Are Babies Ready To Learn

Many people have the preconceived notion that children aren't ready to learn much until they are 5 or 6 years old. That couldn't be further from the truth. In the last century, early childhood educators have discovered that the optimal time to teach babies almost anything is from birth to 5 years old. Babies are wired to learn from birth, so what can we teach them?

First of all, babies are born linguistic geniuses. They can learn any language. This includes foreign languages, sign language and even written language, giving babies the ability to read before their first birthdays.

Babies that are taught sign language are able to communicate their needs much sooner than babies that depend on verbal communication.

Babies that are exposed to foreign language from birth are able to speak like a native with no accent. The younger we teach our babies language, the faster and better they learn it.

Babies can also learn how to recognize true quantity. When babies are taught quantity before the
If exposed to classical music and told what the pieces are, they will be able to identify the music of different composers and different periods.

If babies are allowed to spend time on their tummies, they are able to crawl, creep, and walk much earlier than children that are not given these opportunities. Babies are able to learn how to swim beginning at birth. They actually know how to swim; they have been doing it for 9 months. They just need to be given the opportunity to continue practicing their skills.

Babies are like sponges, waiting to absorb all they can from their environment. It is our duty as parents and caregivers to create an environment that is rich in language, music, math, science and whatever else might interest our babies. From birth to five we are laying the foundation for a love of learning for a lifetime.

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