A: Play w/their food

KIDS WHO PLAY WITH THEIR FOOD MAY BE BETTER LEARNERS: Let your kid get pudding all over her hands and face, new research says it may make her a better learner. New research from the University of Iowa finds that young children are more likely to learn words for certain non-solid objects, such as oatmeal or glue, when they are allowed to explore the substance by using their hands and making a mess. Researchers actually tested small children and say that when kids were able to explore an item’s feel, taste, and smell they were more likely to remember the item’s name. Interestingly, researchers also say that kids are more likely to get messy in their high chairs because they know they can get messy there. Researchers say, “They’re not just being messy. There’s information that can be gained from that messiness. So they might just be having fun, feeding and touching food at that moment, but that messiness is helping them learn about things.” (CBS News)