Hello infant/toddler families,
The past month has been a time of getting to know each other and establishing a consistent routine with all the children. We have seen the younger children fall into a regular “schedule.” The older children have been able to display comprehension of “first/then” statements. For example, we say “First we will wash your hands and then we will go to the table,” or “First we will get our shoes and then we will go outside.” In the classroom we use consistent language as children’s’ receptive language is far beyond their expressive language abilities. Being intentional and consistent with the infants and toddlers provides them with a sense of security while building on their receptive and expressive language skills. With repetition, the toddlers will eventually demonstrate the request before they can speak the words “I am going to wash my hands at the sink and then sit down for lunch.”
Exploring the water table is something the children have been involved with the past month. We have taken the water table outside on several occasions. Each time we offer the water table, we change out the materials to give the children a different experience. Different materials also present different conversation opportunities for us to have with the children. Measuring cups pour differently than water bottles. Bubbles in the water feels different than plain water. Washing baby dolls involves different vocabulary than washing cars does. We look forward to continuing bringing out media table outdoors with different materials throughout the summer.
I have included an excerpt of an article on the benefits of sand and water play from NAEYC (The National Association for the Education of Young Children). Do you play with water at home? If so, please share. We would love to hear your ideas.
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/blog/importance-sand-and-water-play
The sand table and the water table can be two of the most popular areas of the classroom for young children, but it is important to remember that these areas are essential to the classroom for higher-level learning.
- Sensory Exploration: Both centers allow children to learn with hands-on materials and take in new information through their senses. These sensory experiences can assist some children with calming down their bodies.
- Mathematical Learning: The sand and water centers are introductions to higher-level thinking concepts like volume. When children empty two pails of sand into one larger pail, they begin to learn about which pail has more and which pail has less. They have the opportunity to see how many cups it takes to fill the largest bucket. They can also see how one tall pail of sand also equals a short, large bucket. Children can use the sand to create shapes and structures.
- Scientific Concepts: The water table introduces children to early physics concepts like motion and flowing water. Children have the opportunity to make predictions about what objects will sink in the water and which items will float. Sand and water areas introduce discussions about living and non-living items, as well as animal habitats.
- Language Development: The sand and water areas of the classroom are wonderful environments to create conversations. Young children typically play together in these areas, develop intricate pretend play ideas, and ask one another questions. These areas also give the teachers plenty of opportunities to talk to students about their creations and pretend play. Teachers can get children to respond with the most creative responses by starting their conversations with statements like “I wonder what would happen if . . .” and “Tell me about . . .”
- Social Skills: Since so many children want to play in these areas of the classroom, children must learn how to take turns and share the classroom materials. Children must work together to create a castle in the sand, and young children play together to make their sea animals talk to each other in the water table.
- Creativity: These centers are classic examples of open-ended materials that do not have one specific purpose. Children focus on the process of playing with the sand and water instead of trying to create an end product.
Here is another article from NAEYC (the National Association for the Education of Young Children) with some specific activities you can do at home with your child. Please let us know if you try any of these ideas. We would love to know!
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/blog/toddlers-guide-sensory-activities-home
Reminders:
- Please be sure to sign in/out daily
- Please make sure to take home bags of clothes from cubby
- Please bring extra clothing for your child as needed
- Please keep us informed on any new foods your child is eating so we can update your child’s food list.
Until next time,
Nadine, Ecila, Krysten, Tori
