Young children learn by doing. Helping with cooking, chores, and other real work is of tremendous interest and value to them. This hands-on learning is also encouraged with open-ended materials such as the following:

• Materials for drawing, writing, and constructing: paper, crayons, scissors, glue, and tape. Commonly found materials such as cardboard boxes, which offer children many opportunities to represent their ideas.
• Easel paints and water colors for painting.
• Water, sand, playdough, and clay for sensory experiences.
• Building blocks, Legos, and puzzles for building and manipulating.
• Dress-up clothes, hats, and props for taking on roles.
• Dolls and doll clothes, so children can play out roles they have experienced.
• Some simple musical instruments and opportunities to listen to music.
• The outdoors for investigating nature and for running, climbing, and other active play essential for large motor development.

The more hands-on experiences children have, the more curious and capable they become and, best of all, the more joy they feel at learning "a number of things."