Learning Methods flow from the most informal

to the more structured learning a child experiences.

Children approach learning in many different ways. Most of the early learning experienced by children is very informal. However there are a number of more structured learning methods as well.

This page was developed to give you a little background into the methods you child learns by.

The initial early learning methods are very basic learning processes and they gradually get more structured the older the child gets.

Here are some I feel are important to mention:

• Imitation - young children copy what they see or hear around them. This is the earliest form of learning and they learn based on experiences.
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• Play - play is an important form of learning. Either playing games by themself or with other children allows children to learn skills of interaction, communication, manipulation and imitation.
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• Informal learning - involves learning from daily experiences. What we see or do as we move through a day. A trip to the beach can include much informal learning.
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• Acquired knowledge - learning we acquire as we need it. As we grow up we acquire knowledge of situations and topics that are relevant.
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• Formal learning - this is learning that takes place in the form of a school education.
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• Teaching - it is not just a school teacher who teaches. At some point in our lives we will all teach something to someone else. We need to acquire the knowledge and skills to pass this learning on.
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• Parenting - as parents we play an enormous role in bringing up a child. We all approach learning in different ways and will do what is best for our children.

Many of our products can be used both informally and formally. Check out our Magnetic Stories and our Felt Stories which can be a great source of imaginative play as well.