Part 1 of 2

“Which way is up?”, you ask your three-year-old. The look of confusion tells you that something has been missed in the development of spatial awareness. Early childhood is the prime time for developmental experiences, and it is the responsibility of parents, friends, and teachers to find “gaps” and fill them. Getting someone to inwardly “feel” the difference between left and right, and up and down, takes practice. If children don’t get enough practice, their later schoolwork will reflect difficulties in differentiating “b” and “d”, and “was” and “saw”. Early learners must have many developmental experiences to bring them to their maximum potential. Taking into consideration the recent research on the importance of the growing brain’s “windows of opportunity”, everyone can help children have the right experiences at the right time.

An environment that is rich in stimulation, including toys, can provide important experiences at any age. The level of stimulation differs with each stage of development. Parents and teachers learn about these levels by reading or spending a lot of time around children. Thus, successful parents and teachers may be able to anticipate needs and behaviors and prepare the home or school environment for what will occur.

Following the “Golden Rule”, which is stated differently but with the same focus in all the major religions*(this will be mentioned in Part 2 of 2) will help children feel special, which they are. Respect young people and give them the love and security they need. When children’s’ vocabulary is too immature to explain exactly what they want to convey, listening for the meaning of what they’re trying to say is important. Preschool children need repetitions of many things until something “clicks” in the brain, and this can try the patience of adults around them. Just because you explained, something two days ago doesn’t mean they’ll remember. Try to avoid the “Didn’t I tell you…?” response. Also, remember what it was like when you were a child and how you felt about the adults in your life.

By Katherine Hubbard