Parents (and grandparents) can do so much to boost a baby's brain power in many simple ways. Here are some of my favorites.
1. Work toward a passion for books. Read colorful picture books. Read them in different places. Make animal sounds. Read songs that you sing. You can build a baby's RECEPTIVE language, for understanding, long before you can build a baby's EXPRESSIVE, or ability to speak. Believe me, they are listening! This can make a huge difference in a child's language development.
2. Move things around. This is an important way to build baby's spatial reasoning. Move the baby bed, the changing table, the high chair to a different side of the table. Move the furniture in the den. Do this every two or three months. When baby looks around and thinks', "Oh! Everything is different from here!" it develops their attention and focus.
3. Do lots of supervised sensory, messy projects. This is not just about art, although art is crucial for creativity and problem-solving skills and emotional health. Children need to learn about the scientific properties of things like water, sand, mud, different types of paint and markers; they will love exploring textures. Some parents (and teachers) think this one is more trouble to clean up than it's worth, but the baby that you love so much needs these types of experiences.
4. Finger-Plays and songs are something I could go on for days about, and write extensive lists of examples. Large and small-motor movements, along with: rhythm, sounds, rhyme, and patterns in language; how many things can we learn all at once? Add to this rich layering the thought that you are singing them together, and making eye contact, and laughing? Priceless! This idea can also connect well with number one on my list, if you begin a collection of picture books that are also finger-plays and songs, like:
Miss Mary Mack - The hand-clapping and rhythms of this book are as much fun as the adventure!
Mary Wore Her Red Dress - The music is in the back of the book, so play it at the piano or keyboard. This birthday party adventure is a timeless classic and should be in your collection.
The Hokey Pokey - Get up and "turn yourself around!" Toddlers love to put their right elbow in and take their right elbow out, and their head, and their whole self, too.
The Fox Went out on a Chilly Night - If I had a dollar for every time I've sung this amazing song with my children, other people's children, music students, and grandchildren, I would be planning my next breathtaking vacation. I love this book.
Baby's brain cell connections are more pliable than you might think, so make time in your life to enhance your baby's brain. Do it often and creatively. Enjoy it! It will positively affect their future!
