INSPIRING A LOVE OF LEARNING AT HOME
Jordan is 2-years-old and his favorite books are Goodnight Moon (which he has memorized) and The Hungry Caterpillar (which he likes because of the colors, especially the rainbow at the end).
Jordan lives in a remote community on the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona. His parents’ small two-room house is more than 20 miles from the nearest grocery store, hospital and school. There is no plumbing in the house, but it’s nice and cozy, with plenty of books, and interesting activities that Jordan’s parents have learned will help him develop his language skills and social abilities, so he’ll be ready for school when the time comes.
As part of Save the Children’s Early Steps program, Jordan and his parents receive a visit twice a month from a child development specialist named Karen who brings books, activities, guidance and information about how children grow and learn. Karen urges Jordan’s parents to read to him as much as possible, and to talk with him using regular language, not baby talk or jibber jabber. She has explained about how a child’s brain develops and how they are role models for their son. Jordan’s parents are now teaching him colors, shapes and numbers, using ordinary items around the house.
Jordan’s parents are delighted at his progress. Already, Jordan is using language that is advanced for his age, and he is correcting his parents when they get things wrong. Jordan’s father says he is very proud of Jordan, and every day he cannot wait to see what Jordan will say or do next. Just yesterday, he opened the door by himself for the first time.
Watch America Ferrera's Visit to the Navajo Nation in Arizona.
