When your child joins the 2-3 years group, they will, again, be assigned a new key worker who will be your point of contact at the nursery. The key worker will ensure that all aspects of your child’s physical and intellectual development are met and you will receive a weekly diary which will tell you what your child has done during the week, their achievements and next steps. Your views, comments and suggestions are welcomed in the diary.
This is a year of exploration and discovery for your child. It is a time when we build on their developing physical skills and intellectual abilities. We, therefore, have active times for exercise and play and quiet times for calmer, academic activities and speech development.
Language comprehension develops at an increasing rate at this age and we spend time looking at picture books and reading to children to build their vocabulary and understanding of words. We also spend more time playing and learning in groups, including pretend play, to better understand other people’s feelings and to continue learning how to co-operate with others.
Children develop at different rates and each child’s progress is individual to them. They do not make progress in all areas at the same time and it can be a very frustrating time for them. The role of their key worker is very important at this stage in encouraging exploration and self-help.
Children will be encourage and supported to put their coats and shoes on when playing in the garden and using a knife and fork at meal times. They will go to the bathroom to wash their hands before meals and brush their teeth after lunch.
Adults are important role models in children’s early development and we, therefore, encourage good table manners and always use model polite language which children naturally copy by saying please, thank you and excuse me. Praise is always given for new achievements to build self-esteem and confident children.