Letters and numbers can be difficult abstracts to grasp as a young child and yet, they represent a critical portion of the overall learning journey. Parents should therefore search for ways in which these elements can be incorporated into daily routines. Thankfully, there are numerous strategies that have proven to be highly effective. Let’s take a look at six suggestions. You can also examine the EYFS learning journey here to fully appreciate why appreciating letters and numbers at an early age is important.
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Hands-On Activities
Young children learn by physically interacting with the world around them. This is why hands-on activities involving letters and numbers should always be adopted. Counting blocks, arranging magnetic letters to create basic words and decorating a nursery with numbers between one and ten are all simple (and yet highly effective) methods that parents can easily employ.
The Notion of Immersion
Numerous studies have shown that children who are surrounded by letters and numbers are more likely to appreciate how they are applied at an early age. This is the very same reason why nursery schools make it a point to display these items and their representations around the classroom. Parents can just as easily adopt this strategy within their home.
Visual Elements
When presented in written form alone, letters and numbers can be quite boring. Children have rather short attention spans and it is therefore important to keep them entertained (as well as interested) for as long as possible. Display letters and numbers with bright colours, glitter and indeed any other elements that entice the child to become curious.
Play-Doh for Learning
Young children might not yet possess the tactile dexterity to write letters and numbers. Furthermore, such rote processes can actually be quite boring. Why not liven up such an activity with the use of tangible materials such as moulding clay? Play-Doh is the perfect way to add a bit of fun to the learning process.
Bathtub-Friendly Letters and Numbers
Children should become accustomed to the basics associated with personal hygiene. Baths serve this purpose while providing parents with a unique bonding opportunity. Bath time can also represent an excellent opportunity to passively learn about letters and numbers. Waterproof products can be used to form words or to perform basic maths such as addition or subtraction while washing.
Language-Based Activities
The linguistic skills of a child often develop in tandem with letter and number comprehension. So, another worthwhile approach involves encouraging your child to count out loud or to spell simple words when prompted. Note that this should take place within relaxed settings (such as counting mittens when dressing for a walk). Children will be more likely to willingly participate.
Human society is entirely based on the use of letters and numbers. Children who learn these concepts at an early age will undoubtedly be better prepared for what nursery school has in store. The good news is that there are many at-home activities to choose from!