Every Moment is a Teachable Moment- On-the-Go Learning

I love learning that is initiated by a child's own natural curiosity. On-the-go learning or real-life learning leaves a far more permanent mark than rote learning- learning through mere memorization than connection to a meaning. Embracing and acting on the idea that each moment is a teachable moment, in my humble opinion, create the moments that make a long-lasting impact on a child.


Print Awareness is one of the pieces in the early literacy puzzle. Print Awareness is noticing that printed words are all around us. It starts when children realize that print has meaning - people don't just look at pictures, they read text. This helps children understand that the print they see consists of words - the same words we speak and hear.

So, an example of using an "on-the-go learning" activity would be to use what is called “environmental print” to help your child develop print awareness. Using exit signs, stop signs, advertisements, menus, and other print in your environment is a simple and easy way to develop print awareness throughout your normal everyday activities. Point out the apples at the grocery store and ask your child what kind of fruit it is. Then point out the sign that has 'apples' on it- a is for apple- spell it, sound it out.

Planning a Road Trip this Summer?

The DVD players in the car are the norm these days to occupy children's time and attention while traveling, but I have other suggestions for you.

When I was growing up, I remember people calling the TV the "boob tube'- a vast wasteland for your mind. Now, we not only have TV, but computers, the Internet, video games, cell phones, e-readers, portable DVD players, etc...

We are constantly "plugged in" and the children growing up now are immersed in it. But what is the impact on our children? Here are some interesting facts:

Most kids plug into the world of television long before they enter school. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF):

• two-thirds of infants and toddlers watch a screen an average of 2 hours a day
• kids under age 6 watch an average of about 2 hours of screen media a day, primarily TV and videos or DVDs
• kids and teens 8 to 18 years spend nearly 4 hours a day in front of a TV screen and almost 2 additional hours on the computer (outside of schoolwork) and playing video games

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids under 2 years old not watch any TV and that those older than 2 watch no more than 1 to 2 hours a day of quality programming.

The first 2 years of life are considered a critical time for brain development. TV and other electronic media can get in the way of exploring, playing, and interacting with parents and others, which encourages learning and healthy physical and social development. (http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/tv_affects_child.html)

So here are some ideas to keep the kids busy in the back seat during your road trip instead of turning on the DVD player:

Being a Toddler is All about ACTION!

To keep toddlers interest in books and reading, keep things lively and engaging! Toddlers need to move! So, don't worry if they skip, romp or jump around as you read to them- they ARE listening!

Rhymes, chants and songs are a great way to encourage language development because the natural rhythms encourage the child to move and join in! These are short, simple and repetitive phrases that they can learn quickly. Once they master them, make mistakes on purpose, so they can catch the mistake!

Pay attention to your child! If they don't seem engaged in a story (even if you think they should know it or you think it's the best book in the world- one of your favorites from childhood maybe...) stop reading it and choose another! Choose books they respond to- ones with animal sounds, machine noises, ones that they can mimic or participate! Books that they search for recurring things or flaps or textures all encourage participation.

Short stories and then repeat! Repeat and then repeat! And then repeat again....Read a little at a time, many times a day!

Early Literacy Idea

I saw flashcards that you could purchase that looked just like this! So, I thought that would be something easy to make at home. I just took paper and folded it, printed out clipart off the Internet and made my own compound word flashcards. If you google "compound words", you can get a whole list of compound words and make these yourself! Not only do you have a visual, but the print as well, to help your little one understand how the word is formed! Again, easy-peasy and inexpensive!

Early Literacy Idea

I am behind in my posting! As I have mentioned before, I like to go through educational catalogs, books and Internet resources and I often find things that inspire me! Things that can be made at home and inexpensively!


There are so MANY early learning tools to make with craft sticks and craft sticks are inexpensive. I used an old tin can to make a word family can and craft sticks with words that belong to that family. Easy-peasy, 1-2-3. You have instant fun family learning! Make several cans, maybe make each one a different color as well, make many sticks and mix them up! Take turns putting them in the correct can, talk about the words, sound them out, emphasize that the ending sound is the same! If you incorporate colors, you have another concept to include in the game as well!

It's Snuggle Time!

I used the theme Hugs in fall for one of my programs and since then, I've noticed a few new cute Hug books come in!

Big Hugs, Little Hugs by Felicia Bond

Hugs from Pearl by Paul Schmid

How to Hug by Maryann Macdonald

Time for a Hug by Phillis Gershator 

So, check out some of these new books, snuggle up and getting some hugging time in with your little angels!

Guessing Books

I like books that allow a child to think and participate in finding an answer- guess what or who type of books. It's always fun to play guessing games, but the child is also developing problem-solving, critical thinking, analytical thinking skills and more! They are developing vocabulary and self-esteem and confidence as they take chances on being right or wrong.


This is a new book that I think is perfect for even as young as 2 years old. I Spy Under the Sea by Edward Gibbs. It is simplistic, but attractive and what child doesn't love sea creatures or animals of any kind?

Encourage them, give them hints, help direct their problem-solving, but try and let them think on their own, take chances to be right or wrong and be ok with being wrong. Try to fight the urge we all have as parents to always give them the answer - it's tough for parents, I know- but it's best for the child for them to be wrong, but still be ok with it.