ways to slip in some learning

by Emily

My first days, even months back at work from having my son I would gaze at the kids in my class or on the playground at recess and marvel, which one was my son going to be like?  Will he be a Lance Armstrong, or a Tim Duncan (his Daddy firmly believes this, whereas I remember my awkward middle school gym days)?  Will he be a mathematical genius or struggle with history facts? As any parent, I wanted him to have a strong foundation in reading and education because he can use it for whatever he wants to do in life. 

Therefore, I have plenty of educational toys, books, etc., on hand for natural learning occasions.  For instance, he has a few different plastic placemats; one with a U.S. and world map, a Sesame Street lowercase alphabet and a shapes and color mat.  One of these placemats is at his spot on the table- a great conversation piece.  Because of these placemats, he can now identify Texas (along with a few other states where relatives live), most of his shapes and is interested in various letters.  Find the placemats at Wal-Mart or Target.  I credit his Leap Frog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set when he runs around the house yelling, B says buh, B says buh, every letter makes a sound, B says buh!.  We have countless puzzles (especially the Melissa and Doug ones) that are an important part of the learning process.  I especially like the Jumbo Knob Puzzles for starting out, he is now moving into the Beginner Pattern Blocks. 

It doesn't matter if he has a great educational toy with him because I am usually probing him to be curious about the world around him.  He does it all on his own now.  We will be driving and from the back seat he will wave his Thomas the train in the air and sing out, Mommy, Thomas is blue!  He has six wheels!  He has a smokestack!  I see a blue flag out my window.  There you have it, no matter if he is the next Lance, or Tim, or has to make flash cards for history facts, he will be an inquisitive and curious learner. 

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