*My latest early childhood article for B Kids Toys - posted over on their facebook page.
Spring has finally arrived, and colors are blooming all around us! Simply pointing out yellow daffodils, green grass, and pink blossoms to your toddler while you taking a stroll together begins to build color recognition skills. Although children usually start naming colors between three and four years of age, exposure to a variety of colors early on provides visual stimulation and makes their environment more exciting! Allowing your child to pick a tiny purple flower or walk barefoot on the lawn will be just as exciting as she touches the soft petals or feels blades of grass tickle her feet. Chasing after butterflies and noticing their bright patterned wings will also bring squeals of delight!
Taking a trip to a local farmers market (or even browsing the produce section of the grocery store) is another fun way to expose your child to a variety of colors (and shapes)! Use descriptive words as you pick up a fruit or vegetable. Let him hold a bumpy orange or rough, brown potato and feel the outside textures. If your family likes to garden, involve your little one in the growing process. Toddlers and preschoolers will be thrilled to help hold the watering can or pick a bright red tomato!
Playing with brightly colored toys and reading picture books with your child also helps to build color recognition. Between 18-24 months of age, your toddler may be able to point to a red balloon in the story or pick up a blue block when you ask. Be sure to let her get creative with crayons and watercolors too! Of course, don’t be discouraged if it seems to be taking awhile for your preschooler to grasp those colors. Just keep providing colorful learning opportunities, give encouragement, and pretty soon, she will be naming every color of the rainbow!
