Tasting One's Own Learning:
Infants and Toddlers
Rosalind Sandler-Sigman and Cathie DeWeese Parkinson, Education/CDA Specialists, Migrant and Indian Coalition, Woodburn, Oregon
Infants and toddlers live in a world with a limited amount of rules. Their mouths contain their most developed nerve endings from which they acquire the most complete information about an object. From their viewpoint the world and its contents fall into two categories; things you can mouth, and things you can't. One could call this life's first classification activity. As a consequence, once a piece of the world is located, it is instantly placed into the mouth and checked for edibility. Since experience is limited, pieces often get eaten that shouldn't.
A teacher must set up a safe environment in which children can go about conducting this classification activity on a daily, ongoing basis. And supervision is necessary in an infant and toddler's learning environment. But what about other elements of the environment to consider when enhancing learning?
- Floor and wall coverings can be of varied textures so that when children move around they will feel new and different surfaces.
- Photos and pictures can be secured at appropriate eye level. (For example, the viewing range should start on the floor and move up with the motor development of a child, and they should be covered tiny hands and mouths can explore them freely.)
- Toys should be made from a variety of materials (wood, plastic, fabric, and combinations), and they need to be able to fit into small hands.
- Furniture levels should be varied so that children can experience "ups," "downs,""over's," and "under's," on their own and in a safe way.
- Ground coverings need to be able to absorb falls safely.
Teachers should not ignore the possibilities of messy materials for indoor play. Water, sand, mud, shaving cream, paint, and clay are always inviting play materials. Without thoughtful planning and team teaching, messiness can be relaxing for everyone and a useful teaching tool. It is a good idea, however, to remember that somewhere along the way, the child will probably be tasting what he or she will be learning!