How do children learn?

Babies’ and children’s brains grow from what they see, do, hear, touch, taste and smell.

Our brain is mostly built before age 5.  The first five years shape our behavior for the rest of our lives.

Children’s brains grow best around people who love them and keep them safe. 

Help them learn

"I know a little boy who is 3 years old. His mom was surprised that he started getting the dishes to the sink and wants to help in the house with no one telling him he has to do those things.  I think siblings help each other learn a lot. They’re always learning from watching one another."

—Latino-Mexican-Chicano Caregiver

Young children want you to help them learn.

Children learn how to have friends and care about other people by watching and listening to you.

group hug photo

"I have a younger sister who is 4, and she surprised me when she was able to pick up my cell phone and dial my dad, my grandma, and my mom. And I’d ask her who taught her, and she would say that she did it herself.  Sometimes after work I’d come home and I would find my four year old sister at the computer playing Solitaire. I would think that she didn’t know what she was doing, but when I looked closely she did. She stacks the cards correctly and is doing the right thing. She’d tell me that she learned it from her older sister and brothers."

—Hmong Caregiver

You can create ways to learn while making meals, washing clothes, riding the bus, buying groceries or cleaning the house.

caregiver and baby"In observing my brother’s children, children learn how to do things like eating, feeding themselves, and sharing their food with you when they are about age 2. Parents, aunts and grandparents guide them in what they are doing correctly and what things they are doing wrong.  My nephew is learning how to make ramen noodles now, so when he’s hungry and I don’t have time, I encourage him to make noodles for himself. I watch him so that he can learn how. The thing is not to yell at them or discourage them. If you do, then they will give up and develop a habit of giving up." 

—Hmong Caregiver