Shows
The Infant Toddler Toolbox25. Pretend PlayPretend play offers young children the opportunity to explore and develop their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Through imitation and imagination they build a deeper vocabulary, hone motor skills, and develop problem solving strategies. Listen as Jen and Alaina talk about all the benefits of pretend play and share strategies for caregivers to create spaces that support and enhance this emerging skill.Resources:https://www.patagonia.com/stories/why-is-unstructured-play-crucial/story-33448.htmlhttps://www.scholastic.com/parents/kids-activities-and-printables/activities-for-kids/arts-and-craft-ideas/importance-pretend-play.htmlhttps://www.pentagonplay.co.uk/news-and-info...2020-05-1826 minThe Infant Toddler Toolbox24. Self-Care During Social DistancingAlmost a year ago, Jen and Alaina recorded an episode about self-care. During a time of physical distancing and extra stress there is an increased need to focus on such an important topic. On this episode Jen and Alaina provide guidance on the importance of self care and a variety of ways to squeeze in things that good for caregivers at a time where the care of others is intensive. Resources:https://www.janetlansbury.com/2011/11/how-to-stop-entertaining-your-baby/?fbclid=IwAR3dS9bF6TJIbEBQa6lATxdCnryCy-CgiprXBxWtSyY-_A36EI7xrAmqtzchttps://www.janetlansbury.com/2019/07/how-to-create-a-yes-space-outdoors-when-you-dont-have-a-yard/https://www.howwerie...2020-05-1431 minThe Infant Toddler Toolbox23. Nature ArtThe weather here is changing and families are able to spend more time outside. On this episode of The Infant Toddler Toolbox, Jen and and Alaina share some of their favorite ways to bring nature and art together. With specific instructions and recipes this episode will add some variety to your outdoor adventures rain or shine.Resource for this Episode:Rhythms of Play https://rhythmsofplay.com/2020-05-0427 minThe Infant Toddler Toolbox22. Cooking with the KidsOn this episode of The Infant Toddler Toolbox, Jen and Alaina talk about cooking with young children. Families are home together for all meals while we are social distancing. That means some sort of food prep is happening at home daily and there is no better way to involve children in the work of the family and build skills through play than by bringing them into the kitchen. Listen as Jen and Alaina discuss the benefits of cooking with children, where you can find inspiration for recipes, and some key tools to have on hand to make everyone's life a...2020-04-2733 minThe Infant Toddler Toolbox21. GardeningThere are few activities that are more soothing and beneficial to our senses than digging in dirt. On this episode of The Infant Toddler Toolbox, Alaina and Jen discuss the benefits of gardening with young children as well as offer tips and tricks to creating a garden that is family friendly. Resource: https://kidsgardening.org/2020-04-2025 minThe Infant Toddler Toolbox20. Supporting EmotionsOver the last 4 weeks we have experienced a collective shift as a community, a nation, and a world. As parents and educators we have begun to adjust to life either working from home or working as an essential employee and caring for our children full time in the process. This shift has also left many adults and their children without the aide of typical support structures like grandparents, teachers/ schools and other special others. This podcast aims to answer some of the ways we can support our children in understanding and processing all of the big emotions that come along...2020-04-1622 minThe Infant Toddler Toolbox19. Embracing BoredomAs we settle into the new routines of the stay at home order parents are being asked to come up with a new "work life balance." This episode of The Infant Toddler Tool Box encourages parents to do less because in the end it does more for their children. In embracing boredom, children are provided the opportunity to discover themselves and gain new life skills.2020-04-0728 minThe Infant Toddler Toolbox18. Songs and Finger-playsSinging with children and engaging in simple rhymes and finger-plays build important social emotional, language and motor skills. Alaina and Jen share some of their favorites, come learn some new songs to add to your personal catalogue or sing along.Common Children’s Songs and Fingerplays:-Old McDonald-Wheels on the Bus-Itsy Bitsy