ELC Infants: The Importance of Play

Thursday, February 23, 2012

The Importance of Play

"Beginning in babyhood, play is inexorably linked to learning, socialization, development and even intellect." 10 reasons play makes babies smarter

Here are some fun pictures of the babies playing on their own and together...

Investigating the farm animals.

Sharing a toy.

Checking out the new guy...

They can see their reflections in the little mirror.

Having a blast with a push toy!

Enjoying some toy tasting together.

Giggling at each other. Cute!

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The Infant Class

The ratio for the infant class is 1:4. The infant class has a maximum group size of 8 infants.

Highlights:
* RIE Approach
Some basic building blocks of the RIE Approach:

Basic trust in the child to be an initiator, an explorer and a self learner.
An environment for the child that is physically safe, cognitively challenging and emotionally nurturing.
Time for uninterrupted play.
Freedom to explore and interact with other infants.
Involvement of the child in all care activities to allow the child to become an active participant rather than a passive recipient.
Sensitive observation of the child in order to understand his/her needs.
Consistency, clearly defined limits and expectations to develop discipline.

* Keeping in line with the RIE Approach, infants are not confined in any equipment. They are held during feedings, and as much as possible!

* Penny encourages the infants to use basic sign language in addition to spoken words to communicate.

* We provide a private area for mothers to come in and feed their babies.

*Toys are sanitized daily. Toys that have been put into a child's mouth are sanitized immediately.

*Detailed notes about the day (feedings, diapering, napping, and any other important information) are logged on the Infant Daily Sheet. Penny also keeps a journal for each child that is updated and sent home weekly.