Adapted from Dr Lin Day's article The benefits of Toddler Sense™
Toddlers are dynamic bundles of energy, curiosity, and imagination. As parents, we understand the importance of providing our little ones with experiences that nurture their development. One such avenue that stands out is the Toddler Sense™ programme, offering a plethora of benefits that go beyond just fun and play. Let's delve into why attending Toddler Sense™ can be a transformative experience for your toddler.
1. Social Skills Development:
Toddlers thrive in social settings where they can learn essential skills like negotiation and turn-taking. These early lessons lay the foundation for cooperative play and the art of building relationships. While toddlers may not fully cooperate, share, or make friends until later years, exposure to group play at an early age provides a distinct advantage as they enter school.
2. Structure and Routine:
Toddlers flourish in environments that provide structure and routine. Toddler Sense™ classes incorporate exercise and group play into a well-defined structure, offering toddlers the organization, stability, and personal self-control they crave at this stage of development.
3. Unleashing Energy through Adventure Play:
It's no secret that toddlers love to be on the move. The first part of a Toddler Sense™ session focuses on free-flow adventure play, allowing toddlers to explore, problem-solve, and engage in imaginative thinking. Crawling through tunnels, bouncing, climbing, and clambering over equipment are not just fun activities—they contribute to physical development and enhance motor skills.
4. Structured Group Activities:
Following the free-flow play, structured group activities take centre stage. These activities are designed to promote healthy brain development and include hide-and-seek, music and movement, action songs, drawing, and more. The variety ensures that toddlers stay engaged and continue to develop essential skills
5. Educational Activities:
Toddler Sense™ incorporates a range of fun educational activities that cater to toddlers' learning and developmental needs:
- Hide and Seek: Fosters rich parent-child interactions and the joy of surprise.
- Pretend Play: Sparks imaginative thinking and spatial awareness as toddlers transform boxes into pirate ships or trains.
- Building with Blocks: Develops awareness of size, shape, and dimension, while also teaching cause and effect.
- Ball Games: Enhance movement, improve eyesight, and set the stage for later reading.
- Dance and Music: Encourage physical activity, build muscle memory, and provide an outlet for emotional expression.
- Obstacle Course: Develops balance and coordination skills, promoting controlled use of feet.
- Fine Motor Skills Activities: Using tools like crayons, pencils, and puzzles to enhance hand and finger coordination.
- Action Songs: Reinforce memory and help toddlers control their movements.
6. Parental Involvement for Emotional Support:
Throughout the session, parents actively participate, offering support, praise, and encouragement. This not only raises a toddler's self-esteem but also provides emotional security. Spending quality time together equips toddlers to navigate moments of emotional frustration, tension, and anger.
In essence, Toddler Sense™ provides a stimulating and secure environment where toddlers can thrive. The programme not only encourages physical activity but also nurtures crucial social, emotional, and cognitive skills. So, if you are looking to give your toddler a head start in their developmental journey, consider the enriching experience that Toddler Sense™ offers. After all, a happy, active toddler means better sleep for everyone—a significant win for parents!