Spider-Mary Had a Little Lamb-Row Your Boat (Alternate verses! Lion/roar, Tiger/scream)→ You can change up common songs by changing the words but keeping the same tune, singing the songs like animals might sing them (like...2020-04-0321 minThe Infant Toddler Toolbox17. Child-Centered Transitions, Part 2It's time for part 2 of the child-centered transitions episode. On this edition, we list ideas that both parents and teachers can implement to support children in their daily care setting and strengthening the parent, teacher, child relationship.2020-03-1018 minThe Infant Toddler Toolbox16. Child-Centered Transitions, Part 1Jen and Alaina discuss some of the essential characteristics of successful drop off and pick up routines. This is part one of a two-part episode! Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion next week.2020-03-0421 minThe Infant Toddler Toolbox15. Respecting the Bodily Autonomy of Young ChildrenAlaina and Jen dig into the topic of bodily autonomy. We discuss the reasons why children's ownership over their body is important and the ways we as caregivers work to build this valuable aspect of sense of self. Resource article: https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/2987-high-five-or-hug-teaching-toddlers-about-consentFollow our Facebook page for the latest news and updates, at https://www.facebook.com/infanttoddlertoolbox/.Reach out to us via email with questions and thoughts about early childhood education at iandt.toolbox (at) gmail (dot) com.2020-02-2123 minThe Infant Toddler Toolbox14. Listener QuestionsJen and Alaina are excited to answer two listener questions! The first question is about supporting emergent language development. The second question is about our top toys/materials for one year olds.Follow our Facebook page for the latest news and updates, at https://www.facebook.com/infanttoddlertoolbox/.Reach out to us via email with questions and thoughts about early childhood education at iandt.toolbox (at) gmail (dot) com.2020-02-1521 minThe Infant Toddler Toolbox13. Loose Parts (and how to use them)On this episode Alaina is joined by special guest Kelsey to talk about Loose Parts. What are they? How do you use them? What kind of learning is happening and how can you incorporate them into your daily practice with young children? We discuss some of the unexpected places where you can find loose parts, and why they are important in the development of play practice and organizational skills.Follow our Facebook page for the latest news and updates, at https://www.facebook.com/infanttoddlertoolbox/.Reach out to us via email with questions and thoughts about...2019-12-2230 minThe Infant Toddler Toolbox12. Traveling With Young ChildrenFamilies travel all the time. On this episode Alaina and Jen talk about the different things to consider before you travel and a few ways to keep young children busy without the use of screens. Last they cover what teachers can do to support families as they prepare or return from travel. The Infant Toddler Toolbox is on Facebook! Follow our show page at https://www.facebook.com/infanttoddlertoolbox/2019-12-1729 minThe Infant Toddler ToolboxITT 11 - Surviving the HolidaysOn this episode of the Infant Toddler Toolbox, the holiday season can be both rewarding and challenging for families with young children. Fortunately, you get to set the tone of what holidays look like for your family. Jen and Alaina offer some tips and tricks for surviving the holidays with your young child.The Infant-Toddler Toolbox has a home on Facebook! Find us at https://www.facebook.com/infanttoddlertoolbox/2019-12-0328 minThe Infant Toddler ToolboxITT 10. SharingThe Infant Toddler Toolbox is back! On this episode, Jen and Alaina break down why sharing is an inappropriate expectation for infants and toddlers and provide skills and strategies to support this emerging social skill.Check out the Infant Toddler Toolbox Facebook page! Connect with Jen and Alaina as well as people interested in early childhood education. You can find it at https://www.facebook.com/infanttoddlertoolbox/2019-11-2722 minThe Infant Toddler ToolboxITT 9: Things To Do At Home With Your Infants and ToddlersRainy day? Relaxing weekend at home? Jen and Alaina talk about all the wonderful enrichment opportunities available to families at home and within the community. Simple and fun activities are provided.2019-08-0924 minThe