2 socks on?" you get the picture.

Hi B.,

I've been watching my grown daughter with her daughter, who is now 2, and I must say I'm very impressed with her mothering techniques. She started with baby einstein videos at about the same age as your daughter but in small doses just a little each day. She loves books because my daughter also started that at a young age and read to her all the time. I think this is the best way to start them out. she knows the alphabet, colors, numbers, animals. there are lots of different toys that also help in development like wood puzzles. You don't need to necessarily buy them new. There are children's consignment stores that have lots of stuff. You may want to start looking around for mommy and me type of groups for interaction for both of you. In my opinion the most important thing we can give our children is our love, time and understanding. There are some great books out there for child development you may want to get ahold of. Have fun!! They grow up fast.

Hi B.,

I think people worry too much about "educating" at an early age. I would expose your baby to many different colors and things and talk to her a lot, At this stage she will be listening and learning about language and her world. Preschool is all about socializing, listening to music, arts and crafts, and listening to stories read from books, You can get some good books and a few good tapes, also join a play group or a "mom's day out" group at a local church. Look for library activities for toddlers. The most important thing is to talk a lot, have fun, and show her the world.

Hi B.,

I worried and wondered the same thing when our 4 1/2 year old was born. That is, until I read the book "Einstein Didn't Use Flash Cards". I found that the best thing I could do is expose him to the world, let him explore the outdoors, and read to him. I think that children learn what they are capable of when they are ready. Just because a very young child knows his ABC's doesn't mean he has the slightest clue what they are and what they mean. They don't learn from sitting infront of a toy that recites words and numbers, they learn from playing with simple toys and manipulating things: blocks are great. Many doctors will tell you that the effects of TV and computer use at a young age could prove to be dangerous to developing minds. The most important thing is for them to love to learn. All we have to do is simply answer their questions and marvel in their discoveries with them.

Good luck and have fun,

C.

She is only four months old...just meet her emotional and physical needs for now...Love her, hold her, play with her, teach her that you will be there for her when she needs you...First things first! Everyone gets ahead, the babies just want love!

I have to agree that you just need to involve her in the day to day activities. Also routines will help ALOT. I have 3 girls and none have gone to Day Care - with the exception of 1/2 to preschool and even that was 1/2 day. Now my youngest is still at home with me but will start VPK this next year.
I want you to spend the time enjoying your daughter and you will be amazed at what she learns as she is a sponge right now. Keep a routine is the best thing and involve her - talk to her and enjoy her.
Once she starts showing preferences start giving her choices between 2 things - like outfits/toys/books/etc.. - this will help her. Also keep the music playing - especially classical - let me tell you that does work and it helps the brain develop and at the same time keeps them relaxed (usually).
Basically what I am saying is just be Mom and relax you will have too many years to worry about education. Besides she will learn just from life and you will be amazed at what she will learn.

What I did with my daughters (age 6 and 3) was read to them. I also use flash cards. Baby Einstein video's are great too. It's great to know your planning ahead. I do the same thing. My daughters went/go to Tiny Tots. It's FREE and through the parks. Then VPK is FREE for the first 3 hours. I like the charter schools where my 6 year old goes. Keep your options opened and take tours of the schools when it's time. Good luck.

Its a very good idea to start now. Today, they want kindergarten children ready to read, write thier name count and alphabet. I think that is where it should be learned but, I know of children being turned away because they couldnt do that. Also keep your child use to being and interacting with other children. If no social skills that too will be reason for turning them away.

Good luck and enjoy these wonderous years.

Blessings

read to her every night; getting her interested in learning can start right from the get go. TV is not a good thing, although it does make a easy babysitter from time to time. I married into a family where the birth mother did none of these. Retraining a 10 year to appreciate learning and learn that struggling turns into knowledge has been challenging from time to time. On the other hand the process has been rewarding for him and me.

