Monday, June 04, 2007

Any early childhood educators out there?

It's been a while since I had any small kids around, so I need a reality check.

1) Observed behavior: Small child picks up a pencil, struggles to hold it correctly (i.e. like an adult) and fusses until it is correct. And then make lines on a pad of paper on the floor next to him (not the floor, just the pad)? (Age 13 months)

2) Observed behavior: Small child drops two (of four) coins, walks around a solid obstacle to hand them to an adult (view of the coins is totally blocked, and the distance is more than eight feet) and makes two return trips to pick up the remaining coins (they are a little tricky for him to pick up) to give them to the adult without prompting. ( 15 months)

3) Observed behavior: When held near a wall mounted lamp, small child to reaches to the light, yet drops his hands suddenly when told "You can't touch that because it is hot," and shows no more interest in touching the light. (< 16 months)

I think I am seeing something out of the ordinary. Or has it just been a long time since I was around small kids/sponges?

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Bets,

This is totally normal. K did these things at this age. I never have to hit/ spank her, a firm vioce is all it takes.

Libby

junior_goddess said...

Lib, the pencil thing threw me. Right hand, and verrrry careful hand placement. And the barrier and coins surprised me too....the concepts of partial quantities and task completion were very evident.

Cactusneedles said...

My son would pick up a crayon in his right hand and very carefully put it in his left hand when he was about that age. I think it's typical behaviour or a very, very smart toddler! :)

Marcia said...

Item number 1 really caught my interest. 13 months is pretty young for that level of dexterity and perseverence.

Anonymous said...

Bets,
I think it depends on the child's interests and temperament. In my limited experience I can see DS#2 (observant, quiet, focussed from an early age and SO wanting to emulate big brother, 4 years older) doing these things, but not DS#1, who was more the run-around, have a lot of fun type of toddler. Who is this extraordinary child that you are observing?