A rich environment, with a variety of manipulative materials, facilitates children's learning. Children also benefit by being exposed to stories, books, people, places, ideas, music, games, and real-life activities. The best toys are the ones that inspire children to imagine, build, create, and think. Earlier is not necessarily better. Each child develops at his or her own rate.
Children are better learners when their lives are stress-free.
Distress experiences can interfere with the learning process, because painful feelings can lead to chronic confusion, anxiety, lack of self-confidence, and an inability to concentrate. The learning process is enhanced when children are allowed to release painful feelings through crying and raging. Children feel loved and accepted, and receive good quality attention. Parents allow autonomy, and help only when needed.