The English word Toddler has recently come into Russian. Not everyone understands who this is toddler. This word is increasingly found in the literature on children, on forums for mothers, in methods of early learning. And in the developing children's centers, special groups are created for toddlers. So who is a toddler?
A new stage of development - early childhood
Infancy is replaced by a new stage - early childhood. During this period, the child begins to master new skills that help him learn about the world. He learns to speak and communicate through speech. He begins to walk and can independently reach the place or object of interest to him, without resorting to the help of elders. He is no longer a helpless creature, but a little man striving for independence and independence from his mother. So, a toddler is a child starting to walk. In other words, this is a baby aged 1 to 3 years.
Speech development and communication features
At this age , the baby's speech is actively developing. He better understands the speech addressed to him by adults, especially mothers. And also gradually learns to pronounce the words. At first, the child communicates using autonomous children's speech. It consists of the first and last syllables of a long word, from light words such as “yum-yum”, “av-av”, as well as from its own invented words. During this period, it is necessary to talk more with the baby, to name objects correctly, without distorting the pronunciation.
The Toddler child, through communication with relatives, is gradually learning to communicate with other adults. He carefully listens to conversations, asks a lot of questions, asks for help. He already knows how to attract the attention of adults to himself and keep him, reacts to the reaction of an adult, expresses his dissatisfaction. Communication with peers consists in joint games, watching each other. Children can exchange toys, show what they can do.
Mental development and substantive activity
The mental development of a toddler occurs through perception. The visual perception of a one-year-old child is still imperfect, but it is developing very rapidly and occupies a leading position. It is more fully formed after the transition to objective activity. During this period, auditory perception intensely develops. By the age of two, children already fully perceive the sounds of their native language.
The transition to substantive activity is carried out throughout the period of toddlerhood. For kids, all items have their purpose. They know that they eat with a spoon, and comb their hair with a comb. At this point, children begin to notice power over things. They definitely need to open all the lockers, pull out the drawers and pull out their contents, press the buttons on the TV, open the refrigerator, put the toys in pans. Toddlers can do this endlessly, but, unfortunately, they still do not understand that this can be dangerous. Therefore, parents need to ensure that hazardous objects and household chemicals are not in the reach of children.
Toddler Behavior and Formation
Toddler is gradually entering the world of social relations. But so far he does not control his behavior and does not obey the rules. His actions depend on desires, and behavior on external circumstances. He enjoys doing what he likes and is waiting for praise for his actions.
Children who have entered the age of toddler are trying by any means to attract attention, including aggression or rolling tantrums.
Why are they needed and who are these toddler consultants?
Together with specialists in breastfeeding, young development specialists are gradually entering the life of young parents - these are toddler consultants. They help parents of kids to decorate children's rooms, choose the right toys and teaching methods, and learn how to use them.
Often, expensive educational toys can be replaced with more affordable ones, you can also ask a toddler consultant about this. He will also help organize a safe space for a little researcher at home, tell you how to properly form his skills of self-care, communication, and help to his mother. At this age, children usually seek to help their mother by imitating her, but these impulses are often suppressed by adults for the safety of the child. A specialist consultation will help parents teach the baby how to safely use their household items and be full owners, imitating and helping.
How do Toddler classes on the Montessori system differ from ordinary developing studios?
Group classes in developing centers, as a rule, last no more than an hour and are held in an entertaining way. Children perform certain tasks, get an assessment. The purpose of such classes is the development of numeracy, writing, foreign languages, that is, the early development of mental abilities.
In the Toddler classes, classes are held according to the Montessori system, they last about three hours and are aimed at mastering basic life skills, such as self-care, listening and negotiating with other people, understanding their emotions, and correctly expressing their needs. The development of the child occurs naturally, he studies what he is able to accept at this age, for which he is physically and psychologically prepared.
Toddler is a child who requires special attention and approach. This age is very similar to the transitional age in adolescents. And it is important not to miss the moment of growing up a little man and help him naturally enter the next stage after toddlerhood - the preschool period.