Building a strong connection with your baby is a fundamental aspect of your child’s growth and development. A close relationship creates a safe and nurturing environment that fosters their emotional well-being and boosts neural connections. The power of a strong bond between a parent and child surpasses any other influence on your baby’s development. This… Continue reading Bringing the Power of Music to Parents & Caregivers in Delaware
Author: Gift Connect
Brain Science and the Role of Parents & Caregivers in Early Childhood Development
Early childhood is a time of profound growth and development, where young minds are shaped in ways that set the stage for a lifetime of learning and cognitive abilities. The brain, often compared to a sponge during this critical period, absorbs an astonishing amount of information. The science is clear: the first three to five… Continue reading Brain Science and the Role of Parents & Caregivers in Early Childhood Development
Nurturing Minds and Hearts: The Importance of Loving Habits for Children from Birth to Age Three
The first few years of a child’s life are nothing short of miraculous. It’s a period filled with rapid growth, exploration, and wonder, and it also lays the foundation for their lifelong development. The importance of speaking, singing, reading, playing, counting, and engaging in serve and return during these first few years of life is… Continue reading Nurturing Minds and Hearts: The Importance of Loving Habits for Children from Birth to Age Three
Investing in Our Future: Early Childhood Development Funding in the U.S. and Globally
Introduction Early childhood development is essential to creating a thriving society. The experiences and opportunities children receive during their early years have a profound impact on their lifelong well-being and success. This means, funding and investment in early childhood development are essential for ensuring that every child reaches their full potential. At GIFT CONNECT, we… Continue reading Investing in Our Future: Early Childhood Development Funding in the U.S. and Globally
Point out foods you see
As you shop for groceries, point out foods you see. Play with the sounds of words as you show your child the juicy red “toe-may-toes” or the long orange “care-rot.” How do they respond? When they make a sound in response, copy it.
Use hand actions with your favorite song
Use hand actions for your favorite rhyme or song, or make up your own. Face your child and hold their hands so they mirror you. Vary your tone of voice from high to low and use a big, expressive way of speaking or singing.
Sing simple songs with repetition
Help your child recognize patterns and familiar words by singing simple songs with lots of repetition or rhymes. Can’t remember one? Make up you own! Encourage them to join in by repeating the words or by adding their own ideas.
Create a Rhyme or a Rap
During meal or snacktime, create a rhyme or a rap about what your child is eating: “No slice, no dice, we eat rice!” or “You’re no rookie, eating your cookie.” They’ll enjoy the sound of the words and if they respond, make rhymes from their words too.
“Can you find it in the room?”
Draw or use your cell phone to take pictures of things in your room like a chair, a table, or the refrigerator. Ask your child to look at your cell phone picture and say, “Can you find it in the room?” As they get good at this, you can make it a little harder.
“Mail Time!”
Talk to your child about getting mail and what it means. Then write them a note or give them a piece of junk mail or store flyer and say, “Mail Time!” After they look at it, take turns talking about the letters, pictures, colors, and designs.
