FROM BABIES TO CHILDREN

From 1 to 2 years

Children become more aware of their own behaviour, as well as that of the people around them. They want to learn, and start communicating through words as well as facial expressions. They:

  • talk a little and understand words and ideas;
  • love stories, pretend games, and ride-on toys;
  • can walk, climb stairs and run;
  • use a spoon and a fork;
  • have some friends and start to play make-believe.
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From 2 to 3.5 years

Children experience big changes in social, intellectual, and emotional abilities. They start to explore more, so child safety1 is a top priority. They:

  • like learning new things;
  • increase their vocabulary;
  • run everywhere;
  • get frustrated easily;
  • act more independently.
WARM UP

• Do you like playing with children?
• Do you know the meaning ofthe expression uthe terrible twos"?
• Can you explain it?

DO

1 Babies and young children often put small objects into their mouth and swallow them. The Heimlich maneuver is a first aid procedure used to treat upper airway obstructions (or choking) by foreign objects. Look for it on the Net.

From 3.5 to 5 years

At this age many will start interacting with other children and teachers at nursery school1. These experiences will teach them to develop their own personality, and to express their emotions in a variety of ways. At this age they:

  • have a longer attention span;
  • are silly, boisterous and might use language that is not nice;
  • ask lots of questions;
  • like playing with friends, but do not like losing;
  • start sharing and taking turns.

From 5 to 8 years

This time brings a lot of change and children start to develop more independence. Children can dress themselves, like to have their own friends and social skills are important to them. Physical changes happen quickly and this is a critical time for them to gain confidence with the surrounding world. At this age they:

  • are interested in numbers, letters, reading and writing;
  • have more confidence in their physical skills;
  • use their words to express their feelings;
  • like grown-up activities;
  • like to meet more children and start to play more cooperatively.
MORE

1 Baby Parking vs. Nursery School. A "Baby Parking" is a private set-up equipped with games and other materials for activities where parents can leave their kids for a certain number of hours. Educators are professionally qualified but these structures are not authorized to serve food and can only accept children from 1 year of age.