Did you know that 90 percent of our brains are “hard-wired” by age 5?
Early learning is a critical part of childhood development—and it can happen anywhere, at any time. That’s why we are a part of United Way Born Learning, an initiative that gives parents and caregivers the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to make the most of their children’s early years.
The Born Learning Trail turns everyday experiences into teachable moments.
This interactive trail contains signs with instructions for simple games that will turn an excursion at the park into fun learning moments for young children.
The trail’s theme of Watch! Stop! Learn! Play! encourages parents and caregivers to follow the child’s lead, building the child’s curiosity and confidence, and reinforces learning opportunities present in everyday life.
The Born Learning Trail supports language, literacy and social skills development, and reminds us that learning can be fun!
Why Born Learning Trails?
We know increased investment in pre-K development fosters healthy growth, decreasing the likelihood of children being affected by various other adversities later on in life. Because of the power of early learning, United Way has established early childhood education as one of our community focuses through the Early Childhood Coalition.
Our first Born Learning Trail in Northeast Mississippi was installed in Ballard Park in Tupelo on June 3, 2021, thanks to a generous grant from Toyota Mississippi. The trails are a project of Groundswell, a group of under-40 leadership donors with United Way.
Download the free resources on this page and encourage your child to learn everyday!
Ages & Stages
- Your Baby at Birth
- Your Baby at 2 Months
- Your Baby at 4-6 Months
- Your Baby at 6-9 Months
- Your Baby at 9-12 Months
- Your Baby at 12-18 Months
- Your Baby at 18-24 Months
- Your Child at 24-36 Months
- Your Child at 3
- Your Child at 4
- Your Child at 5
Parenting Tips
- Kid Basics Guide
- Five Key Ideas for New Parents
- The Parent-Child Relationship
- How Are Mothers and Fathers Different?
- Everyday Activities for Dads
- Role of Grandparents
- Teaching Manners
- Choosing Childcare
- Childcare Checklist
- Are You Baby Smart? Quiz
Healthy Habits
- Understanding Your Child’s Feelings
- Sleep Stages
- Developing Good Sleep Habits
- Sleep Diary
- Recognizing Illness
- Healthy Meal Ideas