“What do I do whilst my baby/child plays?”
……is a question I think a lot of adults ask before they come to a play session. What’s expected of me? What will the other adults be doing? At Little Learners, we encourage you to join in! Play with your child, chat, sing, have a natter with the other grown ups – this is YOUR time too!
Ask and learn!
Your little one will learn from you, so if they see you exploring the trays, they are far more likely to try them themselves. Wet and sticky trays are often the ones children are less sure about, so if YOU stick your hands in, smile and chat to them about it, they’re likely to follow your lead and try it too. You might even find a new favourite sensory experience! The coloured rice trays are always a hit with my adults in classes; they’re so therapeutic.
Attending classes is also an opportunity to make friends – ask how old the other children are, what their names are, how long they’ve been at class – you’ll start to make connections (and it’s great modelling for your children too). The next time you come to class, you’ll recognise someone too – bonus!
Learning Together!
Talking to your child is such an important part of child development. Key concepts such as size, colour and mathematical language are easily chatted about as you explore the trays – pouring and scoping, emptying and filling, making big piles and small piles etc.
Ask how your child feels and what they CAN feel – is it lumpy? Bumpy? Squishy? Smooth? Does it make them feel happy?
Essentially, your role in classes is to support your child in whatever way you feel they need. You are their familiar, their safe space.
Just don’t forget to have some fun along the way!
See you in class!
Anita – Little Learners South Colchester
