Journal

• In paragraph form, describe a toddler. Some ideas you may want to include:– How old are they?– What are their abilities?– What are they known for?– What do you think of when you hear the

word toddler?– What are the positive and negative things

you think of?

Toddlers Physical Development

What is a toddler?• Age 1-2• Term toddler from the unsteady walk

they have=)• 3 is almost preschool age children• Attention span? What?• They gain less than half the avg.

monthly weight they did during the first year.

GrowthLook at page 294 for average Heights and Weights of children ages 1-3.

Should parents be overly concerned if their child does not fit within these ranges? Why or why not?

Proportion and PostureBetween ages 2-3, the chest becomes larger than the head and abdomen and the arms, legs, and torso get longer. These changes improve a child’s balance and motor skills.

Teeth

• A child has all of his/her primary teeth also known as baby teeth (20) at about the age of 2 to 3 years.

• To keep teeth healthy and clean toddlers should brush their teeth, with a toothbrush that has short, soft bristles.

• In addition, toddlers should eat “detergent” foods like apples, carrots, celery, plums, cucumbers, lettuce, and oranges. These foods have rough textures and natural acids which help dislodge and destroy harmful bacteria.

What would you say to a parent who says, “they’re gonna loose those teeth anyway, so we don’t worry about them.”?

TeethOne year olds = 8 teeth

1-2 =8 more

3=4 back teeth

Add ‘em all up and whata ya got?

TeethIt is important to take care of baby teeth for several reasons:EatingPreventing infection and painForming healthy habitsPlacement of permanent teeth

Sleeping• On average, a toddler needs 10-14

hours of sleep each day.• Toddlers usually take two naps, one

in the morning and once in the afternoon. A nap can be anywhere from 20 minutes to 4 hours.

• Routines and be consistent

Nightmares Vs. Night terrors• Mares: Frightening dreams that seem real.

Terrors: First few hours, sit up, eyes open and scream.

• First occur during the toddler stage.• When a child has a nightmare, you should

calm the child by letting him/her know that you are near by and that nothing will hurt them.

• Once again, routines and consistency.

Quiet Times• Quiet time during each day helps the child learn

that there are times to be quiet.• If a child, does not want a nap, quiet times

should be substituted. • Quiet times should begin when the child is about

1 year and last only 4 minutes or so.• The child can do activities such as looking at a

book or playing quietly.• As the child gets older, quiet time should become

longer but not last longer than an hour.

Hand-eye coordination and manipulation

• Hand-eye coordination is the ability to see an object and move the hand toward the object and grasp it. It is mastered around 18 months.

• Manipulation is the ability to use the hands, fingers and thumb with exactness and precision.– Manipulative toys are small toys like peg games

or blocks. They are beneficial in helping a toddler develop manipulation and hand-eye coordination.

One years oldLarge Motor• Walking• Climbing stairs• Pulling a pull toy

Small Motor• Turns pages of a book• Masters the pincher

grasp – using the thumb and forefinger to pick things up.

• Moves objects from hand to hand

Two Year OldsLarge Motor• Jumps• Walks up and down

stairs• Pushes off with feet on

a scooting toy with wheels

Small Motor• Scribbles with a large

crayon or pencil.• Holds a cup well• Copies simple designs

using crayons or pencil

• Screws lids on and off containers

Three Year OldsLarge Motor• Skips• Balances on one foot• Rides a tricycle

Small Motor• Cuts with scissors• Draws recognizable

pictures• Buttons, zips,

unbuttons, and unzips