| In this context early learning is the learning that takes | | | | Parents play an important part in this development |
| place from birth to 3 years old. Numerous research | | | | process. |
| studies confirm that the first three years of life are | | | | The techniques are quite simple, appropriate |
| the most critical for the intellectual and emotional | | | | stimulation comes from the major senses; sight, |
| development of an infant. | | | | sound and touch or combinations of these. |
| At birth a baby's brain already has 100,000,000,000 | | | | Play is very important– babies love to explore |
| brain cells but it is only about 25% developed, many | | | | and discover things for themselves. The old adage |
| of these cells still need ‘wiring’ up. These | | | | “play is babies work” is very true; they learn |
| connections are formed at a dramatic rate by the | | | | through these experiences. |
| experiences and the stimuli that the baby receives. | | | | One of the most important factors in providing this |
| By the age of two a child has the same number of | | | | learning environment is you, not just as a teacher but |
| connections as an adult. | | | | also as a parent. You are your baby’s best toy. |
| By the age of three a child has twice a many brain | | | | Make sure your baby’s world is safe and secure. |
| connections as an adult. | | | | Respond lovingly and consistently to your baby's |
| Early learning is all about providing a safe, secure and | | | | cries. Stress can slow brain development. |
| stimulating environment in the critical early years of | | | | Remember don’t overdo the activities if you see |
| their development – an opportunity that only | | | | baby is getting distressed or bored just stop. |
| comes once and should not be missed. You do not | | | | More importantly this should be fun for you and your |
| need to wait to start this learning process until your | | | | baby – don’t make this a chore. |
| baby can speak or sit up, or even appear to | | | | The way to make your baby happy whilst learning is |
| understand - start as early as possible, you can start | | | | to make it fun. |
| from birth. | | | | |