2 Year Olds
For our youngest learners, the TACK method is adapted to emphasize sensory exploration and play-based learning. This approach promotes cognitive, social-emotional, motor, and language development through engaging and foundational activities, ensuring that learning is a joyful discovery.
Developmental Stage (PK0)
At two years old, children are in a stage of rapid growth and discovery, using their senses and budding language skills to explore the world around them. This stage is characterized by a strong desire for independence coupled with a deep need for security. Our program is designed to nurture their growing sense of curiosity while providing the emotional support they need to feel safe and confident in their exploration.
Key Developmental Areas:
Cognitive Development:
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Exploration through Senses: Children use their senses to understand their environment. They enjoy activities stimulating touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste.
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Essential Concept Awareness: Early recognition of shapes, sizes, and colors begins to emerge. Simple activities like sorting objects or matching items help to introduce these concepts.
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Object Permanence: At this stage, children understand that objects continue to exist even when out of sight, enhancing their problem-solving abilities.
Socioemotional Development
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Self-Identity and Independence: Two-year-olds begin to assert their independence, often saying "no" as they test boundaries. They also start to recognize themselves in the mirror and photographs.
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Parallel Play: At this age, children engage in parallel play, where they play alongside peers but not directly with them. They are just beginning to show interest in sharing and cooperative play.
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Emotional Expression: Toddlers can express happiness, frustration, and excitement. They are learning to manage these emotions, though they often need adult support to regulate their feelings.
Motor Skills
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Gross Motor Development: Toddlers show improved coordination as they walk, run, jump, and climb with growing confidence. They enjoy activities like dancing and moving to music, which promote physical activity and coordination.
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Fine Motor Development: Hand-eye coordination is developing, allowing them to begin manipulating small objects, using spoons, and engaging in simple tasks like stacking blocks or scribbling with crayons.
Language Development
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Expanding Vocabulary: Language development accelerates at this age. Children start to string two or three words together to form simple sentences like “want juice” or “go outside.”
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Naming and Identifying Objects: They can identify and name familiar objects, people, and animals in their surroundings. They enjoy listening to stories, looking at picture books, and naming what they see.
Artistic and Creative Expression
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Creative Play and Expression: Two-year-olds engage in symbolic play, using simple props to act out daily routines or scenarios. They enjoy exploring textures, colors, and shapes through drawing, painting, and sensory activities.
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Exploration over Results: Artistic activities at this stage focus on the experience rather than the end product. Children enjoy experimenting with different materials like play-doh, paint, and markers.
Project-Based Learning
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Curiosity and Exploration: At this stage, project-based learning focuses on curiosity-driven exploration. Simple, guided activities allow children to explore their surroundings and make discoveries through sensory play.
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Early Group Participation: While toddlers do not fully engage in cooperative projects, they enjoy participating in group activities where they can observe and learn from their peers..
Methodology
Our approach for two-year-olds focuses on creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children are free to explore at their own pace. Through sensory play, guided exploration, and age-appropriate activities, we encourage them to develop essential cognitive, motor, social, and language skills.