You probably already know that mealtimes are ideal for sharing with your child—not just food, but conversation.

As you talk with your child over meals, you can also teach and reinforce important concepts. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Name and describe objects on the table. Pick up a fork and ask your child, “What is this?” He can probably say, “A fork.” Then ask him, “Tell me what we do with it.”
• Look for colors and shapes. Ask your child to name all the circle-shaped items on the table or all the green foods. Then ask, “Are there any blue foods?”
• Make comparisons. Ask, “What is bigger—one pea or one potato?” You can use any foods you have on the table. Or ask, “Can you show me all the things on the table that are smaller than your drinking cup?”

Reprinted with permission from the May 2008 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Early Childhood Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2008 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Jill Norris, Teaching Young Children, Learn While Having Fun, ISBN: 1-55799-876-0 (Evan-Moor Educational Publishers, 1-800-714-0971, www.evan-moor.com).