Learning Through Play

Vroom.org is a great resource for quick ways to engage your young child in learning through play. The print-at-home tip sheets include a mix of Vroom Brain Building Activities™ for children ages 0-5. Here’s a few for you to try.

It’s All New (0-12 months): Almost everything is new to your child in their first year. So describe what you see. “There goes the yellow school bus. Beep, beep!” Let them see, hear, smell, and even touch things, if possible. 

Pointer Power (18 mos—2 years): While you’re with your child watch what catches their eye. Point to things you see and say what they are. “There’s a black bird and he’s flying!” or “The little girl is jumping.” Watch where they’re looking and say what it is. 

Delicious Descriptions (12 months to 2 years): When shopping with your child, point out what you see. Use lots of different words to talk about the taste of different foods. Maybe you could say, “There are some juicy, sweet oranges,” or “I bet those yellow lemons are sour!” Follow their lead and talk about what they point and look at. 

Picture Detective (2—4 years): Encourage your child to be a picture detective. Look at a picture in a book or magazine. It can even be in a newspaper or in an ad on a bus or train. Talk about the picture together. Can you find certain objects? Ask questions like, “Look at that boy’s face. How do you think he feels?”