6 Most Important Things To Know About Teaching Babies and Toddlers

  •  January 24, 2024

1. Learning early makes a huge difference

Most of us have probably already heard about how ages 0-5 (even 0-3) is a critical period in a child’s brain development and how simulation can affect it.

It is also not disputed that the ability to read is one of the most important skills for children to possess, because it opens the door to independent acquisition of knowledge in all other subject matters. 

Therefore,  the earlier children learn to read, the earlier they acquire the most important tool they will need for further learning.

2. Babies can learn much more than we imagined

Of particular importance is the ability to recognize words and even read, for reasons already mentioned. While it may be debatable whether the babies are really “reading”, the countless videos of babies from all over the world showing their familiarity with the written word as early as 9 months old and their later undeniably becoming early readers (even reading 5 languages at the age of 3) undoubtedly show that early exposure contributes immensely to the child eventually learning to read in every sense of the word.

At the very least,  it is unlikely anyone would deny that such exposure has greatly improved the babies’ vocabulary and general understanding of the language, which would greatly assist in the communication between parent and child. Earlier communication leads to reduced frustrations as babies’ needs can be better understood.

3. 0-2 years is the easiest time to teach

We believe that pre-school years (especially 0-2) present the best window of opportunity to teach children simply because it’s the easiest time to teach. Why is that?

During this time, there are limited activities these toddlers can engage in due to their limited physical and cognitive abilities. Learning at this age is primarily through seeing and listening, and it’s much easier for them to sit still and absorb information presented to them. Indeed, during the first year, it’s pretty much all they can do, which is why their interest in absorbing information this way is possibly the highest it will ever be.

From around age 2 onwards comes the time when the little ones start climbing and jumping everywhere and demanding to play with [xyz] toy all day. Teaching them words etc. now is still possible, but starts to become more and more challenging as more and more things compete for their attention.

4. Parental role is critical

During these pre-kindergarten and even pre-daycare years, it is all up to us parents to teach our children. Outsourcing is not feasible, and at most, limited to early learning classes for very limited durations every week (which in any event also require parental participation).

The good news is, it doesn’t take too much time and effort to teach, and you will find that it’s more than worth it, many many times over.

Furthermore with today’s technology and apps such as Little Reader, it’s now easier than ever before to teach, to the point that virtually every parent can easily do so.

5. Key to success is personalization

First and foremost, success in teaching will depend upon whether you are able to continue to retain your little one’s interest and attention – not for a few days or a few weeks, but at least several months, and regularly.

By far the best way we have found to captivate children’s attention is through the use of content that is personalized to them and their interests, whatever those interests may be at any given time. This means using people, things and surroundings that are familiar and relatable, and involving matters that the child is interested in.  This ensures that content is  continuously adapted to the child and therefore never gets repetitive or boring, no matter how long the teaching tool has been used for.  This is why Kyler is still loves to use Little Reader today even though it’s been much more than a year since he first started.

The need for personalization is also another reason why the parent’s role is crucial, because the parent is in the best position to create customized content for the child.

6. Early music exposure is highly beneficial

Last but not least, it is important to expose children to music, and as early as possible.

Studies show music helps babies’ brains grow. Classical music and lullabies stimulate infant brains, and build pathways for language, thinking, movement, emotions, and creativity. Because music works many parts of babies’ brains, it also helps their focus, memory, and movement.

Classical music in particular has also been shown to improve skills like problem-solving, reading, and math, and perhaps even raise IQ scores.