Toddler: Hedgehogs and Turtles

We have two separate toddler rooms. The Hedgehog room is for younger toddlers from approximately 18 months to two and a half years. The Turtle room is for older toddlers from approximately two and a half to three and a half years.

Toddlers strive to develop autonomy, independence, and security. Our program acknowledges these needs and meets them. In our toddler rooms, children begin to participate in circle time, which is Forge’s primary group learning session. Some circle time activities include reading, singing songs, show ‘n’ tell, flannel board stories, and finger plays. In circle time, the children also focus on the theme of the week, which may include topics as diverse as the five senses, community helpers, or the seasons.

Children in the toddler program also participate in a variety of teacher-directed activities, such as games, art projects, and outdoor play. In addition to learning their colors and shapes, our toddlers begin to develop self-help skills, such as washing their hands, preparing for meals, and putting on their coats by themselves.

Teachers in the toddler program encourage communication, sharing, and fairness as the building blocks for making friends.