Toddlers and young children are active learners. Early childhood learning programs target the intellectual, emotional, physical, and mental growth of children. Modern early educators are enthusiastic about integrating plenty of playtime in early education programs.
Research shows that structured and independent playtime is essential for cognitive and emotional development, peer engagement, and healthy physical development. It also fosters vocabulary building and mental development since children are exposed to new experiences and activities. These programs establish a strong foundation for education and schooling.
Integrated Playtime
Early learning environments should encourage both team-based, controlled games and unstructured playtime. Also, child psychologists assert that it’s crucial to let toddlers and young children experience emotions like boredom.
These emotions will motivate them to employ their cognitive and intellectual abilities to find ways to entertain themselves. Excessive guidance and structuring may prevent organic team building and interactions.
Playtime should also promote physical activity, helping toddlers perfect their motor skills and routine movements and foster healthy bone and muscular development.
Activities that Foster Vocabulary Building and Imagination
Specialists at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association assert that toddlers can learn up to three words a day. Children pick up words organically from social interactions with peers or from listening to conversations. Early childhood learning programs should include storytime and reading sessions.
These are excellent ways to introduce the toddler to new words through interesting stories or rhymes. Early education experts also use other techniques like flashcards, script-based role-plays, and “table-talk” to encourage vocabulary building. Story-telling sessions also help with imagination building. Children can explore new ideas and concepts through engaging stories.
Positive Social Environment
The classroom or other learning environment should encourage healthy peer interactions. Institutions may make special efforts to ensure that the environment is a safe space where children feel free to express their emotions, concerns, and feelings.
Early learning educators encourage children to speak and express themselves. Children also absorb social behavior patterns and skills from classrooms. They learn critical skills like sharing and relationship building.
Creative Learning Methods
The average attention span of toddlers is less than 10 minutes. Hence early education experts use creative tools to teach toddlers and young children. Toddlers learn better through engaging activities like songs, rhymes, and sensory play.
For instance, a song or role play about “helping” is more effective in introducing toddlers to the idea of helping people than explanations about the benefits of helping. Toddlers learn best through engagement and involvement.
Introduction to Structured Learning
Early childhood learning programs should set the stage for structured learning. These programs should familiarize children with the idea of structured and classroom-based learning. The program should help children adapt to the controlled learning environments and routines.
Learn More About Our High-Quality Learning Programs
My First Years Preschool learning programs target the child’s overall development. You can find out more about our education programs from our website or by calling us at 954-252-7840
