Toddlers
2-3 years:
I am preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I’m a child and my work is play…
In the Toddler room, children are always on the move! Teachers assist with the transition to a regular cup and use of utensils when eating, and begin to use multi-step directions to develop their cognition. Circle time lasts a little bit longer, and children are involved in the classroom as “helpers”. Teachers encourage more independent play, and introduce basic color, shape, texture and number concepts. Learning Centers are introduced, including blocks, home living, table toys, and sand/water exploration. Exposure to words and pictures increases. Teachers also begin potty training, guiding children gently to use the toddler size toilets and helping them learn toileting skills and routines.
The teacher-to-child ratio is this classroom is 1 to 8.
Sample Lesson Plan
Each week’s lesson plan is thoughtfully prepared by the lead teacher in accordance with the CHEERS standards in learning, age appropriate activities and the individual needs of the students and is designed to both stimulate and educate. Children learn best when they’re having fun in a welcoming environment! Download a sample toddler lesson plan.
Just Playing
When I’m building in the block room,
Please don’t say I’m “just playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
About balance and shapes. When I’m getting all dressed up,
Setting the table, caring for the babies.
Don’t get the idea I’m “just playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be a mother or a father someday.
When you see me up to my elbows in paint,
Or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay,
Please don’t let me hear you say you’re just playing.
For you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m expressing myself and being creative.
I may be an artist or an inventor someday.
When you see me sitting in a chair
I am reading to an imaginary audience,
Please don’t laugh and think I’m just playing.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be a teacher someday.
When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,
Or packing my pockets with choice things I find,
Don’t pass it off as just playing.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be a scientist someday.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle,
Or some plaything at my school,
Please don’t feel the time is wasted in play
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to solve problems and concentrate.
I may be in business someday.
When you see me cooking or tasting foods,
Please don’t think that because
I enjoy it, it is just play.
I’m learning to follow directions and see differences.
I may be a chef someday.
When you see me learning to skip, hop, run and move my body,
Please don’t say I’m just playing.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday.
When you ask me what I’ve done at school today,
And I say, ‘I played.
Please don’t misunderstand me.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to enjoy and be successful in work.
I’m preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I’m a child and my work is play.
Poem by Anita Wadley, Chicken Soup for the Unsinkable Soul
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Toddler Goals:
1. Gross motor - overhand throw, jumps with one foot leading, uses riding toys
2. Fine Motor - tripod grip on pencil, Completes 6-8 piece puzzles, draws circles
3. Cognitive skills - names familiar objects, matches pairs, knows colors
4. Language skills - speaks in sentences, sings songs,
5. Social/emotional - separates well from parent, shows signs of sharing, parallel plays
6. Routine/self help - drinks from a cup, cleans up spills, feeds self well
CHEERS School Family - so much more than daycare!