When Kubla was a toddler, letters and numbers didn’t told his attention. But did he ever love real tools and toy cars.

I couldn’t get him to stop playing with my screwdriver set. Sharp steel tools didn’t seem appropriate playthings for a toddler, but I couldn’t keep him away. Then I came up with a wholesome way to channel his interest.

“Kubla, how many screwdrivers do we have?”
Together, slowly “One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.” After 3, he waits for me to say the first syllable, then rushes to copy.

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. I’d go on, but this is a short format blog.

An hour later he can count to ten.

He learned to form letters in a similar way, this time with his toy cars. We’d use them to make the alphabet, lining up 2 inch car by 2 inch car, making 18 inch tall letters (we have a lot of toy cars!). We’d spell his name, my name, Liping’s name, friends’ names.

How do you include beloved items or activities in your child’s learning?

In two weeks I’ll give a free Kidorable Umbrella to whoever makes my favorite comment.