So Cal Infant and Toddler Development

Children learn through play!

ivylucco — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:56:13 +0000

Music and Movement Classes

ivylucco — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 21:18:39 +0000

San Diego New Children's Museum (NCM)

Ivy Lucco Teaching Music

Toddler Parachute Game

Stages of Language Development

ivylucco — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:55:12 +0000

Stages for children, birth to 2 1/2 years of age

Birth – 6 months of age:
Child will watch mouth of speaker, make cooing sounds, and by the age 6 months should sound their first syllable.

6 months – 1 year of age:
Babbling begins (unconcious attempt to form words), child is aware that sound and language has meaning, and often at age one the baby’s first word happens.

1 year – 1 year 6 months (18 months of age):
First word, ‘baby talk’ begins, understands sense expressed in language, use of nouns is present (cat, dog, mommy, daddy, shoe, etc.), everything has a name.

1 year 6 months – 2 years of age:
Phrases emerge (babbling phrases), often single words with diffused meanings, a sudden increase in explosive language development including grammer, verbs, and other parts of speech.

2 years – 2 years 6 months (30 months of age):
Explosive speech, explosive phrases, language is now complex, syntax is present, words join together to create expressive thoughts, and thoughts about the future are expressed.

(Montessori, Maria. The Absorbent Mind. Henry Holt & Co. NY, NY. 1995. pp. 124 & 138-39)

Language Development

ivylucco — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 06:32:55 +0000

“Language is an instrument of collective thought.” (Montessori, The Absorbent Mind, 1995. p.108)

The child will spontaneously acquire language regardless of a teacher being present. Alternatively, the child who has trauma, or events which prevent the child from expressing emotions, may develop language at a slower pace.

Age appropriate sensory activities can reduce frustrations, and solicit positive behavior in children.

(Montessori, Maria. The Absorbent Mind. Henry Holt & Co., LLC. NY, NY. 1995)

iThoughts
Sensory Activities for Fun! (best for children 1 – 3 years of age)
Brushing Teeth: Sing with a tune, “every time we eat, we brush our teeth, shu shu shu shu, shu, shu shu, we brush our teeth, shu shu shu shu, shu, shu shu“. Repeat until teeth are clean! Step stool helps child reach sink without being held.

Nap Time: Wiggle fingers over child without blankets saying how you are sprinkling magic sprinkles all over. Quickly cover child with blankets, tucking in edges in to make sure not to let any of the sprinkles get out. Read a story or book of the child choice.

Walking: What to do when your child stubbornly decides to NOT want to walk. Begin to march, raising knees high up and placing feet firmly on the ground. Make eye contact with the child a repeat, “marching, marching, marching, marching, marching”. Begin to march in place until child copies, then proceed forward!

Philosophy of Movement

ivylucco — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 06:02:23 +0000

Immobility is impossible for life to exist. Especially in children, there is an innate ability to move around. Mental and physical development is dependent upon each other. With the appropriate curriculum of sensory activity the child has the opportunity to develop at a higher level.

Parenting Styles

ivylucco — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:01:20 +0000

Ever wondered what type of parent you are? Ridged and structured or flexible and sensitive? Check out three styles recognized by professionals and see where your style fits!
1. Authoritarian- What I say goes! Actions are met with consequences. Children have little power or control.
2. Authoritative- Parents stay neutral, and on a common ground. Allow children to express themselves and embrace independence, although ultimately the parent has final say.
3. Permissive- Laid back, allows children to have complete freedom. Low expectations for the children, parent see’s him/herself as helping.

(Harris, J.R. and Liebert, R.M. The Child. 1987. Prentice-Hall Inc., New Jersey, NJ.)

Hi Kids!

ivylucco — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:57:19 +0000

Hello, I am starting this blog as a way to share my experience and knowledge of infant and toddler development with people. I have experience teaching children through my time as a nanny, working with museums, and studying for a degree in Child Development. I have a passion for helping kids learn and hope to share this with others. Thanks for the visit.

Toddler Playing Music