I second everyone who says, "read to her!" I'm a literacy advocate and Supervisor with Usborne Books, so I know a thing or two about the importance of introducing reading at an early age. Obviously, love and affection go without saying; but combine it with reading to your child at an early age, even before your baby is born, and they will learn to read much faster and their brains will develop much faster as well.

As your baby learns to hold things get some little chunky board books for them to manipulate and yes, even put in their mouth. Babies learn by putting objects in their mouths, even books. As they get older, continue to purchase board books as they hold up well to toddlers hands.

For more information on Usborne Books or to see a complete online catalog, simply visit my website below. You can even get your books for free! Just ask me how.

www.UsborneBooksForFamilies.com

Enjoyed by all children - those who love to read, those who have given up on reading, and children with learning disabilities.

B.

Start reading to her every day beginning now. You can either buy some board books for infants from a book store or go to the library. You can also get them at good prices at discount stores.

My daughter began reading to her daughter by four months of age, and it has really made a difference. She is now 3 1/2 and LOVES to be read to. My son and daughter-in-law did the same thing with their son.

A good friend, who taught kindergarten for 35 years, told me that the most important thing is reading to your child and doing activities with them when they are ready. She said that she felt this was more important than sending them to pre-school.

I'm an old-fashioned mother/grandmother, and my advice to you will probably differ from others you may receive. Let her be a child, growing at her own rate, but hold her, hug her, kiss her, love her with your whole being - giving her the time with you to know she will always have a loving advocate. As to "learning", read constantly to her; enjoy music with her; color and paint with her, naming the colors you use; count with her; talk to her in grown up voice and always include her in whatever you are doing when she is awake. As she gets older, include her in washing/drying/folding clothes; making beds; cooking; cleaning; sweeping; they actually enjoy helping mom with this. Set up play dates for socialization. You'll be amazed at what she'll learn without any structured "schooling". She can also learn from the "good" children's TV shows - Sesame Street is the only one I can remember - but no more than an hour/day, so choose wisely. Good luck. You have been blessed.

There is nothing better for an infant to be loved, nurtured and be taken care of. All you need to do is spend a lot of fun time, no matter what you do, speaking to her, reading to her and most of all lots of hugs and kisses. Both my children are avid pretend readers at 2 and 3. My 2 year olds vocabulary at 2 is at the same level as my 3 year olds or better. She is also more open and more of a people person. I am not sure if it is because she is a girl or because she did not go to daycare and I spend every minute with both of them. My 3 year old, a boy, is a bit more shy but also does not stop talking, wanting to pretend read everything in sight, including while we are in the car. He knew his abcs and knew how to count by 24 months and he is already adding and trying to substract, and he wants to help me do my sudoku puzzles. Enjoy your children. They grow up very quickly!

You're a good mommy. Take it from a mom, G. and great G., who knows. You've already taken the first and absolutely most important step. That is to sincerely want to help your little girl achieve. In my opinion, the next step will be to read to her. Even as tiny as she is right now, she will really absorb some of what you're reading, and more important, she will love the sound of your voice. From this moment on, she will relate reading to comfort and security which in turn will inspire her to read all of her life. And sing to her. Simple songs with simple words. My grandson and granddaughter-in-law have watched their two boys (now ages 2 and 3 1/2)very closely. When they look at something, be it an object or person, and the tiniest bit of interest is shown, the parents simply tell them what that object is. Or tell them who that person is. They've done it from the day the boys were born. At this point these two boys are so bright and informed that it stuns me. At about 18 months, you can begin to explore counting and colors. Don't expect miracles, but stick with it. From that point on, the learning experience will just sort of take on a life of it's own. You will know when your daughter is ready for new things. Don't worry about not affording pre-school. Many family's can't. But your admirable interest in your little girl's education will take you a long way. I certainly tip my hat to you. G.

Hi B.,
You might be interested in a group called Parents as Teachers. You can reach them through Baby Bungalow in south Tampa. Also, the PreK 4 program is free for four-year-olds for just this reason! So don't worry - your child will be ready.
all the best,
L.

