How Children Learn from Us

Children Learn Through Observation 

One of the best ways for children to learn is observing others and then trying to do the same thing. From birth through adulthood, we frequently pattern our learning on the behavior of others. Adults are all powerful influences who can foster learning every day.

  Young children naturally follow behavior patterns they observe in other people. One of the earliest signs of this is when babies learn to respond to others with a smile. This comes after days and days of watching someone smile at them.  Speech patterns develop as babies hear the sounds of language over and over again. That is why it is so important that parents talk, sing, and read to their little ones frequently during the day. You can echo the sounds babies make and later they will try to echo your sounds. Little children learn to point, clap and play with toys as we show them what to do. Be sure to respond with enthusiasm when your little one tries to mimic the movements or sounds you show them.

Big Observers       

As babies become toddlers, they 

Pattern Behaviors for Children

become big observers of adult behavior. This is an important time for patterning eating and bathroom habits. Kids this age enjoy games like peek-a boo and start to mimic the speech and actions of adults in pretend play. 

  Preschoolers have fun with motion games like “Simon Says”, “Can You Do What I Do?” and “Follow the Leader” where they follow directions to do what the caller shows or tells them to do. Hokey Pokey, a singing game where everyone does the same motions is another game. Children watch and learn as we show them hand movements to nursery rhymes and finger plays. Imitative behavior continues to be an important skill as children join sports, dance, or learn to play musical instruments.

Imitators 

  Preschoolers love to be the leader and have parents or other kids mimic their motions in games and songs. It is fun to imitate animal movements and sounds together.

  While personal discovery is an important way to learn, imitating others is a quicker way to build many skills. Imitation takes observation, attention, and concentration. Adults need to recognize the power of imitation and be on guard to

Monitor What Children Watch

provide positive models. Studies have shown that children mimic negative attitudes, speech, and behavior as well as the positive behavior.
Of particular concern to many people is the influence of watching violence and aggression either in real life or any device for children of all ages. Child psychologists urge parents to monitor all media coming into the home. Narrow the functions of all devices and place a high level of parent controls. New parent controls will send a print out of internet sites teens view. See grandparentsteachtoo.blogspot.com and wnmufm.org/Learning Through the Seasons.

Photos: Fran Darling,  fdarling fotos