Learning the Three R's

Should children learn the 3R's before school? Science says yes.

"Your child will learn more in their first five years than they will in five years of college."

Often parents feel that their child should only play during their preschool years and learning, or teaching, should be left for the teachers when they go to school. If they understood the development of a child's brain, they may think differently.

Many parents do not realize that the first five years, the preschool years, are dubbed the formative years. This is the period that a child develops approximately 70% of their brain connections. Stimulation to the brain during this time is imperative as it strengthens these connections and absorbs information like a sponge. Learning after this period almost becomes hard work.

Teaching your child is not a formal process where specific rules and targets must be met. All teaching should be playful and be done with games. You need to feed your child's curiosity and need for new experiences. When your child starts to say or explore numbers, introduce them to numbers and counting through books, puzzles and games. When they ask "Mummy, what does that say" or "What letter is that?", give them some learning tools to nurture that curiosity.

Reading, writing, and counting proficiency requires certain basic skills that your child will acquire through building and construction toys, playing with puzzles and jigsaws, and matching colors, shapes and textures. One of the best ways to develop a child's concentration and memory is by using puzzles and playing (board) games. Choose toys for their educational value, not their license or brand.

"The formative years" - the first years, when a child develops intellectual and social skills.

Don't miss their opportunity!

At Clockwork Learning Centers we are constantly encouraging and reviewing your child's developmental skills.