Starting A New Infant Classroom- Need Ideas….?
I am starting an infant classroom in a very well known local learning center. We only have 3 babies so far, they are 4, 5, and 6 months. I need some ideas for this new room, i.e. projects, toys, crafts. I did a “First Day of School” frame and put their picture in it, but they didnt do much but sit and smile for the picture. i would love to hear any ideas that you might have, safe materials for infants? Any help is greatly appritiated! Thanks!
They are too young for “crafts”. You need to avoid using them as involuntary tools so don’t do things like dip their hands in paint and make a print. That’s your art, not the child’s, and it’s dishonest.They will be ready to do art only when they can voluntarily pick up a fat crayon and make a mark on a big piece of paper and understand that they made the mark. That’s not til later. They need lots of room to be on the floor and free to move. Try putting pictures of animals etc. on the floor covered with clear contac. Make sure there are pictures of their families, either attached to the crib or at eye level. They need toys of many textures and toys that do something when touched. As they get a little older they are going to want things to stack, dump and fill, throw and roll. They need soft cuddly toys that are washable. They need books, lots of them,that they can look at with an adult and on their own. While all of this is important the most important part of a program for Infants is a secure relationship with 1 caregiver so try and make sure there are as few staff changes in the room as possible, both daily and on a long term basis, and that each baby has a primary caregiver responsible for meeting his or her needs.
Don’t allow anyone to wear shoes in the infant room. The floor is where infants practically live and they always put things in their mouths. Another idea is to lay down on the floor and look around the room.By doing this you will be able to see how the babies view the world.
well i think that you have toys… like nice soft stuffed animals, bright colors every where.
maybe crayons of course! :]]
markers…blocks…
i know its not much…but hope it gets you started :]]
goood luck!