As we begin our adventure with the new Toddler 2 group, welcoming new children and families, we begin to develop meaningful and responsive relationships with all. This is a key element for toddlers to develop a sense of well-being.
Relationships with toddlers change as they develop independence, language and strong feelings. Strengthening relationships by listening and talking, making connections and bonding, and giving positive attention is important.
When we have this kind of relationship with our toddlers, they feel safe and secure. A sense of belonging gives them confidence to explore the learning environments. As toddlers explore the environments, they learn how to think, understand, communicate, show emotions and develop social skills.
Through our recent observations, the toddlers are learning that they’re separate people, wanting to be independent. They have expressed self-help skills when feeding and dressing themselves. They have demonstrated a willingness to take risks, and engage in the ability to use and understand language.
We have also experienced a heightened amount of emotions during the month of September! The children are developing strong emotions and are learning to self-regulate, trying to find the words to express. Toddlers can become easily overwhelmed by strong emotions like frustration.
Children need families and caregivers who are warm and responsive to provide them with a strong foundation and make them feel safe. As we embark on our new journey together and build a sense of Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement and Expression, together we can accomplish much growth and development within the Toddler 2 program.
