Promoting Infant and Toddler Development, Learning, and Wellbeing

Promoting Infant and Toddler Development, Learning, and Well-being

It takes both holistic educational experiences and responsive caregiving to support the development and overall well-being of infants and toddlers. Children are more receptive to enquiry and education when they feel comfortable and emotionally connected, which is the starting point of secure connections, according to the circle of security roadmap (Dolby, 2007).

Early cognitive skills, expressive emotions, and motor skills are all nurtured by children through creative, sensory-rich experiences that incorporate storytelling, art, music, and movement (Clarke, 2021). For instance, using puppets in a narrative story time or painting while playing music engages several senses and fosters emotional intelligence, fine motor skills, and creative thinking. Natural discovery and hands-on exploration can help children learn about science and engineering by taking part in cause-and-effect experiences and using materials (Knaus, 2023).

In addition to developing curiosity and problem-solving skills, activities like block-building and water play further develop mathematical terms and spatial reasoning (Petty, 2016). By encouraging early literacy and intellectual curiosity at the same time, educators improve these experiences by modelling descriptive language while providing opportunities for observation and prediction (Zero to Three, 2021). The development of perseverance and confidence, which are essential parts of well-being, depends largely on emotional support and scaffolding.

Learning opportunities

(0-12 months): (Music and Movement: Tummy Time):

Set out a mat with soft drums or tambourines and encourage babies to reach, grab, or tap as you sing calming rhymes.

Focus: Emotional connection, sensory engagement, and gross motor development.

(12-24 months): (Art: Nature finger paint exploration):

Offer non-toxic paint and organic brushes, such as twigs or leaves. Toddlers may finger paint and make art by splashing and stamping.
Focus: Autonomy, creativity, sensory exploration, and fine motor development.

(2-3 years): (Humanities and social sciences: Drawing family portraits):

Encourage young children to draw family portraits and share while talking about their art and family. Use simple terms and words in both English and the child's native language if possible.
Focus: Communication, psychological wellness, belonging, and cultural awareness.