Lessons & Classroom Games for Teachers
Because early childhood is a time when learning occurs rapidly, it is important to ensure that toddlers are exposed to a variety of activities. From the time children are born to the age of 5 is when they are best able to assimilate new ideas and abilities into their personality. It is the lessons learned during this early stage of life that help to develop lifelong skills, habits and interests.
Language
Lessons in language can be presented to toddlers in many different ways. Reading books to children helps them to develop an understanding of how to utilize the language, communicate their thoughts and feelings, and expand their vocabulary. Using flashcards or using items from around the house helps toddlers learn how to identify objects, colors and shapes. Playing with toys like alphabet blocks is a good starting point to teaching toddlers the phonetic sounds of the alphabet.
Creativity
Engaging toddlers in make-believe or pretend play develops their imagination and creative abilities. Additionally, when toddlers participate in make-believe play with other toddlers, they develop their social interaction and cooperation skills. Lessons about sharing can easily be incorporated into the pretend play situations. Toddlers' creativity can also be stimulated by listening to music, drawing and painting. Trips to museums or children-oriented musical shows encourage children to use their imagination and design their own creations based on what they have experienced.
Physical Development
As toddlers are still in the process of learning how to control and use their bodies, some time should be spent participating in physical activities. Playing games outside, such as catch and tag, swimming, and dancing enable toddlers to develop their motor skills while also improving their hand-eye coordination. Participating in games also develops toddlers' social skills. Sensory skills and fine motor skills are developed through activities like drawing and sculpting clay.
Science and Nature
Even at a young age, it's crucial that children understand the world around them so that they can also develop an appreciation for it. Examining the different aspects of the world helps children to develop their analytical mind and logic skills. Trips to the park can help teach children about the different kinds of bugs and plants that exist, just as trips to the zoo can show children the diversity of animal life throughout the world.
Math
While is it doubtful that toddlers will be able to grasp difficult math concepts, counting and simple addition and subtraction tasks develop their analytical skills. Learning numbers can be achieved through the use of flashcards and counting games can be incorporated into many other activities, like counting toys, cars, etc. Very simple addition and subtraction can also be used in a variety of similar contexts.