En Español Learning Starts at Home Parents and caregivers are their children’s first, best teachers Research tells us that a typical person’s brain develops between 75 percent and 90 percent of its full capacity during the first four years of life. What this means is that before your child spends a single day at school, most of his or her capacity to learn has already been determined. This doesn’t mean that we need to start teaching math and biology to our 2-year-olds. But it does mean that activities such as reading, talking and playing – which stimulate your child’s brain – go a long way toward preparing him to succeed in school and in life. A learning environment You don’t need special training or expensive toys to make your home a place where your child can grow and learn. The most important thing your child needs is YOU! Your child’s brain grows when he has interesting experiences, so help him: use his senses (seeing, smelling, touching, tasting and hearing) explore, discover, and be active play with other children have quiet time to think have conversations write, even if it’s just pretend alphabet letters read books or listen to stories How Can You Build a Caring, Learning Home? All ages Reading with your child is one of the best ways to stimulate early learning. Don’t be afraid to start when she is a baby. Babies Listen and speak to your baby and pay attention to her “language” of facial expressions, coos, and body movements. Toddlers Safety-proof your home so your toddler can explore securely. Take your toddler on short trips to interesting places—the back yard, park, zoo, grocery store—and talk about what he sees, hears, smells, tastes, or touches. Preschoolers Help your preschooler use her imagination with clay, paint, crayons, blocks, play-acting clothes, and puppets. Help your child make friends so he has a playmate for activities and conversations. First 5 LA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the early development of all children in Los Angeles County through a variety of programs addressing preschool, health insurance, safety and parent education. Learn more by visiting www.SmartKidsLA.org or by calling 888-FIRST5-LA (888-347-7855).