Chapter 2 Learning About Children 75
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Infants need love and attention in order to learn. As people around
infants love and care for them, the infants respond by wanting to learn more.
For instance, Mark’s parents hold him close and talk to him. They stroke his
cheek and rub his body. They feed and bathe him. As a result, Mark feels
loved and secure. He feels free to learn by exploring the world around him.
As adults hold, feed, bathe, and play with infants, they communicate
emotions. For instance, when an adult is nervous about holding a baby, the
infant can sense the adult’s fear. The infant may respond by crying more
than usual. On the other hand, when an adult holds a baby securely, the
baby senses love. This helps the infant develop trust in the adult.
Reading
Review
1. How can infants learn through play? Give examples.
2. How can talking to infants help them learn to speak?
Toddlers and Preschoolers
As toddlers and preschoolers learn new skills, their behavior may
swing from independence to dependence. Amir may try jumping from a
step, but hold on to his father’s hand. Madison may run after a pigeon in
the park. Then she may return suddenly and want a hug from her mother.
Understanding the growth and development of children can help you be
sensitive to these swings of behavior.
When you help children learn, they enjoy childhood
more. This also makes it easier for them to learn when
they start school. Give toddlers and preschoolers
the chance to explore their surroundings and try
new tasks. Let them see and talk about new
events and objects. Let them feel objects that
are safe to touch. See 2-18.
Young children learn many skills and
concepts. They learn how to count. They
can identify shapes and colors. They learn
how words and sounds are used. Children
learn skills and concepts best when they
are allowed to play.
Children can learn about numbers
through many daily activities. You can
play counting games with children, such as
counting toes, fi ngers, or blocks and other
toys. You can use numbers when talking.
You may hold an apple and say, “Here is
one apple.” You may offer crackers and
say, “You may have two crackers.” Let
Children are often fascinated by objects
like building blocks.
2-18