Alaina 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-consent

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Reach out to us via email with questions and thoughts about early childhood education at iandt.toolbox (at) gmail (dot) com.

Jen 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.

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Reach out to us via email with questions and thoughts about early childhood education at iandt.toolbox (at) gmail (dot) com.

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 early childhood education at iandt.toolbox (at) gmail (dot) com.

Families 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.

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On 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/

The 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/

Rainy 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.

Jen 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.

In 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-0-8

Conversation Boosts Brains: https://thejournal.com/articles/2018/02/27/conversation-not-word-dump-boosts-childrens-brains.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0irRXWw49T22Td7oFHz5Npe0_4vVB2vDrYoPpM9SXUpfXLF_CNYnEZTH8

Bilingualism: https://neurosciencenews.com/bilingualism-independent-language-6453/?fbclid=IwAR0jyzCRvAoS4iqpyyrWq6oShKBssbmXK4HhooXBahVG3ISfvMPUEFWNBuc

Part 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-0-8

Conversation Boosts Brains: https://thejournal.com/articles/2018/02/27/conversation-not-word-dump-boosts-childrens-brains.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0irRXWw49T22Td7oFHz5Npe0_4vVB2vDrYoPpM9SXUpfXLF_CNYnEZTH8

Bilingualism: https://neurosciencenews.com/bilingualism-independent-language-6453/?fbclid=IwAR0jyzCRvAoS4iqpyyrWq6oShKBssbmXK4HhooXBahVG3ISfvMPUEFWNBuc