Under 2

Ramadan

To commemorate Ramadan, the children explored headwear like a kufi and hijab, decorated lanterns, did printmaking with star and moon shapes, and glued colourful tissue paper onto mac-tac. We read stories about Ramadan and the children observed the application of a henna tattoo that can be worn during Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan. (Please click for more information.)

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Latch Board

The latch board allows the child to practice and eventually master opening and closing a variety of latches. This activity fosters fine motor skills, self-help skills, and independence. The child also experiences the relationship between cause and effect. (Please click for the full photos.)

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Making Rice Pudding

The Under 2 classroom made rice pudding in celebration of Diwali. The children helped by scooping rice with a ladle and transferring it into a mixing bowl. They scooped brown sugar with a spoon, then poured milk and vanilla extract using a pitcher. The children took turns stirring and then transferred the mixture into a pot for cooking. During afternoon snack, we tasted our Diwali treat. So delicious! (Please click for more information.)

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Nesting Geometric Solids

The Nesting Geometric Solids activities are the beginning of the Montessori puzzle sequence. A child begins with the Ovoid (egg) and Cup, then the Sphere and Cup, and then the Cube and Box, which adds the complexity of matching the corners. These simple activities encourage various grasps, eye-hand coordination, and both hands working together. (Please click for full photos and more information.)

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Care of the Outdoor Environment

The children in Under 2 help to care for their outdoor environment by using hand brooms and dustpans to collect leaves and sticks and place them in yard waste bags. Care of outdoor environment exercises foster love for the environment and help children connect and engage with nature. (Click for more photos and info.)

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Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscle movements between eye, hand, wrist, and fingers. A variety of fine motor activities are accessible daily to the children in addition to programmed learning opportunities. Children can be seen using creative, sensory and cognitive activities that encourage the use of fine motor skills. (Please click for the full photos.)

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Family BBQ

We hosted our first barbecue in several years and families of every classroom attended to mix and mingle. Proceeds of cash donations went to the SickKids Foundation. We also held a silent auction of canvas paintings designed by each classroom and the proceeds were also donated to the SickKids Foundation. Thank you to everyone for your support. We had a great time!

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Sorting Objects

Sorting objects into compartments or categories helps support a variety of cognitive skills such as matching and problem solving as well as encourages fine motor and language skills. Children will show a sense of pride and accomplishment once they are able to complete the activity and tend to do it repeatedly until they feel like they have mastered it. (Please click for more information and photos.)

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Sign Language

Sign language is incorporated into daily interactions in the Under 2 community. We use sign language while we work on activities, share meals, play, and throughout the day. Sign language helps the children express their needs, wants, and feelings, and allows a whole new world of communication. Infants who understand and infants who are understood are happy infants! (Please click for more information and full photos.)

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Dressing and Undressing

Seasonal dressing and undressing for outdoor play is an excellent opportunity for a child to build self confidence and autonomy and instill a sense of pride. “Help me to help myself”. (Please click for the full photos and more information).

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