I used my own DIY flash cards, encoclypedia, math and english for my baby no.1 when she turned 5 months old. I feel it is great for bonding and instill general knowledge to babies. However, to make sure it is successful, you must really commit your effort and time to do it daily. My baby did recognise species of dogs, world famous drawings, and etc. through the flash cards. However, due to work commitment when my baby is 1 year old, I do not have time to do the flash cards. When my baby was 2 years old, I tried to test some of the cards and she can't remember. But overall, I feel my girl's memory is quite good to remember some stuff. For me, I think this method is good to stimulate right brain of young babies (before 6 years old), thus it is a good investment of time and effort. For my subsequent babies, I am more favor of montessori approaches which I think it suit my teaching styles better.
Currently struggle on whether should I introduce my baby Flash Card. Share this with u and tell me what do you think? http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_476e6cfa0100ek0o.html Unfortunately it is in Chinese. Quick Summary here: - Temporary ability. This kind of ability will be reduced by the time ur kids' growing up (once right brain is fully mature). As baby's left brain will be grow slower than right brain. - Conflict. right and left brain manage different sectors. right mostly art and left mostly numbers, languages.
I just bought the glen doman Flashcards for math and English. Got inspired to use the doman style of teaching after watching this interview with Janet doman http://youtu.be/VqEOasJL-Fw