The tiny hands of two year olds

The more time that I spend involved in the “Time for Two’s” program at West Richmond, the more I realize how incredibly interesting this age group is!

Even though they are such tiny little beings, they are already beginning to explore and enjoy the experiences around them in so many amazing ways!

When we come together each afternoon, I am excited to see their “tiny hands” engaged in many types of activities afforded them.  Some of them always gravitate towards the types of tactile opportunities that allow them to dig and splash, or pour and push different types of materials in a sensory situation.  Other children seem to always speed towards the art activities, where they can paint, draw, dip or dab with different materials set out each day.

Many children seem mesmerized by materials that encourage building or grasping pieces of puzzles or materials that can be moved in various directions, encouraging their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination effectively.

Reading interesting materials also challenges the children to look as well as listen.  Eating their provided snacks also seems to encourage them to participate in rituals that require hand washing, opening and closing containers, eating independently and closing up their chosen food.

Circle time also creates an opportunity for the children to expand their listening, observation and singing skills, as well as increasing their ability to take turns and share materials that are provided to expand their learning.

Each of these daily experiences help the children to discover and develop their own abilities, even at such a young age.                                      

We are very excited to see your children growing and learning in the “Time for Two’s” environment.  Looking forward to many more fun days ahead!

Sincerely,

Teacher Lori Moore

 

The many ways we can paint

Hello families, I am very pleased to say that we are all getting settled into our class time together.  It has been a pretty smooth transition.  I would like to thank all the families for their support and patience while we get to know your child.  It is so important to make the transition a positive time.

 

We have noticed the children this year enjoy painting.  With that said, we will be using different materials and tools to paint and create art.  Last week, we used shaving cream mixed with paint to create our leaves.  The texture of the paint really attracted the attention of the children.  They liked to blend the colours and some even enjoyed feeling the paint with their hands.  Another week, we used potato stamps to manipulate paint without any brushes.  At first, the children used the potato stamps like a brush and made strokes with it.  Once they observed a teacher stamping with the potatoes, they followed and noticed that it left prints.  It did not take long for the children to create some pretty amazing art.  This week will be working with water colour paints and fusing paper to create an orchard of apples.  I wonder what colour apples the children will create?

The creativity and curiosity of the children never ceases to amaze me.  It truly makes teaching young children so gratifying. 

Until next time,
Deanna