Helping Curiosity grow (1039)

Researchers who have studied young children report that curiosity is important for success in school. A child interested in the world around her and given freedom to explore, will observe and learn.

Teaching baby formally is probably a bad idea. Avoid flash cards and similar lessons.

Young children learn best when they direct their own learning, not when you try to force something on them.

Your child's first year is very important in laying a foundation for a lifetime of curiosity. You can help by making baby's world an interesting, stimulating place and by joining in baby's excitement. Here are some ideas to help baby learn about her senses:

* Surround your 9-month-old with bright, moving colors in clothing, toys and room decor.

* Let baby listen to music on the radio, records or tapes. Make a chime mobile, or hang windchimes to catch a breeze. Talk and sing to baby.

* Give your child textures to feel--soft, hard, smooth and rough. Make a toy, blanket or ball from scraps of denim, corduroy, velvet and satin. Touch your baby and let him touch your skin, hair and clothes.

* Let your child try new and different foods.

* Give your child chances to smell safe things, like soap, perfume, food, flowers and dirt.

Most of all, try to see and hear things as baby does. Share the experience. You can make learning fun.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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