Raising toddlers has always been an undertaking not suitable for the weak- hence the stereotypes of the “terrible twos” and “threenagers.” However, the parents, teachers, and caretakers of todays’ toddlers are reporting a new level of tantrums, overstimulation, and clinginess as these “pandemic babies” begin to experience life outside of quarantines and social distancing for the first time.
Throughout their childhood, kids are tasked with learning about the world: how it works and what they can do within it. A safe place for them to do this is during free play time.
From the time they are born, your child is communicating. Crying, laughing, grabbing, eye contact. While not requiring the spoken word, your child is talking to you. This only becomes more effective once they start using their own words, words that they learn at home, on the street, at school, and during playtime, especially with block play.
A big part of being an educator is constantly finding new ways to bring life to teaching and to keep it exciting for students by always having something interesting in instruction. As a librarian, not only am I curating books and programs to create a safe space for students, but I also help teachers with their instruction and bring new innovative ideas to them.
