Unit 1 You and Others 66
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other children. Show toddlers other toys
to divert their interest. Explain that toys
should be returned to their owners.
Toddlers are curious. They like to
inspect toys or books. Toddlers like to
taste, throw, and pull apart objects. This
type of play helps them explore their
surroundings. See 2-12.
Toddlers often have a hard time
choosing a favorite toy. You may need to
offer only one or two playthings at a time.
Choose toys carefully with children’s
safety in mind.
Toddlers like books, and they enjoy
having others read to them. Another
favorite play activity is imitating adults.
Toddlers enjoy dressing up in adults’
old clothes. They also like to act out
adult experiences. They may use props
such as toy dishes, cars and trucks, and
stuffed animals.
The toddler stage is often called the
no stage. Toddlers answer no to almost
everything. They may say no because they
hear it a lot. They may say no because people react when they say it.
Tell toddlers what they can do instead of what they cannot do. This will
let toddlers know what you expect from them. For instance, Nathan keeps
standing on a chair. You could say, “No, Nathan! Don’t stand on the chair.”
A better response, however, would be, “Nathan, you need to sit when you
are on the chair.”
Reading
Review
1. What can happen if you encourage toddlers to hurry?
2. What can cause toddlers to act differently from day to day?
3. Describe parallel play. Give two examples of the behavior of toddlers
during parallel play.
Emotional Development
Toddlers are still developing emotionally. They easily become excited
or upset. They may be excited about doing something new. Sometimes
they are frightened. They may be afraid of strange people or places. To feel
confi
dent, or sure of themselves, they need love and support.
Toddlers are curious and enjoy exploring
their surroundings.
2-12