Learning On the Go Series- Part 1

We all have such busy lives and are constantly on the go from one place to another, usually towing our children along with us. Travel time is often overlooked as a quality time to learn and talk with your child, however the time we spend in a car, on a bus, or on a walk from one place is another is a perfect time to educate and bond with your child. These are some tips on ways to make learning on the go a fun and easy experience!

In The Car

Instead of finding toys and screens that keep your child amused or distracted, try to make car rides together a chance to connect and enjoy each other’s company. This is valuable time to explore their curiosities, laugh together, and teach or practice new language skills.With your baby:

• Use driving time as an opportunity to sing to your baby. Play a CD you like or sing songs that you know and love.
• Make up your own songs about what you see as you drive or sing along with the radio. The sound of your voice encourages children to appreciate these words and sounds, and causes babies to associate language with positive experiences.

With Your toddler:

• Play simple games together. If your toddler likes trucks, look for them together as you drive and see who can call out “truck!” the fastest.
• Repeat the words that your toddler uses, then add new words that rhyme or start with the same sound. These games will teach children to watch and listen carefully.
• Breakdown simple words into multiple sounds or syllables and ask your child to say the complete word. ex.  From “mmm – ilk_ or “ck –oo-ck-ie” they should get “milk” and cookie.”

With your Preschooler:

• Use car travel time to talk about your child’s day. Ask specific questions such as “Did you draw today at preschool?” or “Did you eat a turkey sandwich at lunch?” rather than general questions like “how was your day?” Specific questions are easier for them to answer and they are likely to give you more details in return.
• Talk with your child about past experiences to help with memory, as well as future plans to help them develop thinking and planning skills. “We are going to the market tomorrow” or “We are going to have macaroni and cheese for dinner later.”

These are simple exercises and games you can do with your child when you’re out and about, but they still play a big part in your child’s learning and development from an early age. The more you interact with your child about the world around them, the more they begin to know and understand. Each moment you spend together can be a chance to learn and grow, even when you are on the go! The information in this article is derrived from the Born Learning campaign.