Toddler learning explained

WHAT DOES TODDLER LEARNING LOOK LIKE ?

1. Toddler learning is playful and child led. By allowing kids to explore, you encourage them to be life-long learners and to take responsibility for their education.

2. The adult is more of a skillful observer and playful facilitator (less of a lecturer). It is easy to use paper and pencils for an adult - but toddlers learn best through face to face interaction and play. They also learn in movement: They learn on the floor, they learn in the kitchen as they watch you prepare something, they learn as they jump from one thing to another. They also learn as they observe you and follow you around the house. Find teachable moments in daily routines and home activities that are already part of your life.

3. Nothing without joy! Toddlers need to experience that we love and like them and enjoy their company. When they enjoy themselves, they learn; when it becomes a strict list of academic activities, some children lose their joy in learning. For the most part, at this age, learning should be fun. Of course some skills are tough necessities, but these skills are not alphabet or numbers, instead they are things like accepting bedtime, eating vegetables or being gentle with siblings.

4. Toddler learning does not look like a child on a desk. Direct instruction is not appropriate for children this age. As parents, we are riddled with making sure our children are ready for academics. Research shows that school readiness in the early years does not look like school as we know it. Rigid adult lead learning at this age is frustrating for both parents and children and does not build as much curiosity, confidence or independence in learning.

5. Rich language and conversations. Effective toddler learning is full of language. In exchange for their actions and interactions, respond with phrases that describe what you both are doing in the moment and connect concepts and ideas to their context and experiences as much as possible. Even when children do not respond, they understand and retrieve this information and vocabulary at a later stage.

6. Engage the senses. Toddler learning is sensorial. Toddlers need a variety of experiences that engage through touch, sights, sounds and body awareness. Click here for a list of sensory activities.

7. The home environment is another facilitator. A play/toy shelf with a book basket works well. This area should be within the child's reach or on the floor. Parents can set up toddler books in a small basket on a floor where the child can learn to reach for themselves. Toddler toys and material could be in an accessible area in the living room/dining area in baskets or plastic bins where the child can reach. This play area should be close to where adults like to sit or work; toddlers learn independence in close proximity to adults. Create space for movement and play, a carpeted area maybe useful as well. The environment can draw a child into activity and business as they are able to make choices and dig into their interests without depending on an adult for every action they need to make. An enabling environment builds independence and when it is time to clean up, your toddler can participate.