When it comes to seeing that one’s children have the best education experience possible, it is often best to leave no stone unturned and explore every option and opportunity that presents itself. Today we will look at some tried and true tools for giving your little one a leg up in learning. There is no need to break the bank – these tools are relatively cheap and easy to come by.
1. Flashcards
Let’s face it: the ability to memorize facts and important information is going to be crucial to your child’s success in many aspects of life. But rote memorization can often feel like a chore if not properly implemented.
Flashcards represent an opportunity to make learning, particularly learning that requires memorization, into a fun exercise that a child is more likely to enjoy.
We are of the opinion that the more positive emotions a child associates with the act of learning, the more he or she will pursue knowledge throughout the course of life.
2. Maps
Maps are what we like to call an “educational conversation starter” par excellence.
When it comes time for a bit of chit chat with your child, opening an illustrated atlas of the world can be like breaking open a virtual treasure trove of new concepts, ideas, stories, and a whole lot of other interesting things to talk about.
Expand your little one’s knowledge of the world while bonding with them at the same time–what’s not to love?
3. The Outdoors
It goes without saying, but the thing that best prepares children for the world is often the world itself.
In this increasingly digital society, there is so much forgotten value out in the green and wild places. You don’t have to have a PHD in botany to curate and stoke your child’s wonder at the beauty of flowers.
Nor do you need to be a rugged outdoorsman. The beauty of nature is both healthy and educational, so get outdoors today and cultivate your child’s interest in all things off-screen.
4. Educational Toys and Apps
There is a great debate going on among educators. Are screens good for children?
In moderation, and combined with curation from thoughtful parents who control the content, there are certainly some educational benefits to be had from specialty apps and programs.
While it is best not to lean too heavily on these apps, they can often prove far better for children than mindless television or games. Check out apps for foreign languages, math and reading as well!
5. Personalized Storybooks
At last we come to our personal favorite. Reading engages a child’s mind on so many levels, and experts more or less unanimously agree that it is one of the best things you can do to support and boost your child’s intellectual potential from an early age.
As with all things, education is best when a child is fully invested–when they are having fun with the material and engaging with it on a deep, instinctual level. In furtherance of this goal we have created a line of personalized books that incorporate your child into the world of the story.
Remember That Each Child is Unique
Sometimes you, as a parent, are the best judge of what tools and tricks your child will get the most out of. Each child is unique, and there is no “one size fits all” solution to giving them the best early education possible. It can be best to do a bit of light experimentation to see what your child responds to the most.
To repeat our most important philosophy: the goal of early education should be a fun and positive experience that reinforces a child’s natural curiosity. Through the joy of learning new things, children come to love and appreciate the act itself, which is what we believe to be the most vital.