More Skills & Activities To Go With Them
The other day I was upstairs getting the kids ready for their naps. As per our routine, I settled Rob down while Josie quietly unwinds in her room with soft music and books. As I ever so delicately tip-toe out from Rob’s room after he drifts off to sleep, I make my way to Josie’s room. But before I walk in, I stand at the door and peek in. The door is ajar slightly & I know I should be able to see her but she isn’t in view. So I open the door a little more, all the while trying not to disturb the quiet play time she is apparently having. As I push the door open and scan the 10x10 foot room I do not see my twenty month old daughter — not at first anyways.
Upon closer observation I spy my little toddler standing between the wall and her crib with her little hands covering her eyes (this is her new game - if she can’t see me then it’s not time for nap).
Size and colors are both very important skills that children need to learn. Young children can see the differences in sizes and also in color. However, it is up to parents and caregivers to help children learn to identify colors by name, and the differences between sizes.
Children learn that they are small and will inherently compare people and objects to themselves. They learn that they are able to fit into places that adults can not, that some furniture is made for them and some bigger for adults, and they eventually learn that as they grow they need bigger clothes & shoes.
Knowing colors is another skills that is very important. Vision usually peaks around 8 months in infants. As parents & caregivers play & interact with their baby they learn whether or not their infant is seeing correctly. Infants and young children enjoy visual stimulation and bright colors. As toddlers are learning colors they will often name colors but not always correctly. As with any skill, learning colors takes time to master. Often by the age of three a children can name many colors correctly.
Learning these skills bolsters communication skills, self help skills, and also teaches children about safety. Colors are all around us (traffic signs, food, clothing etc…) and size is apparent in our everyday lives.
As you are driving to the store or walking in your neighborhood, talk to your child about the colors that you see and the various shapes & SiZEs that you see. For more activities regarding size & colors check out these sites: