Toddlers

Individual learners

As infants become toddlers and begin to be able to walk, talk, hold a crayon and play with toys, you can introduce a range of learning opportunities into your group times. The more senses that you can stimulate as the toddler is engaged, the more effective their learning will be. This doesn’t mean that every activity has to involve movement, visuals, sound, smell and taste, but you may be able to plan a session that offers all or most of those stimuli, through a selection of games, songs and stories, that all focus on the same, simple learning point.

Have areas for free play, including a ‘home corner’ and other large toys such as a sand or water tray and building bricks, as well as space for more directed activities. Set out an area for talking and stories – possibly a rug or mat; a craft area – using tables and chairs or easels of an appropriate size; and a quiet corner – perhaps using cushions – for books and simple puzzles.

Offering a range of activities simultaneously will also enable you and your helpers work with toddlers in the way they learn best – in small groups or alone – as others engage in supervised, free play.

Practical ideas for working with under 5s