It's never to early to start teaching your child. You can start by holding her and reading books to her. Simple thick page books with colors and big pictures. Use a lot of enthusiasm while reading. Also play hand games with her and sing a lot of kid songs. I read Dr. Sues's foot book to my daughter so many times, lifting her left and right foot as we read, that by the time she was 1 yr old you could ask her which foot was right or left and she could tell you. She could also spell on and off by three because when we would enter/exit a room and flip the light switch I would say, On, O N . Off, O F F. We also used the large fridge magnets to spell small words and for letter/color recognition. The local library will be a great source for materials. They are never to young to have them on your lap and whisper into their ear what to do as you help them. For that matter, they are never too old either, they just aren't as willing to listen for a short period. Remember, all children have an enormous amount of energy. As parents, it is our duty to direct that energy into constructive use. If we don't, they will use it in destructive ways because it is usually the course of least resistance. I hope this gives you some ideas and you have many years of joy watching the achievements of your child each day. S. B

The easiest thing is reading to her I think. I also labeled everything in my son's room and I would poin the things out along with the words when we were hanging out there. My son was reading on a 3rd grade level when he started regular kinder at 4 (year round school in cali). That was many moons ago he is now 17. They have so many new things though since I did that with him.

If you have a dvd player, I highly recommend the sign-language dvd's. (babyseensign.com) I have twin boys and started showing them sign language @ about 4 months. It was a great way to communicated with them, they are 4 now, and don't sign anymore ( because they can talk) but before they could verbally communicate, they spoke to me using sign language. They could sign to me "horse" if they saw a horse they would sign bannana if they wanted one...and so on.

Also, talk to your baby ALOT. No baby talk, but tell her everything.." I am unloading the dishwasher, here are forks, spoons, plates" ...." look at all the beautiful produce here at the grocery store, I love red apples and yellow banannas"

Read to her everynight, read anything, childrens books, magazines even cook books.

You will know exactly what to do for her, just focus on fun teaching and don't try to keep up with someone else..so what if she doesn't read on her own till age 6, big whoop. Just make sure she is happy and has good self esteem.

I think you should enjoy letting the baby be a baby and develop. I have 3 children. The 1st one never went to daycare until 1 you and then it was only very sporadic. She is now 12 and excels....already took the high school SAT! Same with my 11 yo, but she wwent to daycare some d/t work. My youngest went all the time d/t work and as to have a tutor, didn't really help her at all. I never taught the older 2 anythikng, I let them play and enjoy their childhood. Sure we recited the ABC's and counted to 10, but they took off on their own time with no stress of learning.

READ, READ, READ, READ!!! Get the READ-ALOUD HANDBOOK. Excellent book. If you follow what is in there, your daughter will be a strong reader and have a huge vocabulary. Talk to your daughter. Tell her about everything around her, label things with your words.

Start reading to her now!!!!! Also, Baby Einstein is great.

I so agree with Molly. I will add a couple of things. Read to her everyday. You can also buy her a key board for your computer. It is a childs key board that sits over yours. As she gets older she can learn how to use a mouse for hand and eye coordination. She will also learn how to use a computer. My granddaughter has been on the computer since she was nine months old. She is in 1st grade but has a 3rd to 4th grade reading level. She is the best speller in her class. She has a special set of words just for her that she learns. They want her in a gifted school and she is only 6. She has been done with all of her first grade goals since January! We just took time to read, play, color and lots of love. She spent time with the Wiggles videos to. We danced alot to the wiggles. I bought her a jewelry kit and she made her first necklace at about a year and a half to two years old. That really helps with hand and eye coordination. She is very artistic and made me her first peace of art work of her hands and feet. It hangs in her bedroom at my house! Spending good quality time with your little one works and it costs alot less than preschool!
Very Sincerely,
L.