Family Time: Here, There, & Everywhere Week 7

FOUNDATIONS OF LEARNING

Recognizing Patterns: The world is full of patterns. Learning to recognize patterns means information – language, music, and movement – can be decoded, organized, and remembered more easily. As children develop pattern-recognition abilities, their learning potential is greatly enhanced because their brains are building skills in prediction and categorization, which can be applied to any new information they encounter.

Pretend Play: Imitation is the first stage of pretend play. As a child learns to imagine and imitate everyday life experiences, he is actively experimenting with the social and emotional roles of life. In their early years, children are just beginning to understand the difference between fantasy and reality. Imaginative play and acting out both familiar characters and fictional ones helps children begin to internalize this important distinction.

Visualization: Children have a natural ability to visualize with colourful, vivid images; rich imagination; and detailed action. Music provides a focal point which encourages children to relax and visualize. Next time you’re listening to music with your children, ask them to close their eyes and think of images, shapes, and colours. With each breath they take in, ask them to picture their bodies becoming filled slowly with a soothing colour. Activities like this help develop focus, concentration skills, and memory while reducing stress and anxiety.