When creating a new room environment as educators, we consider the developmental needs if all the children and what areas of learning we’d like to focus on. In our recent room change we decided to add a manipulative area that allows the infants to continue to build on their fine motor skills, create choice with different materials on the shelf and to choose what items they would like to explore. The various materials also provides opportunities for them to experience different textures and decide whether they want to explore it further or not want to feel that sensation again. Social skills are also being enhanced as the infants are learning to share space and materials, giving them a sense of engagement, expression and belonging as they are introduced or re-introduced to the infant program in a joint interest area.
