So recently when I read a child development book, the part that really jumped out at me was about "tools". It said that studies have shown that a child's IQ is directly related to having tools in the home. Not the kind of tools my husband has- although you could teach a child great skills with those- but things like books and maps, tools they can use to gain information and learn skills. It got me thinking about our house and things I consider essential "tools".
Books
I've always been a reader. I learned to read before I even went to school. My mom and grandmom were always reading to me, and I just picked it up by being read to. So it's very important to me to read to my kids, and to have books available for them to read. Even Luke likes to sit on the floor and look at books! We have a very varied selection of kid's books, from funny to serious to educational. I don't care what my kids are reading, as long as they're reading. If they learn to love it, the rest will fall into place.
Maps
Last year we put up a map and I can't believe how much my kids have learned by just casually looking at it. Gracie knows the seven continents and how to use a compass rose. She has a general sense of where most states are located and can find a lot of countries. Caleb can show you where we live, and where Pennsylvania and South America are. Whenever they hear of someplace new, they like me to find it for them on the map. It isn't something we intentionally try to learn; they're just interested and so they pick it up.
Craft Supplies
Gracie is one crafty kid, so our craft supplies started accumulating about the time she turned three. She spends a lot of time coloring and drawing each day. She also likes to make things and her grandmom has just started teaching her how to sew. I try to keep a large amount of supplies on hand so they can make things whenever the mood strikes. Some staples(besides crayons, glue, markers and paint) are: paper plates, sequins, fabric, a hot glue gun, card stock, and poster board. Check out the owl she made:
Baby Mozart aside, it's good for kids to appreciate music. Whether you play it or just listen to it, it's a part of everyone's lives, and I think it's more enjoyable if you know a little about it. From classical to rock, I let them listen to anything as long as the lyrics are clean. (right now they really like bluegrass and are wearing out my Nickel Creek cd) Gracie has been taking piano lessons for about a year now, and Caleb really likes singing along to his favorite song. But even if your kids don't want to play an instrument, you can still talk about the music you listen to, name the instruments used, and do some research about the artist. You can also have some fun making your own instruments with items around the house-coffee can drums, soda bottle flutes, rice-filled maracas. Or, you can just do some crazy dancing!
Outside play
I love watching my kids play outside. They love hanging out in the "clubhouse" at the top of the swingset and Caleb loves digging in the dirt box ('cause we've never gotten around to buying sand). Outside, kids need things to climb on, balls to play with, buckets and shovels, jars to catch bugs, and bikes to ride. I love watching how their imaginations wake up when they get outside- they're on safari, they're pirates, they're spies and the dog is their arch nemesis. It's good for them to run and play without an adult directing their every move, so when they get outside, I make sure they're safe, and get out of the way.
Inside play
Toys that you can use in a variety of ways are awesome-Legos, building blocks, Lincoln Logs. They get the creative juices flowing and provide hours of entertainment. My kids also like plastic animals that they play farm or pet shop with. Plastic food and dishes are great for lots of games, and don't forget dress up clothes! Puzzles and board/card games are great for problem solving and pre-math skills.Toys and games that promise learning, like "Leap Frog", sound great, but in the long run I don't believe being talked at by a computer compares to letting kids exercise their minds and imaginations.
Children learn through play. Don't ever think that play time is wasted time. It might not seem like it, but a whole lot of learning is happening while the kids are building a cardboard box spaceship. You can help by stocking your toolbox.
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