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Any suggestions on 2 year old curriculum? I've been researching on the internet and only come across curriculum for the 3 year + ages. My little guy just turned 2 and can't cut out shapes or glue things just yet so I'm looking for some suggestions
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I don't know many 2-year olds that can cut out things and many can't even glue or anything until they're older. Think open-ended kinds of activities-finger paint, sensory table, mud play, running! Really, at 2, he just needs to play!
Don't rush him.
In my experience families that I've worked with the rush their kids into learning to recognize letters and things have to keep up with it on a very regular basis or the kids forget it--because they are just not ready for it! When he's ready (age 3.5-4), then start with more focused activities and he'll pick it up much more quickly. -
Agreed!I don't know many 2-year olds that can cut out things and many can't even glue or anything until they're older. Think open-ended kinds of activities-finger paint, sensory table, mud play, running! Really, at 2, he just needs to play! Don't rush him.
In my experience families that I've worked with the rush their kids into learning to recognize letters and things have to keep up with it on a very regular basis or the kids forget it--because they are just not ready for it! When he's ready (age 3.5-4), then start with more focused activities and he'll pick it up much more quickly.
Read a lot of stories, sing songs, dance, offer the things above, and just talk to him. Ask him questions like "do you want to wear these red socks or these blue ones?" or "Do you like the BIG cup better, or the little cup better?"
He's learning through play and interactions. Point out a catterpillar on a leaf, or a cloud in the sky, or collect leaves and sort them in the fall. Go to the grocery store and let him thump the melons with you. Practice table manners and self-care like handwashing, dressing, putting on shoes, setting the table.
There are so many ways to learn that are just part of life.Comment
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I read somewhere on a child care forum that the number one dishonest thing a provider does is post photos of craft projects their daycare kids have done.
Most of the providers say they only do it for the parents to see and several (lots of them actually) admitted to doing most the work on the projects themselves but let the parents (and anyone else that saw them) believe the child had done them with little or no help from the provider.
I wouldn't worry about keeping up with other providers. Just do your best and be proud of the quality time with them. That is what's important. Not the works of art that gets bragged about online.
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I have a group of 4 under 3, an infant, and a preschooler. I did buy Gee Whiz Education online just to eliminate planning on my part and give me things to focus on. Everything in this curriculum is divided by age and everything is play based. We talk about the topic for an extremely short time in circle. There are very few art projects.. Just a few ideas of how to introduce open ended art related to the theme. I explain they won't take many things home to the parents, but I send pictures of them enjoying the open ended activities I laid out and they are happy with that. Don't stress yourself out. It's near impossible to run a curriculum with mixed ages and provide great care to everyone. Sometimes I run through things while they're eating snack because we couldn't fit it in any other time. As long as the kids are busy and they're playing, you're good.Comment
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I offer Playdoh, songs, I read very simple story books, simple puzzles, I have them watercolor paint with dry un-sweetened kool-aid (a great sensory experience) &/or with toddler Crayola watercolors, they also paint with regular paint, flannel board stories and activities, bingo daubers, I use the round office stickers (neon/primary colors) for small motor activities. And add in play, run, jump, play, climb, play!!!Comment
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I have a mixture of 2 year olds and 4+ year olds. I do preschool stuff for the older guys but always make it easier for the 2 year olds.
I sometimes let the older kids do worksheets that involve cutting skills and letter matching - I just have the 2 year olds color. During circle time I let the two year olds play while we sing. Sometimes they participate, sometimes they don't. The key is to break it down to the basics for the little guys, so painting, sensory play, play play play.
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