Click the buttons below to reveal what toddlers need.
nurture friendships, supporting children in learning to be together and enjoying the company of other young children; and adults who patiently help children to reconcile differences and conflicts, and understand the frustrations of this stage
appreciate the child's efforts, recognising their intentions rather than how well they achieve them, and encourage them to share these with others
model new words and phrases with just enough challenge to take the child forward
encourage the child to start conversations and ask questions, and give time for the child to find the words and gestures to explain their meaning
recognise that everyday experiences are new and exciting for children, and support their exploration without over-direction or interfering
describe to the child what they are thinking and doing and encourage the child to do the same, asking questions such as: I wonder if, what do you think would happen, questioning, explaining what is happening
give time for prolonged projects which children can revisit without feeling the need to constantly tidy away work which they may need to come back to the next day
encourage sensitive observation, standing back to allow children to explore and test out their theories, and know the moment when children will welcome support.
gives a place for personally-important items from home
has a thoughtful arrangement of space and furniture, to allow the child some control over what they do and how they play
has resources arranged so that they can see and make choices for themselves and has a flexible arrangement in terms of times and space to allow some control over quiet and active times
is a place to share what is important; a space to be comfortably together with others; and an inviting space to be quiet and alone
gives regular access to the outdoors, to encourage the growing understanding of the world around them
provides natural resources which help to stimulate all of the senses
provides time to talk in a supportive, unhurried way with a key adult
provides resources for pretend play, allows exploration of paint, sand and water and objects to take apart and build together, interesting items to touch and examine.
