One More Time-Repetition in Early Childhood

Life with young children can become, dare we say it…repetitive. You repeat yourself over and over, feeling like your instructions are going in one ear and out the other. Your toddler also likely asks you to read the same stories and sing the same songs again and again. Maybe your child repeats the same action daily, like throwing food off their highchair to see what happens.  Though this can frustrate adults, it is critical for children as they learn best through repetition.  
 
Repetition is familiar and comforting to little ones.  When children feel comfortable with a song or rhyme, they will recite it more often eventually leading to mastery. Every time a book is reread to a child, they pick up on something different.  New words assimilate into their vocabulary and their confidence in using them grows.  All of us like to feel successful and kids are no different, thus performing tasks over and over to show they can do them independently!
 
There are many ways you can support your child’s learning through repetition:

• Say “yes” when they ask for “more” or “again”!
• Have a daily routine that your child is familiar with.
• Provide and environment that allows them to do tasks on their own.
• Talk throughout your day – explain what you are doing and why you are doing it.
• Repeat activities (art, science, physical) often to support development and building connections.

 
In an effort to support learning in youngsters, our Little Beats clubhouse meetings and our in-studio classes always start and end in a familiar way.  Check out our Youtube channel for activities you can do at home to support your child’s  learning and development.