You do everything you can to keep your child safe and healthy. Did you know that promoting early childhood development is also an important part of their well-being? There are activities you can engage your child in even as an infant or toddler that will nurture physical, emotional, and mental development. Here are a few high-impact, fun ideas to try at home.

4 Fun Activities to Promote Early Childhood Development

1. Make Music Together

Music has been shown to promote brain development in areas that are beneficial far beyond music. Reading, speech, and math skills benefit from this, especially from music education. But you don’t need to sign your toddler up for piano lessons right now. At this age, simply making plenty of toy instruments available will lay the foundation for future music appreciation and participation.

2. Fill the Playroom With Books

You can foster a love of reading even in a child who can’t read yet simply by surrounding them with books. Start with picture and board books. Allow your toddler to look through them on their own, and spend plenty of time reading together. You can also set an example by allowing time for your own personal reading interests.

3. Let Them Roam Safely

Make one room in the house toddler-proof so your child can explore freely. This will give them the opportunity to exercise their body and their mind as they explore. The physical exertion will build their large muscle groups, and the exploration will nurture their curiosity — two aspects of early childhood development that are vital for toddlers.

4. Talk & Listen

Your child learns language best through conversation. Engage your child regularly by asking about their day, talking about the world around you, and asking for their observations. Try to avoid “baby talk” to encourage proper language development.

As you prepare your child for preschool and beyond, these playful approaches will promote early childhood development and encourage a love of learning that will serve them for a lifetime.

Cherokee Academy at Clayton in Canton, GA, is the family-owned early childhood education center your friends and neighbors trust. This state-licensed preschool, infant, and after-care program features caring, experienced teachers and a play-based curriculum that will help your child flourish. Call (770) 479-4404 or send a message online to schedule a tour today.