Helping Your Child Learn
You are your
child’s first teacher. A love of learning is one
of the best gifts you can give your child. When your child
learns to read and write well, he is more likely to finish
high school, go on to college and get a good job. And
this love of learning can continue throughout his life.
Improving our own skills can make us better teachers for
our children. There are many programs to help parents
as well as children learn. These programs offer classes
in reading, writing, math and English. When we learn these
skills, our children are more likely to stay in school
and do well.
When Parents Learn, Children Learn
Ron says, “I have a learning disability
and my adult ed class has really helped me. Now
I can help my kids more in school.” For
more information, call your local school district
or call National Center for Learning Disabilities.
Visit www.ld.org
Encourage Creativity
- Make a place for your child to play with crayons,
markers, paints and paper—where neither of you
has to worry about making a mess.
- Tape newspaper or drawing paper to the kitchen
floor.
- Provide big nontoxic cray-ons and washable markers
that are easy for small children to hold.
- Buy or make a simple easel for your preschooler.
Things You Can Do
Where to Find Help
Learn More

Lauren, just 4 months old, loves listening to stories.
Read to Your Child
- Babies and toddlers love the sounds of words and
the sound of your voice. They like cloth, vinyl
and board books with pictures of things they know
and simple stories. They will happily wave their
arms and bat the pages. As they get older, they
often join in and help tell the story and turn the
pages.
Safe and Easy Fingerpaint
-
- Flavored gelatin, like cherry or lime
- Water
- Fingers or paintbrushes and paper
Make a thick mixture and it’s ready
to use! Children can have fun
Make Homemade Play Dough
Mix together:
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 cup salt
Cook over low heat and let cool.
Add food coloring.