Communicating with Toddlers

The more time I spend with toddlers the more amazed I am at how much these little people can understand and grasp - even before they can speak that much. We want them to build their vocabulary bank so that they can communicate their thoughts and wants without the frustration of not being understood.

In our classroom we surround the children with a rich vocabulary environment to show the children how we can use our words. The words are slowly spoken to the child so that they follow the flow of the conversation.

What are we talking about? Just about everything!

We talk about what the child is doing at the moment - "I see you have one green peg and another green peg." Hearing this raises our awareness of colors and amounts. It also builds their observation skills.

We speak about what has happened - "Uh oh. Some water spilled." Leaving a space for the child to problem solve we might continue with, "What should we do?" "Lets get a paper towel to dry it.". This helps us learn to be responsible and care for our classroom.

Before we do something new we talk to the children about it. For example, during our trip upstairs in the elevator - "The door is going to close now. Can you listen for the beep? When we hear the beep the door will open." This helps ease our nerves in this new situation.

Our school has a strong focus on building self-confident, empowered children. Trust is an important element to that. So when someone needs a spoon at snack time, I say, "Morah Chaya is going to get a spoon for the yogurt. I will be right back. Morah Gittel is here with you." This helps build the child's trust in their Morahs. We make sure the children don't feel "acted upon"; they feel "in control" of what is happening.

And so for the big question - how can we ease the transition from home to school each day?
Here are some ideas...

- Talk to your child about what they do and who they see at school. Through your tone they will pick up the sense of "Mommy and Daddy are happy that I am with my Morahs and friends at school. It's okay for me to feel that way too."

The pictures on the school website can be a great "conversation maker". (zimmerpreschool.org /Eye into our Classroom / Pictures /Young Toddlers)

- While driving to school you can talk about what they might see or do when they arrive. This eases them into the school day.

- Be part of their school day routines by helping them put away their jackets and backpacks. Even being part of their choice of which toy/activity to begin their day. Talk, talk, talk as you are doing this. "Mommy/daddy loves to help you put your backpack in your cubby. Com, should we choose a toy together before mommy/daddy says good bye?" Etc.

This is such a special age and we enjoy them all so much!
Morah Chaya and Morah Gittel