Can You Make Your Baby Smarter?

Here is a link to an interview on NPR called Can You Make Your Baby Smarter?  It is worth listening to.  In the beginning they discuss Baby Einstein and the hoax of so-called educational videos that make babies smarter.  It then goes in to videos that teach babies to read and even interviews Janet Doman, the co-author if How to Teach Your Baby to Read.

I think Janet Doman made many valid points.  Professor Elkind didn't sound too grounded in his argument.  He had faulty information regarding the cost for the Doman course and he states that kids can't learn to read and understand before 6 or 7 years old.  I know way too many kids that can read well before that age.  It seems to me that Professor Elkind should also see the evidence that young children can read.

The basic principles to having a smarter baby are:

  • Talk to your baby all the time.
  • Read to your baby from birth or shortly after.
  • Sing to your baby.
  • Tell them nursery rhymes.
  • Play with words, whether on flash cards or toys.
  • Point out words whenever you can.
  • Run your finger under the words when you read books to your baby.
  • Have fun and enjoy your child.


Posted by Krista G. at 3/27/2010 7:44 AM
Categories: How babies learn language
Tags: smarter baby Janet Doman teach baby to read baby einstein David Elkind
 

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