Children as early as twelve months use reasoning skills to understand the environment, the sequence of events and how to follow directions. Toddlers naturally are active learners. An 18 month old who has been given the independence to feed himself may mash, break up or sort his food. He is learning through touch, taste and from the reaction of his caregiver. The actual process of mashing the food is where the toddler gains the most knowledge, not the end result. Allowing your child to be an active learner will facilitate their ability to make decisions. Reasoning skills are the foundation to understanding language, reading, writing and arithmetic. Providing opportunities for your child to experiment in their environment will develop their reasoning skills which is important for school readiness and their self confidence.
There are simple ways to foster reasoning skills in toddlers:
- Provide children the opportunity to fill cups with water or sand. Show them how to pour, empty and refill the cups.
- Establish small routines with your children. For example, every evening at 7:30 it is time to get ready for bed. Describe the routine: “It is 7:30 - let’s take a bath, brush our teeth, put on our pajamas, read a story and go to bed”
- At the completion of each stage you then describe the next step. This helps children understand the order of events and time frames.
- Describe the object your child is playing with in third person. “Jack is playing with a green ball”
- Describe routine events such as getting dressed. “Mommy is putting on your left sock”
- Allow your child pick the book you are going to read together.
- Teach children to follow simple directions. “Please put your shoes away”
- Encourage their imagination
- Follow their lead in conversation
- Provide a variety of clothes or old costumes for dramatic play. Provide children an option of outfits. Used Halloween costumes are great for dramatic play.
- Give plain white paper to color instead of a coloring book. Have your child discuss the finished product.
- Allow your child to help you prepare meals by pouring, stirring and setting the timer.
- Discuss sizes, shapes and sorting with your child in different environments. This is great to do at the grocery store in the produce section!
- Allow your child to pick out their outfit for the day.
- Let your child help you sort and put away laundry.
