( 2—3 Years)

By 2 years old, children seem to be developing a rather good self-concept; they have a solid set of feelings about themselves.  There is little question that this sense of self is influenced by the way others treat them.  They also enjoy motor activities because they are now advanced in balance, positive control and flexibility.  They are more curious than ever and eager to explore.  We provide a save yet challenging environment with manipulative that are age appropriate and center areas are introduced as well as circle time activities.

Vocabulary becomes very important at this stage of development.  At Tiny Tiki’s Learning Center we embrace this period.  Written and spoken words will help children develop the love of reading.  Our circle time introduces your child to new words on a daily basis.  We encourage the children to have fun with language.  Some of the ways we do this is by enabling more responsive conversation as in story time, asking open ended questions,   By singing songs such as the ABC’s, Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes, is not only fun for the children but creates an abundance of repetition while having fun.

At 3 years, the children participate in an array of materials that will improve their skills.  We support their active imagination, especially in the dramatic play center of the classroom.  Here the children will act out real life or imaginary experiences while trying to make sense of their world.  Centers are concentrated areas at this time.  Manipulative materials such as stacking blocks, stringing beads, pegboards, spindle boxes all introduce the child to math and allow for opportunities to classify, sequence sort and match.  Music and Movement provide the child with a physical outlet, other than outside play.  Such experiences as dance, musical chairs, duck duck goose help the child develop motor skills.  Singing will also help children integrate new words into their vocabulary as well as being silly and having fun.

Our block area allows for decision making, planning, sorting, sharing, symmetry, and a sense of accomplishment.  This area is also an indirect preparation for math.

Our Science center enhances cognitive skills of cause and effect in this exploratory area.  While some experiments may be messy, this exploratory area is always fun and exciting.

 Cooperative play also begins to take the place of parallel play.  We encourage, but not force, our children to work together to accomplish a task.   In our art area the children will work both independently as well as in groups.  Since art assists in gaining control of hand muscles (indirect preparation for writing), art experiences also prepares children for math and science by using colors, textures, forms and shapes.  The children are also permitted to create “free art” by using any medium they chose.

It is in this room that the children receive more self-initiated materials.  This allows for sharing and group activities. This becomes an introduction to their becoming an independent learner.  The materials become more error controlled so the children can rely on themselves and not the constant approval of an adult.