THE PRINCIPLES THAT GUIDE ME TO MANAGE A GROUP OF TODDLERS 1. The group as a whole is the priority at all times. That means I try not to focus too hard or too long on anything else. When I clean or put the shoes on one child for example, I keep an eye on the group. I position myself in a way that I see everyone. And if one child gets bored or disruptive, I drop whatever i'm doing and discreetly direct him/her to a safe and acceptable activity. If I cannot drop what I'm doing, for example if I'm changing a diaper, I sing an action song or direct verbally. The tone and the words have to be positive and enthusiastic as opposed to negative. I try to not turn my back on the children. If I ever do, for example to open the shed in the playground, I count them first and acknowledge that they are safe and behaved, if not I take care of that first. Then I am quick at opening the shed or whatever else and then I count them again and see where is the best place for me to be
This blog provides activities for toddlers, with strategies how to implement them. They encourage every aspect of child development: cognition, social and emotional, fine and gross motor, communication and art. I hope my 30+ years of experience working with young children will help you to coach the toddler(s) under your care, for a happy and learning life.