Bluebonnets 

18 months to 24 months is a dynamic time in the development of your child. Motor skill development charges into overdrive in this class, with climbing, running, pushing, pulling, tumbling and careening around gleefully, with new found skills. In this age group, we see them focusing on pushing cars, baskets, carts, buggies, and anything that they can exert force on to MOVE. They love dumping things out, and sitting inside of boxes, bins and baskets. Kids in this range will begin scribbling, painting and mark making with a fist grip, and we provide many opportunities to practice this grip. They will practice with eating utensils, and begin more self feeding. 

 

In art time, this group is more likely to paint themselves as much or more than the page as the sensory drive is high and they love experimenting with textures and the feeling on the skin and sometimes hair. 

 

18 -24 month olds are beginning to learn some independence, but still need help with many tasks. We begin giving them opportunities to express individuality and independence with age appropriate self care tasks such as getting their own lunch bags, putting them back after lunch, getting their shoes and bringing them for help, a little bit of clean up help with toys, and wiping faces and noses. They have access to appropriately sized toilets, and we give opportunities to sit and hang out after diapering, to gently introduce the idea. 

 

Socially, 18-24mo olds are becoming more verbal, and are forming solid bonds with caregivers and classmates. They also become aware of themselves, beginning to recognize that the image in a mirror “is me”. 

 

Our classroom is centered on supporting this whirlwind of development with patience, understanding and age appropriate expectations.