Have you ever asked yourself “Why do children do that?” or “What will my child do next?” Child development experts at Sanford Children’s may be able to help answer your child development questions. As the community outreach arm of Sanford Children’s, CHILD Services’ staff are able to connect the many resources of Sanford Children’s and the community together to meet the needs of children and families. Through services and information, trained staff are available to assist parents, child care providers and early childhood teachers in obtaining information on children’s development. To access all services contact us at (605) 333-0698 or email childsrv@sanfordhealth.org |
Toddler play may look like a lot of fun to the adult eye but to a toddler, play is work. Keeping a toddler’s mind and body busy during playtime is essential to a toddler’s learning and developmental growth. During play, a toddler develops social skills, thinking skills, and eye-hand coordination. The toddler also works on large muscle development as he pedals, pushes, and climbs.
It is important that a toddler’s play offers him the opportunity to exercise his gross motor muscles (legs and arms) and his fine motor muscles (fingers). Not only does play make muscles stronger, it also helps toddlers develop control and coordination of specific muscles.
Play allows the toddler an opportunity to make sense of the world around him or her. Toddlers will imitate and practice adult behaviors as they try to "make sense" of what they see and hear. Play is also an opportunity for toddlers to organize objects and understand their purpose in our world. Toddlers begin to notice things that have similarities and differences.
Through play, children are given chances to develop their intelligence and expand their world through experiences.
Young toddlers are in the solitary stage of play. During this stage, a toddler plays on his own and not with others; even if another child is playing a few inches away, the toddler does not play with the other child or his toys.
Older toddlers move onto the stage of parallel play. During this stage, toddlers still play independently next to other children but often use the other child’s toys and materials.
Communication skills and social relationships are practiced in play. Play allows a toddler to tell you things that the toddler is not able to verbally express. Play also allows the opportunity to practice sharing and taking turns. Play can also be relaxing for toddlers, as it allows them to release energy in an appropriate manner.
Toddlers learn about themselves and their senses as they taste, touch, see, and listen during playtime.
Toddlers aren't mature enough to play well together. Limited vocabularies, impulsive behaviors, and a desire for ownership may cause grabbing, shoving, crying, whining, pushing, and biting as toddlers learn how to play together.
Yes, a child’s job is to "learn". Toddlers need to learn to walk, run, climb, talk, and make "sense" of the world around them.
Adult involvement and interaction will help to facilitate this learning process as the adult appropriately intervenes before "play frustration" escalates.
Play frustration may occur if the toddler is exposed to many difficult toys or activities in a day.
A toddler needs a balance of play opportunities that provide feelings of accomplishment and play opportunities that slightly challenge the toddler to the next level of development.
Frustration in play can also happen if a toddler is bored or over-stimulated. Some toddlers do not play well with more than 2-3 other children; this anxiety can lead to aggressive behavior.
Developed with funding from South Dakota Department of Social Services’ Office of Child Care Services and the Bush Foundation in cooperation with South Dakota Children’s of Sioux Valley Hospital and USD Medical Center.
7/28/2008