LEARNING IN PUBLIC

Be Creative in Public for Early Childhood Learning

Being on the go is a great opportunity for your child to learn. Early childhood literacy will help your child become a successful adult.

IN THE STORE

Going to the store is obviously a chore, especially at the end of a busy day. But stores also offer many opportunities for learning that can make the time there less trying. Make sure that your child is not too hungry when you go to the market. Either take a snack or let your child pick a snack to eat. Then you and your child can focus on other things. Notice what your child is interested in to help make going to the store a fun learning time together

AT THE PARK

Being in the park can be a time that is restorative, both for you and for your child. It is also a time for you and your child to play and be physically active. What does your child like about being in the park? Is it nature, looking at flowers, or watching the autumn leaves tumble to the ground? Is it the activities, the swings or jungle gyms? Is it other children? Is it all of the above?

AT THE LIBRARY

The library, especially if it has a section set up for young children, can provide a wonderful space to be together and enjoy the world of language and books. Many libraries offer story times for children of different ages, or have play areas with toys, puzzles and soft pillows or couches. What does your child like best when you go to the library? Is it looking at books or story hour? Is it climbing the steps to get into the building? Notice what interests your child and encourage him or her to do more.


FOR YOUR BABY

AT THE STORE

  • Talk about the things you see as you shop.

AT THE PARK

  • Notice what delights your child at the park and give your child more of those experiences (swinging on a baby swing, tossing piles of leaves or sitting in the sand box, etc).
  • Put words to what your child sees or make up a song.

AT THE LIBRARY

  • It is never too early to introduce your child to books.
  • Give them books made from cloth or heavy paper with pictures of other babies, everyday objects or animals.
  • Hold baby on your lap and let him or her “look at” books.
  • Name things that are in the books and show your baby the real life object (the “nose” in a picture and the nose on your face).

 


FOR YOUR TODDLER

AT THE STORE

  •  Talk to your child in advance about a special thing that she or he can buy at the store. Then look for it, like a treasure hunt.
  • This helps your child learn to be a good observer.
  • Ask your toddler about the shapes and colors he or she sees.
  • Ask your toddler to name things that are up high or down low.

AT THE PARK

  • Talk about what your child wants to do at the park and then make a point of doing that.
  • Talk about what you did at the park on the way home.
  • Let your child collect little rocks, leaves or other natural things that fascinate him or her.

AT THE LIBRARY

  • Let your child help choose books that interest him or her.
  • Have your child “read” by telling you a favorite story.

 


 

FOR YOUR PRESCHOOLER

AT THE STORE

  • Cut out a picture of an item you are going to purchase and have your child match the picture with the real item on the store’s shelf.
  • Have your child look at labels of the items you buy.

AT THE PARK

  • Make plans for your child to meet with his or her friends at the park.
  • Talk about things you see at the park (flowers, trees, dogs, etc.) with your child.
  • Talk about their colors and sizes, count them, or ask your child questions about them.

AT THE LIBRARY

  • Think about what your child loves to watch and do.
  • Borrow books that you think your child will be interested in.
  • Let your preschooler choose books to borrow.


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