One million neural connections per second. That’s how quickly a child’s brain is developing between birth and age three.
Play-based learning starts at birth, with gentle sensory stimulation to help little ones feel comfortable as they adapt to their new experiences and surroundings. As your child gets older, language development is supported by introducing concepts like fast and slow, in and out, high and low, with physical activities that tie the words to an action. As a toddler, your child will begin to understand symbolism: pretending a ball is an apple, for instance. That will eventually lead into pretend play, where they can take on new roles and learn more about the world around them.
Introducing music and art activities, as your child’s interests and skills grow, supports their development by giving them new ways to experience the world and express themselves. Babies hear music in utero, infants will turn their heads towards sounds and music, young toddlers will bounce along to the beat, and preschoolers will joyfully dance.
Toddlers love getting their hands dirty and creating masterpieces, sometimes recognizable, other times abstract. As they grow, their artwork may become more representational, but the process is always more important than the product as it supports creativity while developing fine motor and problem solving skills, hand-eye coordination and critical thinking.
As your child becomes more independent, a gentle parent separation time can ease the transition into fully-independent preschool classes. This will continue to support their growing sense of autonomy and self esteem, even after they’ve passed the three year mark!
At Gymboree Play & Music, our classes support your child through all these learning experiences, from birth to five, supporting their cognitive, physical and social-emotional development.
It’s never too early, or too late, to start them on the road to a lifelong love of learning! Find a Gymboree Play & Music location near you today.
