It is hard to believe that many of my studio babies are now having toddler portrait sessions. Where does the time go? Several of my studio moms have been discussing classes that expose their toddler to other children and new experiences.
Here are a few things to consider when looking for a good-fit toddler class for you and your child.
- Age-Appropriate Activities – Toddlers explore the world through their senses, whether it be an art, music, exercise, or any other type of class. Exploring, rather than creating a finished project, is key to toddler development. A finished painting or a memorized song should not be the goal of a toddler class. The repetition of activities from class-to-class supports learning, so this should be a component of the curriculum.
- Ideal Time of Day – Every mom knows the time of day that is best for their toddler. This is the optimum time for your child to attend a class. Engaging with others and participating in learning activities is most beneficial when your child can enjoy the experience. A tired, hungry, or cranky toddler cannot take advantage of the class. So, if your toddler takes a long afternoon nap, a morning activity is the way to go.
- Type of Environment – An important consideration in selecting a toddler program is the number of children attending and the length of the class. Too long of an activity may result in boredom or over-stimulation, while too short of a time can lead to frustration. A general rule of thumb for a toddler class is one hour. Smaller is generally better when it comes to group size.
- Teacher Qualifications – A warm, caring, and engaging personality, combined with leadership and organizational skills are ideal qualities for a teacher. A love and understanding of children, of course, is number one!
What suggestions do you have for selecting a toddler class? Please, share.
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