Sometimes it seems to me that toddlers get the short end of the stick. Society seems to think that toddlers are challenging. Terrible twos. Public tantrums. Squealing voices. Onlookers giving judgemental looks. Me, me, me mentality. The toddler rules the roost. If you ask me… all of these statements are exhausting… negative… and unfortunate. What if we lived in a world where we all supported the growth of the toddler? Where we allowed the toddler to toddle? To explore? To follow the bubble… the inchworm… the bird… the rabbit… Without judgement. With only boundaries governing safety. Imagine the possibilities for that growing, exploring toddler!

Here are the 4 ways that toddlers learn:

• Manipulation (not manipulating people, lol, but manipulating objects and items)
• Observation and imitation (copying is the first stage of pretend play)
• Repetition and consistency
• Exploration and play

Did you also know:

• 100% of learning from 18MO to 7YO is through the senses
• Toddlers see things in pictures
• Toddlers’ memories are linked to emotion, not to words
• Toddlers’ learning can only take place when they feel safe and secure
• 0-18MO is the optimal time for hindbrain development – laying the physical groundwork and autonomy needed for future academics
• 18MO to 7YO is the optimal time for midbrain development – emotions and social experiences are the key
• 7YO to 25YO (yep 25) is the optimal time for cortex development – academics (the cortex is engaged when we are upright)
• Movement is the key to brain development and learning from 0 to 7YO

Here are 5 ways we wake our children too early:

• Constant cognitive quizzing – asking questions to toddlers about numbers and colours before they have the tools to answer us can cause confusion in that amazing developing brain
• Sensory proportion – providing far too much sensory stimulation (tablets, phones, TV, toys with lights and sounds), the sensory stimulation should not be larger than the child
• Failure to protect our children from the media
• Premature academics
• Child led households

This is powerful information. This is information that SOCIETY needs.

The world where the toddler can explore freely and you and your toddler can be guided through all of this information (and more) does exist… it’s right here in our Kindermusik classroom! We can help you achieve this optimal learning environment by providing tools to realistically navigate our sensory overloaded, technology based environment. Our toddler music & movement classes focus on being present with your child. Guiding the child through the various stages and developmentally appropriate activities. To begin to toddle, to explore the body and what it can do, to explore the voice  and the sounds it can make, to imitate, to create, to express, to listen, to laugh, to play, to pretend, to refine motor skills, to explore, to manipulate, to discover, to dance, to connect, to become self aware. The endless benefits go on.

We are eager, I am eager, to pass on this important child development knowledge to you, to help you support your toddler’s growth and for you to help open society up to see the world through the excitement and wonder of the toddler. Kindermusik Level 1 for young toddlers ages 1-2 and Kindermusik Level 2 for older toddlers ages 2-3. The magic happens here.