A baby is a product of their environment. Our babies are as intelligent as we give them the opportunity to be. Baby wants to become like an adult, as soon as possible. They are determined to learn to become like us the quickest way. To achieve that goal, during the first years of their lives, babies are super absorbent with regards to getting information from the outside world. (“The absorbent mind” from Dr. Maria Montessori). Their brain is like a sponge, whatever we feed their brain, it will absorb at an incredible pace. You can teach a baby anything you can present to him in an honest and factual way (by Dr. Glenn Doman). Teach them what a banana is by giving them a real banana, let your baby feel it, touch it, smell it. Then show him “a banana” flashcard written in clear big text (not capital letters) and read out loud at the same time. Just like us, they will absorb information about a banana from all senses (see, hear, touch, taste, smell - left brain function). Let us not forget that they also have the 6th sense (right brain function) that can feel the love and energy in your voice!
Reinforcement of learning is important for the brain to decide which information they need to store. At Smartizen, we introduce a topic once and use a variety of games and activities on the same topic to reinforce learning. As a result, your baby's brain grows tremendously. Learning won’t be boring at all.
According to Dr. Montessiori, during the first 6 years of age , babies learn from their subconscious brain and unconscious brain (right brain), which will form their characters, nature and talent in the future. Early education is called the “planting seeds” stage. Manners and moral behaviors are taught at Smartizen and modeled during this phase is important to instill those traits to our children.
The most important thing to remind ourselves (left-brain dominant adults) is that, learning happens only in a loving and encouraging environment, mistakes are considered learning opportunities. Only when the right brain which can sense love opens, input will be absorbed into their brain. Rather than results, we put relationships first. Our teachers at Smartizen are selected for their love and dedication in working with young children as the number one criteria.
Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema
