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Infants, Toddlers and Two-Year Olds
Morning Group
- Each day begins with a large group activity.
This large group
activity has so many learning benefits it is hard
not to want it to last all day. But developmentally,
children are not ready to function for long periods
of time in a large group. Typically, this activity
occurs twice a day for five to ten minutes for twos,
depending on the needs and dynamics of the children
involved. Learning self-control, communication,
socialization, listening skills, math concepts
(calendar), memorization (finger plays and songs),
and knowledge about the weekly theme (rain forests
to space exploration) are all aspects of circle
time!
Small Group
- Small group time offers our teachers the
opportunity to work with a few children at one time.
We use this time to make sure each child has a
special time with their teacher and we are able to
closely track their development.
Language
- This area develops communication and early reading
skills. Learning how to care for books, holding them
and turning a page in sequence are the first
important steps in developing a respect for books
and reading. Listening, a key learning concept,
is also an important skill developed in this area.
Creative Arts
- While playing in this area, children learn the
concepts of form, shape, and they also gain
increased muscle control. One of the biggest
benefits of this center is the fact that when they
create something here, it is lasting, not like a
block tower or finished puzzle! Children need to
have their accomplishments and creations become
tangible so that they have that “I did it!" feeling
validated. Building self-esteem, one piece of
artwork at a time, is what this center is all about.
Math/Manipulative
-This center is designed to build fine motor
control, spatial awareness, eye-hand coordination,
problem solving skills, and social interaction.
Typically set up with tables, children work together
in small groups or singularly with puzzles that
challenge, Legos® that create, lacing cards that
teach, and anything else that requires the children
to think while using their fingers!
Dramatic Play
- In this popular area, children make great headway
in areas of language, social, and emotional
development. Imaginative play in this area allows
children to take on and explore new roles and to
associate between real and the imagined. Learning to
function in a group, take turns, and play
cooperatively are outcomes for children who master
this center
Science/Sensory
– This winning center allows the children to feel,
smell, touch, hear and sometimes taste the medium
that teaches the concept. Measuring, pouring,
discovering physical properties, and volume are all
aspects of this center. This small, hands-on area
enforces the social concepts of cooperative play!
Math, science, and motor development are all added
benefits of learning in this sand, water, oatmeal,
and shaving cream environment.
Blocks
– This area helps children learn math concepts like
proportion – two triangles make a square. It also
assists children in forming ideas about cause and
effect, gravity, and problem solving. Children learn
quickly that in order for a tower to “reach for the
sky” it needs a large base The block area is also a
great place for our children to socialize and work
together while developing motor skills. Using their
imagination and fellow-builders, children can turn
this area into an airport, castle or even their own
neighborhood! |
