Chapter 2 Learning About Children 63
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A
toddler
is a child between the ages of one and three years. Toddlers often
learn to walk between the ages of twelve and eighteen months. As they learn
to walk, they begin exploring their environments. They start communicating
more. They express more emotions and behave in new ways. You can support
their freedom to grow and develop. You must also, however, protect them from
injuries or harm. Caring for toddlers can be fun, but it is also a responsibility.
Physical Development
Toddlers’ physical development is slower than that of infants. They
do not gain weight as quickly as infants. Their bodies become longer and
straighter. Toddlers often grow about two to three inches, and gain about
six pounds per year. Body shape changes to more adult-like proportions,
but toddlers still seem top-heavy.
Toddlers are always in motion. They spend a lot of time and energy
moving. See 2-10. This helps their bodies develop and lets them explore.
They touch, feel, and taste objects. They may empty toy boxes, drawers,
and kitchen cupboards to fi nd objects. They rarely, however, put objects
away. They move quickly from one activity to another.
As their muscles develop, toddlers are able to do more for themselves.
They learn to use their fi ngers for tasks, such as using fl atware to feed
themselves. They place big pegs in
pegboards and stack building blocks.
Toddlers can turn the pages of books
made from heavy paper. They dance
to music. Toddlers also like to kick and
throw balls. To reach objects they want,
toddlers may even move furniture. They
are becoming more independent.
As toddlers become more active, you
need to reduce the chances for accidents.
Remove any items toddlers should
not touch. Use caution around pets.
Toddlers may grab pets and hurt them.
Always watch where toddlers go and
what they do. With adult supervision and
a safe environment, toddlers can explore
safely and independently.
Reading
Review
1. Why are toddlers able to do more for
themselves than infants?
2. Why do you need to be concerned
about the safety of a toddler?
Toddlers fi nd many ways to move about
and play.
2-10
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