It’s never too early to start reading with your child! Through early experiences with books and writing, children build vocabulary, learn the many uses of language, gain key communication skills, learn about people, and place and things, and discover that words are truly wonderful. Help your child build these important skills right from the start.

The more words children hear during their early years, the more they will thrive in school—and in life. Talking is actually as important a learning experience as math, science, or reading. Talking and listening together not only builds language skills, it also helps build the bond between you. Learn how to start and keep the conversation going!

Children love to listen to music, sing chants and songs, and dance along to the beat. Music and movement isn’t just a way to have fun, promote healthy physical activity, and explore cultures near and far, it’s a great way for children to learn and practice early math and literacy skills. No matter what your own musical abilities are, there’s always a way to fit singing and dancing into your child’s day.

Children learn when they play and play when they learn. For children, play means exploring the world, investigating objects, pretending, inventing—and having fun! When you make time for play, you help your child develop imagination and creativity, learn to solve problems, and practice new skills. Learn how to join in, when to let your child lead, and how to make playtime anytime.

Parents are children’s first and more important teachers—and the world is their classroom! Children are naturally curious. They like to explore everything around them, ask lots of questions, and experiment with objects and ideas. Find out how to get your children excited about the world around them and discover new knowledge. You’ll be helping them develop early science skills that will help them get ready for school later on.

For your child, play is learning and learning is play! As she pretends, plays games, and gets active indoors and outdoors, she learns about the world, explores new ideas, and builds thinking skills. Join in or stand by and watch as your child has fun playing—and learning!

Opportunities for science and math learning are all around. Children are natural explorers, curious about how things work and why things happen. Support your children’s curiosity as you explore together—help him to ask questions, look for answers, and make observations.

We live in a digital world. Television and web programs, online games, mobile applications (“apps”) and smart phones are just a small sampling of today’s digital tools, and they are often a large part of our daily routines at home and on-the-go. When you use these tools with your child in an intentional, controlled way, you can create meaningful learning experiences.

Important learning happens for your child through her relationships with friends, siblings, and family members, and as she engages with members of the community. Building relationships and connecting with a community can happen at any time and anywhere— at home, on the playground, or on a trip to the grocery store.

Every day is full of opportunities for your child to build language and vocabulary. When you have conversations, read together, and play with letters and sounds throughout the day, you help your child become a reader, writer, and communicator.