Sun Room
Hi Sun Room Families,
Can you believe we are at the end of Term 2! What a wonderful year we have had so far.
Colour Recognition
Over Term 2 we have been looking at colours through many of our experiences. This is a great age, full of curiosity and questions, so the perfect time to introduce colours.
Colour recognition is a key cognitive developmental step for toddlers, as it plays an important role in object recognition and is a vital part in helping children to develop their descriptive language skills, which in turn encourages clear communication and understanding.
As it turns out, colours are a key way that we describe and categorise our world. Children will notice that a red flower is different from a yellow one, or a yellow ball is different to a blue ball.
Teaching and talking about colours is best done through playful everyday experiences. You could be at the park or driving in the car and point out “Can you see the blue car?” or “I wonder what colour the climbing frame is?”
We ask these questions too and also our teaching intention for the term was to focus on the colours blue, red, yellow, green, black and white. We supported this learning through songs and stories and through our experiences set up within the room. This learning will be ongoing throughout the year.
Toilet Training
We have noticed lately there have been lots of questions about when to start toileting. We are here to help and always ready to have a conversation with you.
Many parents are unsure about when to start toilet training. Not all children are ready at the same age, so it's important to watch your child for signs of readiness.
Instead of using age, look for signs that your child may be ready to start heading for the toilet, such as being able to:
- follow simple instructions
- understand and use words about using the toilet
- make the connection between the need to wee or poo and using the toilet
- keep a nappy dry for 2 hours or more
- get to the toilet, sit on it for enough time, and then get off the toilet themselves.
- pull down their pull up or underpants
- show an interest in using the toilet or wearing underpants
Most children begin to show these signs when they're between 18 and 24 months old, though some may not be ready until later than that.
We will work with you and your child. Your child needs to be comfortable with the process. If they become distressed or upset these may be signs they are not quite ready. So just wait a few more weeks and try again when the opportunity presents itself. In Sun Room, when we do a nappy change we always offer the chance to sit on the toilet then we follow their lead.
Having a reward system works well too, once the process is happening. Something like a sticker chart is a great incentive and lots of fun too!
Looking forward to an amazing Term 3,
from your Sun Room Team
Ann-Maree, Caitlyn, Nicole, Trish, Kayleigh, Isabelle, Hayley and Helena