Clouds
Older Toddlers, 24 months by September 1
This classroom has 12 children with two teachers, an assistant teacher and a part‐time student helper. It is based on the beliefs that:
- Young children learn through play and hands‐on experiences,
- Sensory‐based activities are especially important for toddlers.
- Toddlers are motivated to feel competent and independent, and they need opportunities to experience success and make choices.
- It is important to nurture emerging communication skills to facilitate positive interactions.
- Toddlers are developing positive social skills and problem solving strategies.
These beliefs are made evident through the many opportunities for children to explore, make discoveries and play with each other. Hands-on sensory activities and music/movement experiences are provided throughout the day, and the Cloud children are given ample time to direct their own play and to join in classroom‐wide activities if they so choose. We try to support children's emerging feelings of independence and competence by practicing self‐help skills (e.g., eating independently) and promoting successful social interactions through cooperative activities.