Post by apryl B on Mar 12, 2017 17:09:27 GMT -8
Infants need constant physical contact with family or familiar people and to feel that they are loved by being cared for. Communication is key for social development. Responding to an infant lets them know you are listening to them even if we do not understand what they are saying. Toddlers need close relationships with familiar people as well and need to know that mistakes can be made and that its okay. They need interaction with other children their age to develop social skills with their peers. They need hands on experience and play in order to learn and understand certain activities and situations. Preschoolers need structure and routine in order to help them organize how things work and get used to have a schedule. They need tools such as dress up clothing and play areas to allow for active exploration in different lifestyles. We as teachers need to provide adequate toys to encourage learning and challenge them. School age children need to feel independent and important. By allowing them to make some of their own decisions we are encouraging them to think for themselves. They are developing close bonds between a few select children whom they relate to or want to be around more than others. At this age they are very understanding of time and money as well as managing activities.