The Science Behind The Magic
Repetition – poems, songs and prayers (Rhyme time, conversation and repetition of concepts learned)
Repeating activities is the best way to maximise learning and have fun. All activities in the curriculum are revisited as children learn when any activity is repeated because the learning is reinforced in their conscious and subconscious memory. In early childhood, repetition forms the basis for learning, skill development and accomplishment. Think about when a child first learns to walk. They begin by crawling, then repeat the action of standing and toddling, before they master the ability to walk. A child must first learn fundamental skills before they can acquire speed, increased confidence, and mastery. It is through repetition that possibility becomes ability.Problem-solving- (games, puzzles, craft activities)
Toddlers learn to problem-solve based on how they sense, think about and understand their world. Being able to solve problems is critical for development at this stage. The curriculum allows them to have hands-on exploration of their world. Thus, they have the opportunity of seeing similarities between old and new situations and applying previous learning in new circumstances.Pretend play (puppet show, music, rhymes)
Pretend play, also known as symbolic, imaginative or dramatic play (‘make-believe’) teaches children that one thing can be something else. This represents a quantum leap of understanding, which is essential in the adult world. When all is said and done, numbers and words are just marks representing different languages. In pretend play, your child can be anyone or anything! The freedom! The fun! This also teaches your child to be courageous and curious as well.Imitation (story telling)
Young children love to copy what Mom or Dad are doing. You can encourage this by buying some child-sized tools like a little broom, shopping trolley, or hammer. Then when it’s time for your household tasks, your child can help too. Encourage them to ‘sweep’ the floor with their broom or ‘fix’ the door handle with their screwdriver.Exploring the environment (Field trips)
Exploring the inside and outside worlds – with supervision, of course – is important for toddlers' emotional, social and physical development. They learn more about the world and how it works. It's one thing to see an orange, but it's another to hold it in your hand, feel its cool, smooth surface, smell its fragrance, maybe even taste it. Their development is all the better if you ask questions like: What colour is it? Is it big or little?