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Born to Learn Babies are born virtually programmed to learn. Before birth, genetics determine how the brain is "wired." Neurons travel to different parts of the brain, forming connections, called synapses, that await stimulation. Once a baby is born, every experience-sight, sound, touch, taste and smell-helps stimulate those synapses and create trillions more. Interested in children's brain development? Birth - 6 Months: Stimulating Sensory and Motor Development Even the tiniest newborn is poised to soak up sensory data like a sponge-and in doing so, stimulate brain development. A newborn's vision is limited, which is why tiny infants respond best to black-and-white objects, bright colors and bold graphics. But vision develops quickly, along with motor control. As early as the second month, babies will begin studying their hands and swiping at objects. Most begin rolling over between two and six months. For babies under six months, the best toys are: - Colorful mobiles and banners that stimulate vision - Rattles, teethers and other sensory toys that expose baby to a variety of sounds and textures - Baby safe mirrors (babies are drawn to faces) - Activity centers and baby gyms that encourage reaching and grasping - "Tummy time" toys that help build abdominal strength (a must for back-sleeping babies) - Age-appropriate educational videos and music that stimulate vision and hearing 6 - 12 Months: Interactive Play During this period, babies discover cause and effect-shaking, banging and pushing every object within reach. Hand-eye coordination improves; favorite games are "clap hands," "pat-a-cake" and "peek-a-boo." addition, they begin to put sounds together to form simple words. For babies between 6 - 12 months, the best toys are: - Activity centers and push/pull toys that allow baby to create movement - Musical and sound-making toys - Shape sorters and nesting cups, which reinforce the concept of object permanence - Adventure courses that encourage creeping and crawling - First photo albums - Gentle rockers and bouncers, which satisfy baby's love of motion - Stuffed animals, dolls and "blankies" for cuddling - Age-appropriate educational videos and music - Storybooks that you read to baby. 12 - 18 Months: Goal-Oriented Play Many children begin walking around their first birthday, and with this exciting new skill comes a strong desire to explore. Most toddlers are goal-oriented and driven to experiment. They begin imitating grown-ups physically and verbally. Through constant activity, they begin strengthening large muscles and improving fine motor coordination. For tots 12 - 18 months, the best toys are: - Building blocks, play sets and bead mazes that encourage experimentation and help develop fine motor skills - Active toys, such as toddler swing sets, safety trikes and wagons that allow tots to delight in motion, while building strong muscles - Very simple musical instruments - "Hands on" toys like a jack-in-the-box, pail and shovel, and water toys - Stuffed animals, dolls and "blankies" for cuddling - Age-appropriate educational videos and music - Storybooks that you read to baby. 18 - 24 Months: Problem-Solving Play At this age, tots begin using their imagination. Children engage in imitative and make-believe play and problem solving strategies. They can match objects by shape and color, follow simple instructions, and dance to music. Language also explodes around 18 months, and toddlers acquire new words at a mind-boggling rate. For tots 18-24 months, the best toys are: - Rocking horses, playhouses, miniature appliances and other toys that foster imitative play - Puppets and dolls - Costumes - Puzzles, blocks and construction sets that create opportunities for problem solving - Active toys, such as toddler swing sets, safety trikes and vehicles that encourage muscle growth and control - Simple musical instruments - Stuffed animals, dolls and "blankies" for cuddling - Age-appropriate educational videos and music - Storybooks that you read together. 24 - 36 Months: The Age of Mastery Fine motor coordination is on the upswing! Now kids are ready for arts and crafts projects, simple sports and beginning board games. Children this age are very responsive to music, videos and books. By the time they reach their third birthdays, most kids are fluent talkers. With this growing competency, many are ready for more "big kid" toys. For children 24-36 months, the best toys are: - Art and craft supplies, such as finger paints, chalk boards, easels and modeling clay - Simple board games for beginners - Train sets and cars; dolls with accessories - Rocking horses, playhouses, miniature appliances and other toys that foster imitative play - Costumes - Puzzles and construction sets that create opportunities for problem solving - Swing sets, sand boxes, trikes and other riding vehicles - Electronic educational games and workbooks that introduce kids to phonics, the alphabet and numbers - Simple musical instruments - Stuffed animals, dolls and "blankies" for cuddling - Age-appropriate educational videos and music - Storybooks that you read together. See our Developmental Toy Page for babies & toddlers toys! See the fantastic Value of Play article (PDF). |
| Sensorize Toys, Products, and Ideas for Sensory Education |
| Sensory Integration is the process by which a child learns to use information from all of the senses for learning and maturation. These senses include body position, how the body moves, his/her relationship to gravity, and, of course sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. The senses weave together to develop a child's sense of him/herself, as well as the world all around. Receiving and interpreting this information is the first step in ALL learning. Sensory integration disorders can be difficult to detect, especially in young children. We expect young children to be curious about all sorts of stimuli, to have short attention spans, and to be easily distracted. But there are some signs that may help to indicate when a dysfunction is present. These include: extreme disorganization or purposelessness of activities, a lack of variety in playtime activities, a failure to explore new environments or move around, excessive clumsiness, difficulty returning to a calm state after an upset, and seeking excessive sensory stimuli. The following list contains concerns that MAY indicate a need for Sensory Integration therapy. All children display these behaviors occasionally. Also, children may display these traits for reasons other than sensory integrative needs. However, if several of these concerns are noted over a period of time an evaluation may be warranted. A pediatric therapist can assist parents in deciding whether an evaluation is needed. California has an Early Start Program that allows eligible children to be evaluated at no cost. Understanding Brain Development in Young Children. See our Attachment Parenting page for support. See our Developmental Toy Page for babies & toddlers toys and Strategies Page for helpful hints. Birth to 12 Months See Also Infant/Toddler Checklist |
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| Good Sensory Integration: The baby...
12 to 18 Months Good Sensory Integration: The toddler...
and dressing.
18 months to 3 years Good Sensory Integration: The toddler/child...
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12 to 18 Months Concerns: The toddler...
18 months to 3 years Concerns: The toddler/child...
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See our Developmental Toy Page for babies & toddlers toys! Stimulate all his senses For your child to learn about people, places, and things, he needs to be exposed to them. Every new interaction gives him information about the world and his place in it. Studies show that children who grow up in an enriched environment — where they are presented with new experiences that engage their senses — have larger, more active brains than those who grow up without adequate sensory stimulation. You don't need to bombard your child with stimulation 24 hours a day, nor should you try to engage all his senses at once. Children can become overstimulated. Just let your child play with lots of different toys and objects. Choose things with a variety of shapes, textures, colors, sounds, and weights. Play music and interactive games such as peekaboo and patty-cake, go on walks and shopping trips together, and let your child meet new people. Even the simplest daily activities will stimulate his brain development. It's also important to give your child room to roam. Toddlers need space to crawl, walk, and run to develop strong muscles, good balance, and coordination. They also benefit from safe spaces where they can explore their surroundings without hearing "No" or "Don't touch" from you. The easiest way to do this: Childproof your home (or at least the common areas). Keep dangerous objects out of your child's reach and safe ones accessible. For instance, in the kitchen, put childproof locks on all the cabinets but one. Fill that with plastic bowls, measuring cups, wooden spoons, and pots and pans that your toddler can play with safely. Find articles on all stages of your child's development and ideas for playtime with babies and toddlers plus See our Developmental Toy Page for babies & toddlers toys! |
