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Play Based Learning |
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BOSSY BEHAVIORBalkiness and contrariness reach new heights and
take on new forms during this stage. Beside contradicting you, he'll probably
even contradict himself. He can't seem to make up his mind, and once he does,
he'll very likely want to change it again. He'll insist on doing things just as
he has always done without any interference from you. It's your job to be very
understanding during this difficult, contrary stage. Inside him, he's trying to
fight two battles at once—deciding things for himself and resisting pressure
from you. Some children not only boss but also
try to hit and bite their parents. Handle this situation firmly and gently and
let him know that you won't stand for hitting and biting. It's important for you
to keep your self-control. Hitting or biting back brings you down to his age
level and this will not solve the problem. PLAY BASED LEARNINGOne of the most important ways in which your
child is educated is through play based learning. If adequately directed, it leads to the
formation of habits of concentration, discrimination in choice of activities,
and eventually to the development of individual interests and abilities in your
child. You help his development in many ways when you furnish an adequate place for him to play, indoors and out, and a good choice of toys and play materials. His outdoor play yard should be fenced in until he is 3, if you can possibly arrange it, for he can't he expected to stay within bounds much before that age, and will constantly be running or wandering away if he has the chance. He should always have access to a house door so he can come inside whenever he wants. If you can't have a fence, set certain boundaries and have someone there to see that he stays within them.
Have his play yard where you can see what's going on
by glancing out of the kitchen or dining-room windows. You can keep a check on
things without interrupting your work. In planning his play yard, leave plenty
of space for running and vigorous play, and include something your youngster can
climb on. Children at this age are little monkeys. You'll be picking yours down
off the top of the piano—every ladder he sees will be an invitation and a
challenge to see how high he can climb. This desire for activity should be
encouraged, not discouraged. Your youngster should not climb on your furniture,
so provide things of his own that won't break or tip over. Very small children
like to climb a plank supported by low boxes or on low ladders, and swing by
their hands from the low bars of climbing equipment. Firmly piled logs over
which your tot can scramble will entertain him endlessly. A good general rule is to furnish
the best equipment you can, then stay out of the picture except to keep him from
actual harm. Allow him to choose his activities and to drop them when he gets
tired or bored. In this way, he has a chance to pursue and develop his own
individual interests. Don't hesitate, however, to use your
own good judgment in this the same as in other matters. There may be situations
where a little help or a suggestion from you would enable your youngster to get
more value from what he's doing. If that's the case, give it, but don't dominate
his play. If he does well, commend him, but don't overdo praise. Your 2-year-old goes quickly from one object to another without plan. Let him alone, and by the time he's 4, he'll be making intelligent selections of play materials, spending much time on one activity, and going from one play sequence logically into another. |
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