• Use real language and rich vocabulary (i.e. Your shirt is fuschia. That car is maroon.)
• Talk about your experiences (i.e. We need to wait for the red light to cross the street. Look at the shaggy dog!)
• Ask open-ended questions (i.e. What do you think is making that sound? Where do you think that bunny lives?)
• Use math vocabulary when talking to your child (i.e. How many bananas do you see? Which eggplant feels heavier?)

Every time a parent or caregiver has a positive, engaging verbal interaction with a child—whether it is talking, singing, or reading—neural connections of all kinds are strengthened within the child’s rapidly growing brain.

• Let children choose what they want to play with
• Let children use toys and materials in lots of different ways
• Let children pick up sticks and natural materials outside and use them for art projects or other fun activities
• Have fun, play with your children

Every time a parent or caregiver has a positive, engaging verbal interaction with a child—whether it is talking, singing, or reading—neural connections of all kinds are strengthened within the child’s rapidly growing brain.

• In the car, sing the ABC song, numbers, or other nursery rhymes. You can make up silly songs using words your child knows.
• Sing songs at bath time and when taking walks.
• Create fun ways to sing about numbers or shapes together.
• Create music and a marching band with pots and pans and spoons!

• Read signs where ever you go (supermarket; Laundromat; street; school, restaurants etc …)
• Read food labels, point out letters (cereal boxes; soup cans; peanut butter jars)
• Read lots of books (track print/turn pages)
• Make books
• Provide a variety of writing materials (markers, pencils, paper, notebooks)
• Model writing and reading yourself (make grocery lists, thank you cards etc …)

A child’s early years set the trajectory for the relationships and successes they will experience for the rest of their lives, making it crucial that all children are afforded the high-quality early learning experiences they need to thrive.

• Go on a walk outside and look for bugs, flowers, colors and shapes. Talk about them with your child; let them touch items that are safe to explore more closely.
• Use play dough, paint, shaving cream, dirt or sand to explore different materials and textures. Draw pictures, letters numbers and shapes using your fingers.
• Give your child crayons and paper to draw with and measuring spoons and cups to play with water.
• Visit your local library for books and child classes.