Would you rather have more routine in a day or less routine? I prefer less and will admit that I’ve thought of routine as ‘same old, same old’ but it turns out that routine can be a highly beneficial tool for learning and memory, especially for kids.

When children learn a routine, they have a better understanding of what is happening. They can also cope better because they know what is coming next, so they feel more confident and in control. Children also use routines to cue their attention and focus. Something not routine alerts the brain to pay extra attention and this added attention helps for remembering. It’s easy to see how having a routine and becoming familiar with one will helps kids with learning, memory and kindergarten readiness. It’s much easier for a child to adapt to a new routine than it is to start at the beginning and learn what routines are all about.

The routine of the week starts on Monday. Today, talk with your child about what’s happening and ask what will be next. This will help your little one build a mental picture of the various parts of your family’s routine. In turn, that helps with new learning, memory and readiness for kindergarten. Have a great week!

Today is National Neighborhood Toy Store Day. While this is a kick-off to the holiday shopping season it’s also to promote local stores that help to preserve our communities. Many stores have special events planned. I’m visiting 2 or 3 so I can play with all the great new toys. Toys contribute in so many ways to learning and kindergarten readiness: building, fitting, planning, organizing, imagining, trying, vocabulary, colors, shapes, languages and more. I’ll have to get started first thing in the morning.

Toys do indeed help with memory skills. Some toys require kids to remember a location or how parts connect or what things match. Babies learn and remember which buttons to push so a toy makes noise. Older kids remember which pieces of a puzzle go where. Lots of learning, remembering and readiness for kindergarten happens when kids play with toys.

Even as grown-ups we remember our favorite toys. I remember a doll buggy (which the cat really didn’t like), tea sets, paper doll cut-outs, a table and chairs, a stuffed bunny, and my cousin’s fire engine.  What were your favorites? As your child plays with toys this weekend, share about what toys you used to really like. Depending on the age of your child, it may only be one short sentence: Mommy used to have a _____ too almost like yours. Or, you may be able to have a longer conversation about toys you played with. Ask your kids what they like about their toys and also what they don’t like.

Thank you to the artist Etcha for this incredible picture done on an Etch a Sketch…how we used to get images on our “laptops”! What toys do you remember?

While good memory skills are important, it’s also important to have good things to remember. Like Saturdays! During the week, there is lots of competition for parents and caregivers time and attention, but Saturdays may have more time for an activity with the kids. The fun and play are important for children’s development in all … Continue reading Readiness for Kindergarten – Memory Skills #5 →