Infants (6 weeks to 18 months)
For the littlest learners in our program, we offer endless opportunities for discovery. Our activities can be one on one with an adult or in small group where the infants begin to recognize the faces of others, and form. an attachment to one or more adults (SE ). We try to develop a community in which the infants begin to rely on each other for interest, support, and as peer models. We have a protected space where the infants can roll over, sit up, crawl, cruise, take a few steps, and eventually walk. We also provide opportunities. As teachers, we know that self-talk and using rich language environment will increase the child’s understanding of language. We want the children to turn their head toward the adult talking, respond to their own name, wave bye-bye when asked, and to play Peek-A-Boo. We encourage our infants to coo and squeal by echoing their utterances and to express sounds that imitate language such as ma ma, m-m-m-m,ba-ba-ba. (L)
We want the infants to become problem solvers, increase their memory, and become independent thinkers. To do this, we increase their attention by providing bubble activities, colorful toys, singing along with children’s’ music playing in the background, and playing with sensory materials. We want our infants to recognize familiar people, places, and objects, and look for hidden objects. We build on familiar experiences to increase their connections
and scaffold their learning. If an infant knows and likes the taste of applesauce, we might have the infant try something new such as pear sauce at lunchtime. (CD)
We know that our youngest children will become readers. To promote literacy development, we offer soft .books
and board books, read to the children daily, display print in their environment at eye level, and play with vocal sounds. (LD) We incorporate music and dance into our daily routine by singing to the children, clapping, moving to the music and providing musical instruments. We encourage their rocking, a sparkle in their eyes, smiles, and laughter when they hear their favorite songs. (CA)