Infant Toddler ToolboxITT 8: Process ArtJen and Alaina take a look at the importance of creative opportunities for young children. The concept of process art is defined. We discuss all that children can gain during this uninterrupted creative time and the benefits for parents as well. Some examples are given for art at home.2019-08-0219 minThe Infant Toddler ToolboxITT 7 - Language Development Part 2In Part 2 of the Language Development topic, Alaina and Jen focus on multi-language learners as well as as get some advice from a former early intervention specialist, special guest Stephanie Sare. Finally, we share some fun recommendations for activities to do at home that support children's development. Useful resources for this episode:Language Development in Children: https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/development/language-development/language-development-0-8Conversation Boosts Brains: https://thejournal.com/articles/2018/02/27/conversation-not-word-dump-boosts-childrens-brains.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0irRXWw49T22Td7oFHz5Npe0_4vVB2vDrYoPpM9SXUpfXLF_CNYnEZTH8Bilingualism: https://neurosciencenews.com/bilingualism-independent-language-6453/?fbclid=IwAR0...2019-07-1528 minThe Infant Toddler ToolboxITT 6 - Language Development Part 1Part One of a two-part episode! Today, Alaina and Jen introduce the topic of language development. We explore its critical role in the overall development of communication, problem solving skills, relationships and literacy. Jen and Alaina talk about what caregivers can expect from their infant and toddler's receptive and expressive language skills at each stage.Useful resources for this episode:Language Development in Children: https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/development/language-development/language-development-0-8Conversation Boosts Brains: https://thejournal.com/articles/2018/02/27/conversation-not-word-dump-boosts-childrens-brains.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0irRXWw49T22Td7oFHz5Npe0_4vVB2vDrYoPpM9SXUpfXLF_CNYnEZTH82019-07-0128 minThe Infant Toddler ToolboxITT 5 - Reading with Infants and ToddlersOn this episode Jen and Alaina talk about reading with infants and toddlers. We touch on the skills that are built as you develop read aloud routines, how to make reading enjoyable for you and your child and what kinds of books are appropriate for each age. Resources for this topic include: https://www.readbrightly.com/why-reading-the-same-book-repeatedly-is-good-for-kids/and Reading Magic by Mem Fox2019-06-1850 minThe Infant Toddler ToolboxITT 4 - TransitionsOn this episode Jen and Alaina discuss all things related to Transitions. We talk about orienting new students and families into the program as well as supporting families and children as they progress through continuity within the program. We also talk about the process of transitions onto preschool. Additionally a special guest talks about supporting the preschool transition and the move beyond to kindergarten.2019-05-2932 minThe Infant Toddler ToolboxITT 3 - Self-CareAlaina and Jennifer talk about self-care. Yes, believe it or not, self-case is IMPORTANT when you are regularly dealing with young children, whether you are a parent, an educator, or a caregiver. What does it mean to carve out space just for yourself? What are the benefits to your skills as a caregiver?2019-05-1535 minThe Infant Toddler ToolboxITT 2 - Positive DisciplineIn this episode Jen and Alaina discuss the topic of positive discipline. They discuss what discipline is, why it is important and offer up strategies and suggestions for implementing guidance techniques. The Infant Toddler Toolbox has an email address! Send your questions and comments on the podcast to ITT.toolbox [at] gmail (dot) com. Books mentioned at the end of the podcast: Unconditional Parenting by Alfie KohnDear Parent: Caring for Infants with Respect by Magda Gerber2019-05-0343 minThe Infant Toddler ToolboxITT 1 - Respect and Meaningful InteractionsOn this inaugural episode of the Infant Toddler Toolbox, Alaina and Jen get things started by talking about the foundational elements of early childhood development --- respect and meaningful interactions. They talk about the development process that children go through, and the way that adults can effectively help children navigate a tricky but important landscape.2019-04-2346 min