Communicate with your child. Talk to her about the world around her. Do this from a very young age, even if you think that your child does not understand what you are saying. Explain the way things work. Discuss events on the news with older children. Listen to your child and show that you are interested in what she has to say. Try to answer her questions, and if you can't, help her to find out the answer.
Read with your child as often as possible. Try to do this every day. Sharing books and stories helps to develop language and provides an opportunity to learn more about the world. Ask questions and discuss the characters and events in the stories you have read. Set a good example by reading yourself so that your child sees reading as a normal part of every day life.
Play lots of games. Teach colors when out and about by seeing who can spot a red car first and then a blue car. Complete jigsaw puzzles together and play simple memory and listening games like "Simon Says," in which you call out instructions like "clap your hands," which must only be done if you say "Simon says" first.
Find out about the world together. Go out in the yard and look at plants, insects and birds. Encourage your child to investigate. Stimulate interest by visiting your local library to find out more information about the things you have seen.
Teach basic math skills by singing counting songs and rhymes like "Ten Green Bottles" or "Ten in the Bed." Try looking in your library for books and DVDs of these to share with your child. When out, count the objects you see.