Of course, we all know that our kids begin learning the day they are born. Even the things we don't want them to learn. Like when my 6 year came home from Kindergarten and said "Mommy, guess what new word the kids are using at school?" Of course, it began with an f, so I won't be repeating it on this blog. But, I did become my son's "teacher" when I taught him that a.) we don't use words that we don't what they mean and b.) we don't use that specific word because it means disgusting things.

Understand that when I say you, as a parent, are your child's first teacher, I do not mean you are responsible for the bulk of your child's learning. I do however, imply that your child or children will learn ten times more and their understanding will be so much deeper if you support your child's learning in even the smallest of ways.

Let's start with basic, most important, yet most enjoyable for all... READ TO YOUR CHILD. Start today; whether your child is 7 days old or 7 years old- start today. Young, preschool and toddler aged children enjoy extremely short books that rhyme with lots of pictures and for them to be read in very fluent voices with fun voices. As your child begins to age and reach 4 years, begin to bring in books that involve more and more of a plot.

While reading, you can include more skills that just reading/ listening. Ask your child to tell you what happened in the book once you are done, who the characters are,  where the story took place, etc. Go back through the story looking for rhyming words, words that begin or end with a specific sound. As your child begins to read to him/ herself you can take turns reading to one another.

Enjoy this time. Relish the time with your child. As we all know, they grow too quickly. Make this a special time with your child to make memories.