Why Tutoring Your Toddler is Smart Parenting

Adults should encourage toddlers to safely explore their environments. Susan Dunkley, president and founder of New Horizon Child Care, recommends providing materials that encourage toddlers to use all their senses. "Give them objects that make noise and have texture and foods to taste and smell," she suggests.

Outdoors is a great place for toddlers to learn. "We often explore the yard or the playground and then talk about what we see," comments Mari Ruzich." And Ian is enrolled in a Kindermusik class where the children interact with musical instruments, puppets, and each other."

"Music is such a universal treasure," says Janetha Edwards, a mother of two in Gilbert, Arizona. "I think music attributes to so many lessons, including increasing vocabulary acquisition through rhythm, repetition, and exposure."

Dr. Speaks-Folds agrees that music is great for little ones and suggests that parents and toddlers sing and dance together. "Toddlers learn through imitation. They copy what we do."

"Toddlers learn when they are entertained and engaged," Dunkley counsels. Sing along with CDs and DVDS or make a recording of your own. See how your toddler reacts to hearing his voice played back.