Early literacy with Infants and Toddlers

Early literacy and language work together from the beginning stages of life. It works from infancy to toddler to preschool age to school age children and older. The social interactions we have with children as early as infancy are very important. We know the first three years of a infants life are crucial for language  development. So, its  never to early to read to a child. Every child loves to be read too and be cuddled. It helps them learn about their world around and explore their environment. It's a good idea too use expression and emotions when reading to children. It helps keep it fun and inviting. Children at this age love to mimic you too. They even love to make noises and the older they get they love to point to pictures in the book. This sets the stage for open-ended questions.   

Just keep it fun and inviting and children will love books years to come.

 

Mad Scientist

 We've had a great week here at The Academy of Harpeth Village. This week was all about Mad Scientist. Children are natural scientists. They are all curious and love to explore their environments around them. Science in the early years of a child's life lead to a lifelong discovery.  They love to learn about physical science, natural science, and social science. They learn how to compare, measure, use math, and ask questions while exploring their environments. 

* Use language! Ask questions with the children to help them make sense of their world around them. Ask open-ended questions. You can use words such as "I wonder why"...? , "What do you think will happen if you..?, This helps them to develop their scientific thinking.

* Provide a Environment with long time spans of time for them to explore and observe (indoors and outdoors)

* Provide discovery toys such as buckets to fill and dump, tools to dig with, measuring cups, scales for measuring and comparing, bug catchers, magnifying glasses.

* Books- Reading books to children to help them understand science and connect their knowledge with their environments around them.

                                             

                                                                         

Just Imagine

We had a great week here at the Academy. This week was all about using our imaginations. We started the week out with a magic show on Monday and finished the week out with a great role-playing activity. The children all got to pretend to be their "teacher". Everyone had a blast including the teachers.

Children learn so many different skills by playing. Often play is underestimated when it is one the greatest impacts on a child's development. It fosters social, emotional, problem-solving ,encourages language   development,creativity,and encourages a child's independence. Some ways to help encourage a child to use their imagination are by providing a lot of props,dress up clothes,and open-ended toys.

 

Wild Things!

 It is so fun to pretend and do exciting things! We have had a wild week here at the Academy. We got to wear our favorite animal print, read "Where The Wild Things Are", and have an amazing foam party! What a GREAT week!!