I volunteer at a summer day care center and I usually work (or play) with four year olds, but soon I'll be switching to the two year olds and other toddlers. I've babysat for all ages, but if anyone has any tips on working with young children, that'd be great.
thanks!
2006-07-01 15:21:21 · 15 answers · asked by sarah 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Community Service
I have twin boys, ages 2 and a half. They are so much fun at this age. My daughter is 20 months and there is so much you can do to entertain these little ones to keep their attention. My kids just love to color. And we sing songs in the car with a tape I purchased at a department store a few months ago. They know most of the words by heart. We also dance around the house alot(good exercise for you too LOL) and sing when Sesame Street or Dora the Explorer comes on. They even know some of the spanish words. Kids this age love that kind of stuff.
Some other activities you can do are:
*Coloring printouts
*finger painting is one of MY favorites(lol) and theirs too
*Water play: Kiddie pool with some toys in them, be sure to inform the parents that they will need a change of clothes
*Drawing with chalk
*ring around the rosie, duck duck goose
*fingerplays: Five little monkeys jumping on the bed, itsy bitsy spider, Raffi has some good tapes too(spider on the floor is one of my favorites too LOL), yes, spiders seem to be the play theme in our home. :)
Children in this age group have a very short attention span, so you need to be ready to redirect them to another activity when they start to get bored. they are filled with tons of energy and I'm sure you will have a great time working with this particular age group.
Have fun!!!
2006-07-01 15:33:01 · answer #1 · answered by Fiona70 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two year olds and other toddlers are not quite as independant as four year olds. I have a son six and a daughter two. Two year olds need alot of one on one time playing and learning. If that is not possible. Make sure when playing a game or activity to make each child feel special by saying their name. Some may not be as capable as others. Help the slower ones with catching up and show encouragement. Keep them busy and watch out for them not wanting to share. Some have a little bit more trouble than others. You just have to show them and keep telling them how it has to be done. Good luck. Have fun.
2006-07-01 15:31:09 · answer #2 · answered by noseygirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just love each one as though they were your own and you should be fine. All children respond to love and attention. It may take a little while, but they will blossom if you really care for them. Just remember that these children are like sponges, their ability to learn is simply amazing, so try to allow them the opportunity to learn lots of new things every day. Set guidelines up front and always let them know the rules before they break them. Be honest with them, young children will always know when someone isn't. They will not trust anyone who doesn't respect them enough to be honest and open with them.
Those are the only things that I can tell you, the rest will come with experience. But, children at this age are wonderful, just relax and enjoy them. They are absolutely delightful to work with!
2006-07-01 15:35:22 · answer #3 · answered by georgiapeach 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a four year old girl and a two year old son They are amazing. Two year old boys are so adventurous, love to build things love to be VERY active, little girls however are into baby dolls, the beginning of pretending. Fun games, fun songs, consistency in their routine will help a ton. Nothing is better then homeade playdough that keeps them busy for a while. It takes patience, a good imagination and realizing they are just realizing how to communicate and can get easily frustrated.
2006-07-01 15:26:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having worked with babies to 5 year olds, age two is my favorite age. It sounds simple, but just make sure their physical needs are being met such as thirst, food, changing, play time, especially enough rest or nap times otherwise the child will get cranky and irritable, but mostly from lack of sleep if the other needs are met.
2006-07-01 15:28:01 · answer #5 · answered by good day 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not too drastic a change. Just be friendly, flexible and careful what you say becuase at that age they WILL repeat anything you say, and it might not be right then but they might say it later to a parent or something. Be prepared for any and everything because they are very active, energetic and ask a lot of questions. PS-Get lots of good sleep the night before because they will keep you on your toes. Enjoy!
2006-07-01 15:27:29 · answer #6 · answered by babygemini261 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
toddlers love to discover stuff.. they love to dig in sand and build blocks ... they are seeing the world for the first time and all is brand new to them... never yell or lose your temper with a baby cuz they are the ones who will someday grow up to be a good person who was shown care and guidence when they were little. have fun and you are a good person.
2006-07-01 17:05:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I teach 2 year olds in the fall, my advice is keep your instructions short, make sure they look at you when you are talking to them, always talk to them face to face (get down on your knees) and be consitent, kids that age thrive on knowing exactly what happens when and why. Oh, and smile, they like that.
2006-07-01 15:26:34 · answer #8 · answered by smunkeemom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you give them a lot of attention. I am a Counselor in Training at the YMCA .I have to work with kids all the time. All you have to do is make sure you boost their self esteem a lot.
2006-07-01 16:03:34 · answer #9 · answered by -107 Steps- 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let them guide you. Keep their minds busy so that they don't get fussy and out of control. It is called redirection. Ask them what they like to do. Read some kid friendly books from the library. You may even want to get those kid songs and dance with them to it.
2006-07-01 15:26:21 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