How to help young children learn at home?

You can help your child to learn through the little things you do with them, for example:

• everyday conversations
• make-believe play
• games with numbers or letters
• reading together
• involving them in the things you are doing, such as household chores, and talking with them about it

Find ideas for new things you can try at Hungry Little Minds.

You do not need to set separate time or plan complicated activities dedicated to learning. These activities can be built into everyday life and play.

You know your child best. Avoid forcing them into lengthy planned activities if they naturally respond better to a mix of shorter activities. This can stop them getting bored or frustrated and keep them active, interested and learning through things they enjoy.

There are also some useful downloadable free resources for you and your child to use on: Early years Resources -  www.earlyyearsresources.co.uk/downloadables

Keeping a routine

Do not worry about trying to keep to the full routine that your child had in nursery or with their childcare provider. However, children will feel more comfortable with a predictable routine, so try to make sure they:

• get up and go to bed at the same time each day
• have regular meal times
• turn off any electronic devices, including the television, at least an hour before bedtime

Keeping active

Young children should be active for at least 3 hours a day in total.

It’s also good to get some fresh air every day.

While inside, there are plenty of things you can do to keep children active, such as:

• playing hide-and-seek
• seeing who can do the most star jumps
• making an obstacle course
• playing music and having a dance-off

Television and digital devices

There are lots of ways to help your child to learn such as reading together and make-believe play. You can also use what they have watched on television or the internet to help their learning. Talk with them about what they are watching or use their favourite television characters in other games and activities.

Digital devices such as a laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone can help some children learn. If your child does use them, try downloading some apps that will help them learn.

Set age-appropriate parental controls on any devices young children are using and supervise their use of websites and apps. See advice on keeping them safe online.

Try sharing things your child makes with your friends and family online and encourage others to do the same. Your child might enjoy seeing things they have made on the screen or seeing what other children have done.

You can also visit Hungry Little Minds for ideas of activities to do together without using a device.

The following activities have been written by our staff to give you ideas on how to help your child learn at home. 

The activities are fun and will provide you and your family with special time together.

Talk to your child, let them talk to you!

We hope that you enjoy them. 

Let your child's teacher know what you've been doing.

You can complete a WOW moment in class if want to celebrate what your child has learned! 

https://hungrylittleminds.campaign.gov.uk