You all can see that I like to be creative and you can see the love I have for my monster (if you are a semi-regular reader.) Clearly, I like to craft with her. We paint and do projects and play with play doh etc. Despite these projects, I have concerns that I am not using these experiences to their fullest. Often, I think I’m just using them to keep her entertained for the moment. While I know that the creative process itself is a learning experience, I can’t help but feel like I need to be more intentional with our crafting time.
You see, Monster isn’t in any sort of official daycare. The family (they are amazing!!) takes care of her throughout the week. I’m concerned that she isn’t learning enough. Girl is whip smart too. I know she is able to absorb so much. This isn’t to say we don’t work with Monster to teach her things. We all do. I’m just certain we could be doing more but I’m unsure how to or what that should be.
How do I make each day more intentionally educational? Where do I find resources for educating a toddler? What kinds of things should she have a solid grasp on before entering pre-school?
Teachers and Experienced moms, I am looking to you. Help.
Clearly, we need help.
xo.
Read read read. Read to her. Let her read to you. As Leanne said, make her curious. I never did anything “intentionally educational” with my kids, but we read all the time. They also had their own craft materials that they could get to without any help from me. Lots of walks exploring the flora and fauna… Flash forward – my kids are both in high school now and read for pleasure in addition to assigned reading. They are still curious, get decent grades and have definite ideas about what they want to do with their lives.
I completely agree. Making her curious with her hands and mind gives her the best head start ever. You’re golden.
For real, you are doing it ALL right! Don’t be over concerned with ‘teaching’ her. She will go to school for many years!! My oldest never spent a day in any sort of educational environment until the day he started Kindergarten. (Yep, mama’s boy!) He said, “Bye Mom”, got on the bus and never looked back! He is now 15, on the B honor roll & a seriously great young man!! My 3 girls (11, 8 & 6) are all ‘whip smart’ as well, they just soak everything in!! We did a lot of Early Childhood classes, a little bit of pre-school (1 day/week) and they are just exceeding my expectations every day. At your young monsters age, she is learning the best way she can, through play! Give yourself a break & know that you’re doing it right.
Things she needs to know before preschool? Her name & how to use the bathroom by herself. Seriously… that’s it!
FYI, we are for sure meant to be midwest friends, we have the same name
AHHH. Thank you! I feel so much better. Thank you so much!!
Also, yes please on the Midwest friend thing! Hello, We’d cause an awesome amount of Danielle trouble!