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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

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

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

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Learning
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.