by Candice Ryan

Created on: October 25, 2009

It's important not to get over ambitious when teaching a toddler new concepts. Toddlers like to decide when ad how they will do things so it's best to let learning come naturally rather than forcefully. It's kind of like potty training because if you push it too much they will just completely refuse to take part. That being said, toddlers also love to learn new words and concepts in a fun and easy going way.

As soon as they point and ask "what dat?" they are ready to learn about shapes, numbers, and colors. Once they realize it is a ball you can tell them that it is a blue ball or a ball with a star on it. Don't ignore their questions about what things are because you are bored or busy. When it comes to learning, follow your child's lead. If they want to run around the house for an hour asking what everything is, then let them and give them the answers that their brains crave.

When going up and down stairs, count each step with enthusiasm and before you know it they will be counting along with you. When offering a snack ask your child, "Would you like one or two crackers?" There are opportunities everywhere to count and the more they hear you counting and see you having fun counting, the more they will want to participate in the fun.

Singing the alphabet song can be done anywhere, anytime and is a great way to teach your toddler their ABC's. Every time you go for a ride in the car you can sing it, or every time they go to bed you could sing the alphabet together.

Reading books specifically made for your toddler is a highly rewarding way to teach those letters, numbers, and shapes. Sometimes they might just want you to read them the book, but other times you can look through each illustration and point out all the shapes and colors. Making reading fun is one of the best things you can do for your child's future.

There are opportunities everywhere in everything you do together for your child to learn the basics which will prepare them for kindergarten and the rest of their lives. It is so rewarding to see the results of your hard work when they begin to proudly display their intelligence. When you find them quietly singing their alphabet to themselves or shouting out numbers as they prance down the stairs, you will feel that pride of accomplishment in your child. At that point you will understand why greatest way to teach a toddler is through positive, repetitive, play.

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