25 Words that Toddlers Should Know

Researchers from the Child Study Institute at Bryn Mawr College have identified 25 words that they believe are considered the bare minimum for all toddlers.

Dr. Leslie Rescorla created the list and believes that the words outlined are the building blocks of vocabulary for toddlers.

Here are the words:

1. Daddy

2. Baby

3. Hat

4. All Gone

5. Cat

6. Thank you

7. Nose

8. Yes

9. Hot

10. Ball

11. Dog

12. Juice

13. Mommy

14. Bath

15. Eye

16. Banana

17. Milk

18. Shoe

19. More

20. No

21. Car

22. Bye 

23. Book

24. Hello/Hi

25. Cookie

What happens if there are some toddlers who don't say all the words?!

Dr. Leslie explains that if  some toddlers don't say all the words, it doesn't necessarily mean you should worry. Some children have delayed speech and catch up by age 4 to 5.

ALWAYS SEEK ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT FROM A PROFESSIONAL BEFORE MAKING ANY ASSUMPTIONS!

Need a visual about this topic? Check out my Youtube video HERE!

"Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their packages at different times"

BEST PLAYDOUGH RECIPE!

Here is my "go to" recipe for homemade playdough.

You will need:

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
¼ cup “cream of tar tar”
2 tablespoons oil
2 cups water
Drops of any food colouring

Mix all the ingredients together and place them in a non-stick sauce pan on medium heat. Take it off the stove once a ball forms. Place the play dough on a counter and knead until it is smooth.
...And that's it!

Give it a try. You will not be disappointed! :)

Want to know the benefits of playdough? Check them out on my blog or on my Youtube Channel (Benefits of Playdough)

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge"

-Albert Einstein 

Objective vs Subjective Writing in Observations

When writing observations, it is important to remain OBJECTIVE. 

Objective writing is when you document and write down only what you see and hear. There are no assumptions or judgements in objective writing as the observer should remain unbiased. When recording observations, it is important to pay attention in how you are describing what you observe. The key is to write down only what YOU SEE AND HEAR as it is happening.

When observing, don't forget to:
1) Add details

2) Describe behaviours, actions, vocalizations

3) Write down direct quotes

4) Describe facial expressions, gestures

5) Don’t use words like happy, great, good, hyper

Example of Objective Writing:

-Jason sat next to Tiffany and cried loudly.

-Jason wrapped his right arm around Sam and said “Do you want the blue car?”

Example of Subjective Writing:

-Jason didn’t feel like getting dressed by himself.

-Jason was acting up and was sad because he missed his mom.

Objective writing takes lots of practice so don’t worry if you make mistakes. Working in this field, it is easy to let your own ideas, biases and opinions (subjectivity) cloud the picture. Biases often leads to unfair treatment of children and/or families.

Want some practice?
Check out Practice Online: Objective vs Subjective Writing. 

"Stand aside for a while and leave room for learning, observe carefully what children do and then, if you understood well, teaching will be different from before"

-Loris Malaguzzi

Inspiring Quotes: Teaching & Education

Over the years, I have found several quotes that have helped, inspired, shaped and motivated my love for this field. There are times where I wonder why I am in this field and then come across a simple quote, and my thinking changes completely. Sometimes we need a little motivation, a little inspiration and I think having these positive inspiring quotes around us keeps us motivated. It reminds us about why we are in this field, why we chose to teach and educate children. Below are my top 10 inspiring quotes of teaching and education. 

I hope these quotes inspire you as much as they have inspired me. We are TEACHERS/EDUCATORS! What is more powerful than that?

Share this post and comment below what your favourite quote is :)

Benefits of Playdough

Who doesn't love playdough? It is fun and the possibilities are endless! Let's not forget the benefits it provides for children (and adults too!..let's face it, everyone loves playdough). Different materials and objects can be added with playdough and it will become a whole new activity. Along with exploration and discovery, playdough encourages children to strengthen old skills and learn new ones. 

*Check out my Youtube Video on Benefits of 

Playing with Playdough HERE

Here are 10 benefits of children playing with playdough:

1) Fine Motor Development

Playdough is a great way to strengthen fine motor skills. Fine motor skills refer to the movement and control of small muscles in the hands and fingers. Playdough allows children to mash, poke, flatten, break apart and so much more! When other objects or materials are added, the learning possibilities increase.

                   

2) Creativity and Imagination

Playdough provides the opportunity for children to express their ideas. Whether it is through art (the creations they have made), symbolic thinking (a great cognitive skill) and “make believe play”. Children can use their imaginations to create whatever they want with this amazing substance. Let’s not forget, creativity allows children to embrace their individuality and think in unusual ways. It is the freest form of self-expression where children can express themselves without being judged.

         

3) Eye-hand Coordination

Children develop and improve their eye-hand coordination as they play with playdough. Eye-hand coordination refers to the ability to match hand movement with eye movement. As children play with playdough, they are able to practice this skill as they use their eyes to match the movements of their hands or what they are doing.

4) Social/Emotional Development

Playdough fosters cooperative play and teaches children to work, play and learn together. It also provides opportunities for children to engage in discussions, share ideas, share playdough/materials, problem solve and plan with others.

                              

5) Literacy and Numeracy Development

Playdough provides several opportunities to incorporate activities with words and numbers. Several different concepts including letters, words, numbers, shapes, colours can be explored through verbal communication. Playdough is a great opportunity to ask questions and identify words/actions as children play. Children can practice the letters of the alphabet or the letters in their own name. Also, playdough is a create way for children to count, trace numbers and practice “how many” questions.

6) Therapeutic/Calming

Sitting and playing with playdough can be a soothing activity for children. Some children may use a sit down and play activity as a therapeutic experience. Playdough is a great way to relieve stress or release some of that extra energy where children need a moment to sit down and relax. Also, playdough is a way for children to enhance and improve concentration and attention skills.

7) Open-ended Learning

There is no right or wrong answer or way to play with playdough. Children are able to create whatever they want with playdough without having to reach a specific end result. There are no rules, instructions or right/wrong way. Possibilities are LIMITLESS!

8) Science and Discovery

Making playdough together with children is a great interactive learning experience involving science and discovery. The process of making playdough can involve lots of questions, discussions and prediction skills. Children can also assist and be “helpers” to the teachers. Playdough provides opportunities for teamwork, taking turns and cooperation.

9) Sensory Play

Playdough is a great way for children to engage in sensory engagement. Children learn about the world through their senses from birth; touching, tasting, smelling, seeing, hearing. Playdough helps children to use their senses to learn and retain information. When playdough is given to children, they are motivated to explore and discover this soft, colourful, moldable substance.

10) Promotes Play

As educators, we know the importance of play. Children learn and improve several skills that are crucial for growth and development. Playdough allows children to just be children where they can use a range of their senses and skills.

"Children are like tubs of playdough...open up the lids, add a

pinch of imagination and just watch what they become!"

Welcome to iCan EarlyChildhood!

Welcome! Thanks for dropping by. Here you will find different topics and information surrounding the field of Early Childhood Education. I hope the information I post is useful in some way.  I also have a Youtube channel where I often post short videos and introductions to topics such as the "Benefits of Play Dough" and "Challenging Gender Stereotyped Toys". Head over to Youtube and check out my channel :)

ican.earlychildhood Youtube Channel

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn" 
-Benjamin Franklin