E A R T H S I D E
USEFUL TEACHING IDEAS FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS
USEFUL TEACHING IDEAS FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS
What are the Best ‘Apps’ for Toddlers?
Young Minds and Bodies Need Reality, Not Pixels.
A toddler is a child at about 2-3 years of age. The developing child does not need to be asked to play with pixels. She needs to be out discovering the real world, discovering her own body and being effective and creative with it. Any time stolen away from the crucial work of the developing toddler cannot easily be made up later. A toddler’s work is physical and sensory and social and tactile.
The Ten Best Applications for Toddlers are;
1. A Sandpit A small space is enough for a half clam or a flat box with clean sand in it. Add some containers and a few large spoons and your toddler will be amused for hours, while in direct, tactile, contact with the world.
2. Walks at the park The world is ‘out there.’ A toddler is just starting to explore the world under her own steam. Lakes, bushland, playgrounds and the beach. There’s no minimum age for adventure.
3. Quality time with relatives and friends Relationship matters. Let your toddler know those people who will be there in the long term.
4. Story time A regular story time will help provide order to your day. Have a special story chair/candle/cushion/doll and a song that tells your toddler that it’s time.
5. Singing and Nursery Rhymes Parents have always used singing and nursery rhymes with their children. Begin with your favourites.
6. Toddler Massage Gentle massage and stretching brings awareness, comfort and health.
7. Finger Plays Incy wincy spider, Round the garden, This little piggy. Touching and rhyme, trust and humour.
8. Mud, Clay, Playdough or Beeswax Children should be allowed to get really, really dirty every day.
9. The Pot Cupboard Toddlers are often shut out of the kitchen and its dangers. Give them a drawer of their own, don’t lock everything away.
10. A Cardboard Box Of any size big enough for toddler to get into. The cheapest toy ever (not really) designed. Too Easy.
Earthside Education
Seminars, Workshops, Classes and Advice
(+61) 0449 025167 ES028© Sean David Burke 2010. Free to Copy as is.
Sean is the author of Lighting the Literacy Fire: Creative Ideas for Teachers and Parents
No comments:
Post a Comment