| Child Development Notes for 18 - 24 months: Children develop intellectually, physically and socially, step by step, in a progressive manner. Skills are learned gradually as a child moves through the stages of development. In order to provide an age appropriate program with activities that enhance the numerous stages of growth and development in children, the adult should have a good understanding of where the child is coming from, where the child is at currently, and where he or she is heading in the near future, developmentally. The following information will provide a basic overview of patterns of development in the growing child. During this time, your child is becoming increasingly more mobile, and aware of herself and her surroundings. Her desire to explore new objects and people is also increasing. During this stage, toddlers will show greater independence, begin to show defiant behavior, recognize herself in pictures or a mirror, and imitate the behavior of others, especially adults and older children. Toddlers will also be able to recognize names of familiar people and objects, form simple phrases and sentences, and follow simple instructions and directions. The Toddler is eager to learn and understands simple questions. This child will continue to expand their vocabulary and loves to listen to simple stories, songs, and rhymes. During these months, a child will continue to put on inches as well as pounds, but not as quickly as before. In fact, she will probably only gain 3 to 5 pounds during the entire second year. When a toddler first learns to walk, it will be with slow unsteady steps -- and yes, some bumps and bruises along the way. But, by the end, a toddler will not only be walking, but also running, jumping and climbing. A toddler will become more and more convinced that she is the center of the universe. She has difficulty understanding that other people have wishes or desires different than her own. A toddler will begin to participate in simple make-believe games. Her play will mostly involve imitating adult actions such as feeding a doll, talking on the phone or shopping. Once a child learns to walk, his world expands exponentially. He now has the means to leave your side and explore on his own. This turn of events is both terrifying and exhilarating. And, as a result, you may find this child vacillating between periods of extreme neediness and extreme independence. Along with a growing sense of self, comes fear of abandonment. Your child depends on you for strength and security. When you disappear, so may his self-confidence. And that's when separation anxiety tends to materialize. Building Relationships As a Parent or Caregiver, you must provide many developmentally appropriate experiences and opportunities for a toddler. A toddler’s needs must be met – hunger, thirst, and comfort. A toddler must feel safe to build trust. Toddlers will assert themselves. Parents or Caregivers must support their expression and encourage their new abilities. Following the child’s lead during play, the ability to extend the play and helping to shift another experience is are skills that Educator develop as they work with toddlers. Parents or Caregiver must understand that: Toddlers explore Toddlers work to gain independence Toddlers are learning about their emotions and yours. Toddlers have increased language skills Children are born with behavioral called Temperament. You must understand and accomodate each child's individual: Activity Level, Biological Rhythms, Tendency to Approach or Withdraw, Adaptability Sensory Threshold, Intensity or Energy Level of Reactions, Mood, Distractibility and Persistence. |
| Toddler DAZE |
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| c. Marcia Arpin www.alltheDAZE.com established July, 1, 2002 |
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Ideas - Ask her to find objects for you or name body parts and objects. - Play matching games with your toddler. - Encourage her to explore and try new things. - Help to develop toddler's language by talking with her. - Encourage toddler's curiosity and ability to recognize common objects by taking field trips together to the park or a bus ride - Sing to child - Play music for child. This helps a toddler develop a love for music and math. - Read to child daily. This helps her develop and understand language and sounds. - Praise child and give her lots of loving attention. - Turn your sensory table into a "bubble factory". Fill with water. Add lots of soap {AJAX dish washing liquid is the best} Add a variety of bubble makers: berry baskets, toilet paper tubes, bubble wands, straws, bowls, eggbeaters and some turkey basters. Encourage children to experiment with the different ways to make bubbles. Have children wear smocks and cover the floor with an old sheet. - Spend time cuddling and holding child. This helps her to feel cared for and secure. |
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