Child Development:Unit 5

Toddler and PreschoolCognitive Development

1. Identify average cognitive MILESTONES in the toddler stage of development.

ONE YEAR OLDSoundsWords

TWO YEAR OLDSays wordsPhrases and simple sentences272 wordsUnderstands simple directionsIdentifies simple picturesLikes to look at books

2. READING together is an important learning activity for a child of any age. Children who are read to from an early age

learn to read faster and easier.Vocabulary and language skills are developed. Reading together builds a close relationship.It helps children learn to separate fact from

fantasy.It is one of the best ways to help build

independence and self-esteem.Books are a great way to discuss real life

experiences.

► List 5 important techniques for reading out loud?Choose age appropriate booksReading a story is like putting on a playSnuggle up close so all can seeKeep your focus on the child not the storyEncourage participation, ie: turn pagesExplain unknown wordsPoint to the words of familiar objectsRead and re-read as often as the child likesRead at least 20 minutes every day to your child

CROWS Method of ReadingCompletion

Ask fill in the blank questions, such as “Something went bump, and that made us_____________.”

Retell These questions guide children in remembering events and ideas in the

storyOpen-ended

Prompts give the task back to the child to respond, “Tell me about the little girl” or “What might happen next?”

Wh– Questions What, When, Why Where, Who, How – questions that help the child Recall information and be able to discuss it.

Schema Asks the child to relate the content of the story to aspects of his or her Own schema or life outside of the book.

3. The 7 areas of Intellectual ACTIVITY developing at a remarkable pace during the toddler years are: 1. Attention – ignoring the surrounding distractions and

focus on a particular topic. 2. Memory - without this there would be no learning. 3. Perception - learning about the world using the senses

and making connections. 4. Reasoning - enables problem solving, decision making,

recognizing relationships, And forming concepts. 5. Imagination - allows the child to try new things and to

experience being different people. 6. Creativity - using the imagination to produce

something. 7. Curiosity - encourages children to ask questions and to

try new things and activities

4. Constant stimulation for children ages 0-3 is critical in FURTHERING their brain development.

The most important part of a good learning environment is the people in it.

►5. Jean PIAGET focused on the cognitive development of children. A toddler goes through the first 2 stages. ►In the end of the 1st stage - Sensorimotor Stage – (12-24 months)

finds hidden objects (object permanence), explores and experiments, solves problems, think using symbols, uses imaginations

►In the 2nd stage - Preoperational Stage – (2-7 years old) make-believe play, egocentric (thoughts, ideas, actions, and feelings are all pertaining to the way

they think), understanding abstract terms (love, beauty), limited focus on more than one thing or feature at a time, learning that symbols = words (stop sign), beginning to question real vs. make-believe concepts (Santa Clause),

►In the early preoperational stage, not yet understanding the difference between Real and make-believe causes fear in a child. Provide concrete (touch and see) experiences to help the child begin to make connections.

6. As a child learns to think, they begin to organize information into CONCEPTS , general categories of objects and information.

fruits, color, shape, animals (dog = all 4 legged animals)

Sorting ActivitySort the M&M’s

►7. A caregiver can HELP promote cognitive development in a toddler by:Giving time and attentionTake advantage of simple learning

opportunitiesKeep explanations simpleGive only as much help as necessary to

succeedMaintain positive attitudesAssign Self-help SkillsSensory StimulationAllow kids to explore and discover their worldAllow time to process, think, and draw

conclusions

8. Children learn through everyday experiences and through play. 4 different methods of LEARNING are used:1. Incidental Learning = Unplanned

learning.2. Trial and Error = A child tries several

solutions before finding one that works.3. Imitation = Learning by watching and

copying 4. Directed Learning = Learning by

actually being taught

9. Since children learn through play, a great toy for make-believe play is DRESS-UP clothes.

10. Being a GOOD language model is one of the best ways to encourage language development.

►A caregiver can also encourage language development in a toddler by….

Answer their questions Really listening by look at them, eye contact Use clear and simple speech Avoid baby talk or parentese Reading together Sing songs, nursery rhymes, and finger plays Talk in conversation form continually Give 1 or 2 words instead of sentences Respond to them in more than one word or grunts Define new terms that you or child uses Pause and wait for the child to answer your questions Allow them to explore and play with few restrictions Pronounce words correctly(“My wed sert” – “Yes, you have a nice red shirt”) Connect objects with correct names (“wa, wa” – “You want a glass of water?”) Play word games (telephone, show me, chardes, follow directions) Allow children to talk about daily activities and routines rather than the parent Avoid overcorrecting them or scolding (“I singed a song!” – “Yes, you sang a

song”) Give a “Travel log” of daily activities, actions, and routines both of you are

doing- step by step, why, and how

11. When using one or two words in early language development, which part of SPEECH is used first? ie: apple

►12. TOYS also stimulate learning.

Everyday Household Objects make phenomenal toys

Guidelines and ideas for appropriate toys from infant to preschool age:

TOYS FOR BABIES: 6 months to 1 year Babies respond to their environment

by using all five senses - smell, taste, sound, touch and sight - and properly selected toys provide them with opportunities to learn about size, sound, texture and how things work.

Suggested toys for babies 6 months to 1 year:

 mobiles, rattles, squeaky toys, unbreakable mirrors, gyms, washable soft dolls or stuffed animals

(make sure noses and eyes are safe), pop-up toys, blocks, material or hard cardboard books

showing familiar pictures and objects, stacking cups, balls, push pull toys bath toys

TOYS FOR TODDLERS: 1-2 years Little toddlers are active and need toys

suitable for physical play – walking, climbing, pushing and riding. They like things to ride on and climb in.

Suggested toys for toddlers 1 to 3 years

 ride ons, trikes, wagons, large balls, wading pool, a sandpit and toys to use in it, digging tools, child sized furniture, play dough, musical instruments (drums, horns, toy

piano, music tapes and CDs), cassette tape player, blocks, simple puzzles picture books.

TOYS FOR CHILDREN: 3-5 years This age group thrives on

‘make-believe’. They enjoy being around other children and participating in imaginative play. Dress-ups and play toys that help them in these imaginary roles are important.

 Suggested toys for children 3 to 5 years

 play food, play money, dress-ups and

accessories, cash registers, telephones, medical kits, bead threading, story books, tape recorders, make-believe props, petrol stations, farms, houses, restaurants, shops, puppet shows, dolls, doll strollers and cots. They are also fascinated

with cars, trucks, aeroplanes, boats,

diggers, tractors. Outdoor play: sandpits,

bikes, helmets, balls, bats, chalk, bubble blowers, climbing frames, and slides. Board games, electronic toys and word matching games are great for visualization and memory skills.

Arts and Crafts: paint, brushes, play dough, scissors, glue, coloured paper, felt pens.

Construction toys with interlocking pieces.

Other favourites are books, CDs, tapes, videos, arts and craft activities, stuffed toys and animals.

Give 5 guidelines for choosing safe toys:No small parts to swallowNo sharp edgesNot flammableWell made and durableEasy to care forEncourage imaginationVariety of uses / playColorfulSize of child to toyAge appropriate No long stringsNoise level

and always remember that time spent playing with your child or toddler is the best toy of all!

THE ENDRECAPWhat did you learn?What did you find interesting?Activity:

Create a Toy