Early Learning

Early learning refers to the experiences and skills children develop in their first years of life, laying the foundation for future life. During this period, child’s brain develops, forming essential neural connections that influence their ability to think, communicate, and interact with the world. Research shows that early positive experiences lead to:
✔️ Stronger language and problem-solving skills
✔️ Better social and emotional regulation
✔️ Higher academic achievement in later years
That’s why creating a nurturing, engaging environment from the start is so important!

Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. Here are some simple but powerful ways to support early learning every day:
🔹 Talk & Listen – Narrate your daily activities, ask your child open-ended questions, and listen to their responses to boost language development.
🔹 Read Every Day – Reading together builds vocabulary, improves concentration, and fosters a love for learning.
🔹 Encourage Play – Both free play (imaginative, creative) and guided play (puzzles, sorting games) help develop cognitive and motor skills.
🔹 Create Routines – Predictable daily schedules provide security and teach time management.
🔹 Introduce Numbers & Letters Naturally – Count objects while cooking, point out letters on street signs, and sing alphabet or counting songs.
🔹 Promote Social Interaction – Arrange playdates, attend storytime at the library, or enroll your child in group activities to develop social skills.

While all children develop at their own pace, here are general milestones to look for:
0–12 months
Responds to voices, babbles, and starts to say simple words
Recognizes faces and shows different emotions
Sits, crawls, and begins pulling up to stand
1–2 years
Walks independently, starts running
Uses simple phrases, names familiar objects
Enjoys scribbling and stacking blocks
2–3 years
Forms short sentences, follows two-step directions
Engages in pretend play and plays alongside others
Jumps, climbs, and improves hand-eye coordination
3–5 years
Recognizes some letters and numbers
Plays cooperatively, understands sharing and turn-taking
Draws shapes, uses scissors, and practices writing their name
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, talk to a pediatrician or early childhood specialist.

For a comprehensive list of milestones, parents can refer to resources like the CDC’s Developmental Milestones. cdc.gov

„Kindergarten/school readiness” isn’t just about knowing ABCs and 123s—it’s also about developing key life skills. Help your child prepare by focusing on:
Social Skills – Encourage sharing, taking turns, and expressing emotions.
Early Literacy – Read daily and talk about stories to build comprehension.
Basic Math Concepts – Count objects, recognize shapes, and explore patterns.
Independence – Practice dressing, using the bathroom, and tidying up.

In the next paragraph you will find a list of basic concepts as an orientation.

“What should my preschooler know?”

This question often gets asked by parents. Many want to understand what basic concepts their 4-year-old should know in order to be prepared for Kindergarten. Below there is a list of basic concepts that are beneficial for preschoolers to understand. The list is just guidelines to help you out. Every child is unique and learns at a different rate so it’s fine if your child doesn’t know all of these before going to Kindergarten.

http://www.creativekiddoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Basic-Concepts-1.pdf

Play is one of the most effective ways children learn! Through different types of play, they develop skills in problem-solving, creativity, and communication:
🎭 Pretend Play (dress-up, role-playing) – Builds imagination, empathy, and language skills.
🎲 Constructive Play (blocks, puzzles) – Enhances problem-solving and spatial awareness.
🎶 Musical Play (singing, dancing) – Boosts memory, coordination, and emotional expression.
🏃 Physical Play (running, climbing) – Develops gross motor skills and confidence.
Encourage a mix of these activities to help your child thrive.

Many parents worry about whether they should be teaching their child „academics” early or letting them play freely. The key is balance:
✅ Infants & Toddlers – Focus on sensory play, simple conversations, and reading together.
✅ Preschoolers – Introduce counting, letter recognition, and social skills through fun, hands-on activities.
✅ 4–6 Years – Blend structured learning (tracing letters, basic math games) with plenty of free play.
Remember: Young children learn best through hands-on experiences, exploration, and play. No need for worksheets—engage them in real-world learning!

Supporting your child’s early learning doesn’t require expensive programs or advanced techniques. Your time, attention, and encouragement are the most valuable tools.
💡 Start small: Talk, sing, read, and play with your child every day.
💡 Be patient: Learning is a journey, and every child progresses at their own pace.
💡 Make it fun: The more engaging and joyful learning is, the more your child will absorb.
By providing a loving, stimulating environment, you’re giving your child the best foundation for a bright and successful future. 💖