Markers

[nannyde]

Nanny:

I just wanted to post separately on another part of this.

I realize that there are safety issues with allowing children to have access to these materials. Because I realize those issues, I am HYPER aware of them and am very diligant about having someone directly supervising while children are playing and using materials.

Also, materials are at differing levels, so the littlest children cannot reach the scissors/collage/beads/etc. without an older child or adult getting them down and facilitating/supervising the activity. Those materials are within reach of the preschool aged children and they use them when they choose. At those times, the toddlers might join, and if so an adult supervises.

FTR, I have done it this way for 14 years, and I have never had an issue with it. And, my children are typically writing, without ever using a tracer sheet, by age 3, and writing well by age 4.

I'm not asking HOW you do it. I'm asking with what.

I'm NOT talking about two/three/four year olds. I'm asking specifically about then ten month to fourteen month new walkers.

With your ages the materials are within their age ranges. I'm interested in what materials you can have out for ten to fourteen month olds (new walkers).

[nannyde]

FTR, I have done it this way for 14 years, and I have never had an issue with it. And, my children are typically writing, without ever using a tracer sheet, by age 3, and writing well by age 4.

Yes that's my experience too. They can write at three and write well at four.

I don't know if that has anything to do with having materials out all the time though because we sure don't.

[Country Kids]

I have crayons, markers, scissors, colored pencils, paper, hole punchers,glue out all the time for the children. Even for the children under two, but the youngest I have ever had was 18 months.

I did have one little one that came (4 years old) who became so wide eyed and excited! When mom asked why, the child replied " Do we get to use markers, crayons, etc."? I told him why yes! His last provider never let them have this kind of stuff was my understanding so he was so excited to see that he was able to do that here. It totally shocked me that this child had never been exposed to this kind of stuff at childcare!

[bweir]

Solution for the marker stand

MissAnn
There is a great new product that i found on Drugstore.com of all places that may take care of your marker problem. It's call Snap Cap Markers. There are no separate caps and the markers are the perfect size for the kids. It has a base with built in caps and the markers are easy for the kids to see the colors. I looked them up and their site is www.snapcapmarkers.com I hope that helps!!

[countrymom]

Nanny:

I have ALL materials out....markers, crayons,pencils, paper, play dough, paint, collage supplies, glue, scissors, blocks and accessories, science materials, math and manipulative materials, dramatic play materials EVERYTHING within reach of my walkers. We are actively involved throughout the day in facilitating their work/play and I am completely comfortable allowing my children opportunities to use materials as soon as they are interested. On average, my children are between 12 and 18 months when they begin freely using the art materials. I have NEVER helped a child hold a crayon/marker/pencil/paintbrush. They learn grasping skills at a very young age and if they can hold it, move it to make a mark with it, however light that mark may be, then I allow them to do it. When they first begin using the materials we stay nearby, observing, facilitating and redirecting as needed to teach them the appropriate ways to use the materials....for instance, if they attempt to walk around with markers, we will direct them to sit down with the marker, or put it away....same with scissors, etc. They learn VERY early how to use the materials and as I said before there is ALWAYS at least one but usually a few kids at the writing/art table/area.

It is Emergent Curriculum. It is teaching children based on their interests and their emerging skills. It is acknowledging and honoring that children are quite capable of many things if they are given the opportunity to test out and build their skills.

I do the same thing, I did this with my own children and I still do it with my daycare kids. I also found that by allowing them early access and teaching them properly how to use these tools, no one writes on my walls.

[Crystal]

I'm not asking HOW you do it. I'm asking with what.

I'm NOT talking about two/three/four year olds. I'm asking specifically about then ten month to fourteen month new walkers.

With your ages the materials are within their age ranges. I'm interested in what materials you can have out for ten to fourteen month olds (new walkers).

Well, they can reach and do use (never had a 10-12 month old interested really, but it's there nonetheless and yes, I have had 14 month olds interested) crayons, markers, pencils, chalk, etc.

[Crystal]

I do the same thing, I did this with my own children and I still do it with my daycare kids. I also found that by allowing them early access and teaching them properly how to use these tools, no one writes on my walls.

YES! No one writes on my walls either. They know the proper way to use them because we teach them from day one.

[MissAnn]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I bought pencil bags and markers for each child. We had a lesson on putting the cap on the top of the pen while using it and practiced different ways to snap the lid back on. I showed them how to only have one pen out at a time. I told them they are their pens to take care of and if they dry out or get lost, they won't have as many colors. They have been doing a wonderful job. My age group is 3-5 year olds...and this was a wonderful suggestion....thank you!

[mismatchedsocks]

No scissors, markers or paint out here. Those are materials that I have to get out. Pencils, crayons, chalk, paper are all in bins that can be accessed all the time. I have a mixed age 5 weeks to 12 years. Never had marks on walls, but I am always right there at art time.

I have seen wooden blocks that have holes drilled in and the marker top glued in it. It still is hard to "click" the top on and I have no problem checking markers as we put them away, as long as they try.

I do art with all ages. From the time they can sit in booster ( 6-8 months) they are included. We paint, draw, everything but scissors with younger toddlers. I find it easier to do this and teach them not to put in mouth, not to write on wall, what to do with paint brush, etc. They will learn from others, and by time they can get free art out themselves they know how to use all items.

[MissAnn]

I have a set of markers for each kid. They're bagged with their name on it. It amazed me at how careful the kids were when they were their "own" markers! It has helped my crew and it's nice that they have something of their own.

I just wanted to check back in and tell you that this was an excellent idea! I bought pencil pouches....the kind that goes in binders and have a zipper. We had a lesson on different ways to put the lid back on (they like putting the lid on the table and punching the pen into it and listening for the snap). I showed them how to only get out one pen at a time so they will not lose any of them. When I fnd a pen on the ground (after they've gone to another activity) it becomes MY pen. I have a stash. Some of the kids pens have dwindled a bit. On Monday they will have all their pens restored back into their pouches. This is saving me money! I was buying pens constantly because lids were left off. Thank you for the idea!