Sensory Experiences Infants and toddlers learn through touching, smelling, seeing, hearing and tasting!

Opportunities for sensory experiences

Playing with sand…

and water…

are soothing and relaxing sensory experiences.

Children should be active learners through hands on exploration of materials.

Redefine the water table. Think of it as a sensory table and consider the use of various materials.

Some materials may only be available when they can be closely supervised by the educator and can be put away or closed up when attention is more divided.

Light Table Experimenting with light can provide a sense of wonder while also building a foundation for later science explorations.

Add elements of wonder to the environment.

Natural Materials How can you incorporate more natural materials into the learning environment?

A few possibilities...

Provide real materials and living plants for children to explore.

Flowers  Can be used in experiential centres. They add a connection to nature and make spaces more engaging and home like  Some plants are poisonous, check before introducing any new foliage

Using sensory experiences to learn

Learning to appreciate living things.

Meal and snack times are opportunities for learning.

Reclaim the delight

Physical Development

Block play is available throughout the day.

A simple way to store blocks for infants and toddlers.

Versatility These materials can be arranged many different ways. This flexibility allows for educators to provide new challenges as children gain new skills.

Opportunities to climb over, under and through are important for infants and toddlers to gain a greater competence in their physical abilities.

Competent Child  Safe and supervised exploration of new skills allows children to gain confidence not only in their physical abilities but also in their self esteem as they experience accomplishment of new skills

Tunnels  Tunnels provide an opportunity for gross motor exploration and can be easily stored away when not in use

Children need opportunities for physical play throughout the day.

Storage of materials should encourage independence. Being able to successfully access and put away materials on their own builds children’s self esteem.

Responsive Educator The educator noticed that this child was interested in exploring the large blue ball. When it appeared she was losing interest, the educator rolled the smaller ball over and the infant’s interest was renewed.

Young infants  Very young infants who are not yet mobile can reach, grasp and kick for physical development opportunities

Lofts provide a different perspective

Lofts can provide additional floor space.

Family Child Care  Lofts are not just for child care centers  Building a loft can add play space in a home as well

Space under lofts can be used in many ways. Consider various ways to light the area.

The addition of fabric provides a calming tone to the area.

Comfortable areas with seating choices for personal preferences.

Options  Consider ways to incorporate movement into various areas of the play space

This loft provides an opportunity for toddlers to practice with stairs, building their independence and self confidence.

Large motor skills Climb up, down and through.

Outdoor Areas

Outdoor areas also need careful planning and consideration to ensure that children’s interests and developmental abilities are reflected.

Children and adults should enjoy the time they spend in the early learning environment both indoors and outdoors.

Incorporate nature into the yard Tree stumps can be used to create stools and benches.

These logs could be used in many ways…what ideas can you think of?

Open spaces are versatile and can be used in many ways.

Completing the same activity with different materials or tools can provide a unique opportunity for learning.

Climbing this large rock was an appropriate challenge for this older toddler who still required close supervision and support from his care giver.

Varied surfaces are important to explore Cement or paved areas can be used for riding toys and bikes as well as a place to paint or use chalk. This is corn starch paint- easy wash up!

Take it outside Materials and activities can be taken outside when weather permits.

Allow children to interact, become comfortable with and enjoy being outdoors.