You can encourage this by doing a variety of activities with your child. Here are some examples:

1. Attend open houses at your local fire station, police station, or post office. Your child will enjoy meeting the employees and learning about their jobs.

2. Take a tour of your neighborhood. Go on a walk with your child, noticing the buildings, people, and activities around you.

3. Take a trip in a car, bus, or train. Pack a lunch and talk about all the neat things you pass along the way.

4. Sit outside with your child and look at the trees, clouds, and flowers. Ask her to describe the shapes and colors she sees.

5. Get library cards for the family. Make regular trips there and attend special events they offer for children.

6. Explore a new place. Take your child somewhere she’s never been before—the zoo or a local museum.

7. Take your child to work. If possible, show him what you do there. Or you can visit a relative’s office, factory, or other workplace.

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