by Alix Tonsgard
I have been thinking about the Museum’s youngest visitors, the myths and realities that surround the early years, and what we do to support the growth, and development of children from birth to 24 months of age.
One myth that immediately comes to mind is that of an infant or toddler as a blank slate, waiting for us to fill them up with knowledge and skills. The reality is that if you watch an infant or toddler engage in the same activity over and over again, it becomes clear that from birth there’s an inborn drive for mastery.
Alison Gopnik, author and psychology professor who has dedicated much of her career to studying child development, referred to babies as being “the best learning machines in the universe.” A statement I whole-heartedly agree with, and have witnessed throughout my career.
In the early years of life the foundation for future learning is being laid. An infant’s brain is a complex web of visual, motor, language and social-emotional connections that are essential for later learning. However, the further development of this complex web depends on how, and how much, the brain is used.
Some things to keep in mind regarding playing with infants and toddlers – it’s all about the interaction! Quality interaction strongly influences brain development. Whether you are visiting the Museum or spending time at home with your child, make sure to:
• Give your child lots of attention and positive reinforcement. This will help the child feel more confident, relaxed, happy, and ready to learn.
• Provide consistent responses. In doing so, you communicate to your children that the world around them is trustworthy, and that they can depend on you.
• Have fun! Jump right in with playful actions or expressions (tickles, smiles, songs) and provide simple, novel objects or environments to explore.
• Talk to your child. Listening to your voice is comforting, and also helps your child learn about sounds and language.
• Introduce your child to peers. Provide opportunities to let your child observe and interact with adults, and children. Slightly older children can demonstrate new ways to use or interact with materials.
Learn more about how the Museum supports our youngest visitors: dupagechildrens.org/blog.
Alix Tonsgard is an early learning specialist at the DuPage Children’s Museum.
