Child Development - Canutillo,TX

The part of her brain that provides memory isn't fully developed yet. It's too early to teach her color, numbers, etc. in a formal way.

No, it won't confuse her if she hears two different languages. When she does start learning words she'll learn both languages. That's a plus.

The big board first 100 words, animals, etc. are great for the 12-18 month group. Don't expect any real learning of formal things till 18 months. Also, there is no rush! There is no evidence that you can change their IQ or potential. If you read to them and provide quality experiences, nature will take care of the rest.

I would start by using he thick one page books. Holding her and cuddling while she looks at them will make it a great experience. Reading to your child is one of the best things you can do.

As a mother of 5, Grandmother of one, I would just tell you to play with her. Some babies aren't even walking at 11 months much less trying to learn colors numbers letters. I would just read to her a lot, play with her and when you have things in your hand just tell her what they are, this is red, this is blue, et cetera, instead of formally sitting down and teaching her things.

At this age play is the best teacher. There is a free online curriculum at letteroftheweek.com that you might want to check out and it would kind of guide you in that direction for babies her age. I used it with my youngest son for preschool and it was wonderful.

I know in today's world it seems that if kids aren't speaking when they cut the cord they're behind, but trust me she won't me. I know as a first-time mom howl you want the best for your child and you tend to compare them to other babies, and you as an all of us, but just spend time playing with her and enjoying her while you can because pretty soon should be giving you grandbabies.

don't stress about it. teach her things naturally as they come up. take her for a walk and teach her the spanish and english words for things - butterflies, trees, clouds, grass, bugs...you don't have to teach her to read at 11 months old :) she will learn naturally if you make an effort to teach her "real life" things as they come. when you are at a stop light talk to her about colors. "the light is green! we get to go now!" my son went through a phase where he was learning traffic signs. stop sign is an octagon, it is red, it says s-t-o-p that spells stop. etc. he knows what a "no trucks" sign looks like, he knows the speed limit signs lol. it's kind of funny (and maybe because he is a boy, and is interested in driving, cars, etc) but it just happened naturally because those were the things he noticed and asked about. believe me, she will ask about all kinds of things once she is speaking more. she is sooo young. just let her have fun and enjoy her at this age. as she gets older she will ask so many questions you will not worry about teaching her as much, because you will see how much she learns without even trying. later there will be time for coloring books, activity books, etc...you will do great :)

You talk to her and engage in her in fun, simple activities. Walk around the room with her and point objects out, also fun to do this at the store, outside... It will also help her in language development.

"Look at this blue ball, see how it is round like a circle? Look, your shirt is also blue!"

"Here are three cheese slices. One, two, three. They are yellow and shaped like a square! What else is yellow?" then show her something yellow.

Also, read to her those board boards, there are tons of books her age that introduce colors, shapes, numbers, letters. You don't have to worry about 'teaching' her formally or using flashcards or anything, babies and toddlers learn through play.

Have you joined http://www.BabyCenter.com ? It's free and it you put your child's date of birth in when you sign up, it will give you lots of weekly and monthly advice for her age. I also recommend the "What to Expect the 1st Year/Toddler Year" books.

Ask yourself the question why you want your daughter to know her colors. Is it so you can keep up with another parent who is bragging that their child can do this or that? Is there a need to feel like you are this amazing mom that you have a child so advanced? Think about when a child needs to know her colors or numbers. Trust me - a very small percentage of people will be impressed that your daughter knows this at a young age. Most will wonder why you needed to drill it into her head.

You may have to develop some thick skin when the moms around you are bragging about all the stuff they drilled into their kid's head and look down on you because your daughter isn't reading at the age of 3. Seriously, does she need to read at 3? What would your daughter prefer - you putting her on your lap and reading to her or you holding up flash cards?

If you just naturally mention the world around her, she will get it when she is ready. "Here is your blue cup." "Look at that red flower!" "Let's put on your right shoe." "Let's go up the steps ... one, two, three..."

If kids are so advanced in reading, etc. when they get to school, they will be so bored. The best thing to teach your child is to entertain herself with creativity and exploration. Help her to learn how the world around her is full of opportunities for excitement if she would be willing to try new things.

Hurray for the two languages, by the way!

That is where we started was just big board books with simple color and an apple. It will take some time for them to retain it, but it does work. Elmo is great for this too and baby einstein.

We got a little plastic bath book that had colors in it that I read to my son when he was younger (now, at 3, he has it memorized, so he "reads" it to me!)
It was good because little ones don't have much attention span for direct learning, but you have them engaged while you're bathing them, and the book is a fun kid toy. Learning through play is a good way to start when they are very little.

As for English and Spanish, definitely speak to her in Spanish also. Knowing two languages is hugely advantageous as an adult and even though kids will resist when they're young, they will wish you had taught them when they are adults and see the additional job opportunities they would have had.

Once she's in school and speaking English there, consider speaking only Spanish at home. If they have the choice, the kids will probably pressure you to speak English and miss out on the awesome opportunity.

Yes, there is sometimes some confusion when they are learning two languages, but don't ever let that stop you. It will eventually work itself out and the benefits GREATLY outweigh any confusion they experience as toddlers.

**EDIT: my kids are bi-lingual. From birth, they were spoken to in 2 different languages. My kids are now 5 & 9 years old and are now very fluent in both languages. It did NOT *confuse* them at all... that they heard 2 different languages. In fact, they have an advantage their peers don't. Because, they are very adept now, at other languages too and actually speak more than 2 languages.
Just speak to her in your language. Daddy and/or the Grandparents can speak to her in their language. The child will learn naturally.
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Get the book "What To Expect The First Year."
It is about baby development.
Then get "What To Expect: The Toddler Years." It is about Toddler development.

Your baby is only 11 months old.
Learning needs to be fun...and it is about the everyday interactions and playing and talking... with you. Not anything formal or regimented. That is how a baby learns.
Right now, learning colors and numbers and shapes and what not... is something you do not have to rush about doing.
It will come... per the age and development of the baby/child.
Just talk with her, even if she can't understand literally, for now. She is only, 11 months old.

Talking to her in both English and Spanish will NOT confuse her. It is a huge advantage to become bilingual this young - there is an age window when the human brain is most open to language and it is well before language programs start in school. Colors and numbers - you just point them out and use the words - 'look, 3 green frogs'

Regarding spanish/english. Children who learn a second language when they are young have an advantage. I have many friends who one parent speaks Spanish only, the other speaks English only and the kids seem to learn really well that way. By the time they are 5 they'll work it all out. Don't stress. The best way you can help her is to play with her, label things - colors, counting, etc., and read to her for at least 20 min every day - make it a routine before nap or bedtime.

The best thing you can do for your baby is talk to her throughout the day. "Is this yellow wash cloth warm on your face?" Be descriptive as you go through your daily motions. Give her plenty of opportunity to touch and play with new things. Different textures, etc. Doesn't need to be toys either. I would give my children wooden cooking spoons, plasticware, etc. "take the wooden spoon in your hand." Show her how to bang it on the lids. Something along those lines. There's no sense in sitting down with an 11 month old to go through colors, they don't learn this way.

Good for you teaching her a second language!!! That will help her tremendously!!! No, it won't confuse her. Brain development in a child that age is fast and furious. I'd stick to colors and counting. That is plenty. Good job Mama!!