Ventajas de una guarderaTu hijo recibe amor y atenciones que lo hacen sentir como el rey de la casa. Cuando sale de ella e ingresa a la guardera se enfrenta a un mundo diferente donde debe aprender a convivir con otros pequeos, en un ambiente sociable que muchos padres desean ofrecerles desde una temprana edad.Los niosentienden qu significa respetar, saben que el mundo no gira entorno a ellos, cada cual compartelos juguetes, los juegos, adems de las atenciones de su maestra. Asimismo adquieren con el paso de los meses criterios bsicos sobre normas sociales. Saben que existe un momento y lugar para cada actividad.Laconvivencia diaria es enriquecedora, sin embargo as como copian comportamientos positivos de sus compaeritos tambin pueden adquirir malos hbitos. En realidad el aporte de una guardera es clave en el desarrollo de tu hijo pero la crianza familiar sin duda prevalece como la base.

Beneficios del ingreso a la guarderaIngreso a la guardera Cuando un nio ingresa a la guardera se le brinda la oportunidad de interactuar con otros nios de su edad y de desarrollar sus habilidades sociales en una atmsfera menos formal que en el pre-escolar. La guardera puede proporcionar a su hijo una mayor sensacin de seguridad y por lo tanto un mayor dominio de s mismo, as como ensearle a compartir, a preocuparse por las necesidades de los dems y a esperar su turno. La habilidad de su hijo para planificar con anticipacin y cooperar con los dems mejorar mediante la fantasa y el juego en grupo. El ingreso a la guardera se convertir en un proceso muy enriquecedor si le facilitamos las cosas desde casa y en la guardera. Poco a poco, su hijo ir dndose cuenta de lo estupendo que es estar con otros nios, tener a su alcance materiales especficamente pensados para l y jugar a mil cosas divertidas. Pronto descubrir todo lo que puede aprender en la guardera y lo bien que se la pasa en las actividades del aula. Su curiosidad, su autonoma y sus deseos de aprender se despertarn da a da. Adems, el apego y la relacin afectiva que establecer con su educadora lo ayudarn a sentirse querido, seguro y cuidado, lo que har que vaya aceptando con gusto su nueva situacin. Pero hasta que llegue ese momento, es lgico que presente ciertos comportamientos que pueden preocuparle; al pasar unos das sometido a ms tensin de la habitual por todos los cambios que tiene a su alrededor, no ser raro que aparezcan problemas digestivos (diarreas, vmitos), falta de apetito, alteraciones en el sueo, llantos injustificados Lo normal es que desaparezcan en poco tiempo. Aunque sean varios los beneficios de asistir a la guardera, no existe ningn sustituto del entorno hogareo amoroso y cuidadoso.

La importancia de una Buena Adaptacin Para que el cambio no sea tan brusco, conviene que, previamente, se modifiquen los horarios de casa, adaptndolos a los de la guardera. Habr que ir acostndolo un poco antes cada da, levantarlo ms temprano, darle de comer ms pronto que de costumbre, etc. Cuando llegue el momento de dejarlo en la guardera, la despedida deber ser de forma rpida, sin dramas y sin engaos. El perodo de adaptacin se deber realizar progresivamente, lo ideal es que los primeros das est solamente un rato y, segn se vaya adaptando, irle ampliando el horario. Para que se sienta ms seguro y confiado, se le puede dejar llevar durante este perodo su objeto favorito. Para algunos ser su cojn, para otros su osito o su cobijita El objeto en s da igual, lo importante es que sea de referencia para l y le transmita seguridad y consuelo. Antes que se incorpore a la guardera los Padres debern tener una reunin individual con su maestra/directora. En esta entrevista, aparte de darles toda la informacin que necesitan, tendrn que aportar muchos datos de su pequeo. El objetivo es que cuando llegue por primera vez a clase ya conozcan lo mximo de l para que se sienta ms reconfortado. Para que no sienta que con la entrada la guardera ha perdido el contacto y los mimos de mam y pap, es fundamental que a la salida se le dedique un tiempo slo a l. Olvdense por un rato de compras, cenas o telfono. Lo importante es que note que mami est al pendiente de l durante ese tiempo: jugando, hablando, hacindole cariitos y preguntndole cmo le fue en la escuela Si se hace coincidir la entrada a la guardera con momentos difciles en la vida de su hijo, se estar poniendo obstculos en su adaptacin. Situaciones como el nacimiento de un hermano, la separacin de los padres, el fallecimiento de algn ser querido o un largo perodo de enfermedad no debe coincidir con su incorporacin. En estos casos, ser mejor esperar. Aunque parezca impensable, son muchas las madres (sobre todo madres, no padres) que establecen rivalidad con la maestra de su hijo los primeros das. Pues no me da la gana y me dice que tengo que acostarlo antes, que tiene sueo durante la maana! Pero qu se ha credo esa seora? Vamos, conoce a mi nio apenas hace dos das y se cree que me va a dar lecciones, a m que soy su madre! Es importantsimo que desde el principio se base la relacin con su educadora en la confianza, el respeto mutuo y la colaboracin. Las faltas durante los primeros das dificultan en gran medida la adaptacin del menor. Para ir tomando el ritmo necesita continuidad y difcilmente se adaptar si falta a cada rato. En muchas ocasiones, la angustia que supone a los padres el separarse de los pequeos y confirselos a personas extraas es lo que ms dificulta su adaptacin. Si con su actitud le transmiten inseguridad, dudas, temores o inquietudes, seguro ms de un nio pensar: Si mi madre se va tan triste todas las maanas cuando me deja en la guardera, es porque esto debe ser un lugar realmente terrible En este perodo su hijo necesita todo su apoyo y comprensin. Es un momento delicado para l y debe notar que pap y mam estn ah, a su lado para lo que se ofrezca.

Actividades que se realizan en la guarderaLlegadaLa transicin desde el hogar a la escuela es un factor importante durante el da. Los padres deben dejar a los nios de manera muy natural; si el nio se enoja, los padres deben irse rpido para evitar que eso se convierta en una escena con escala emocional. Desayuno: desayunar en la guardera les ofrece a los nios la oportunidad de establecerse en ese lugar durante todo el da a su propio ritmo. Los cuidadores deben acompaarlos sentados a la mesa para abrir las viandas y hacer que coman los alimentos, adems de ayudar a que los nios desarrollen modales durante ese momento en particular.Centros de aprendizajeLos nios participan en actividades de autoiniciadas en los centros de aprendizaje; por ejemplo, cuentan con un rea de cocina en donde juegan con cocinas y utensilios de juguete, un rea de juegos teatrales, con trajes y sombreros y una biblioteca para realizar una actividad individual tranquila. Otros ejemplos pueden ser un rea de arte y un centro de matemticas o ciencias con una mesa interactiva y tazas dosificadoras.Actividad para todo el grupo de niosEstas actividades suele ser dirigida por una maestra e incluyen la lectura de un libro sobre el tema de la semana, sobre el que luego los nios harn algnproyectorelacionado. Si el tema es el agua y el mar, los nios pueden pintar barcos sobre papel y jugar con barcos de juguete de plstico y criaturas del mar sobre una mesa interactiva llena de agua.

La caja de msica:Entre los 9 11 meses es la edad en que ms abiertos estn para recibir sonidos, es muy comn que presten una atencin muy marcada y que perciban con nitidez lo sonidos. Por eso es interesante realizar este juego, del tipo el cestinopero con una caja llena de objetos de sonido.En una caja bonita, divertida, grande incorporamos los juguetes sonoros que queramos: cintas con cascabeles, trompetas, cajita de msica, platillos, sonajeros, maracas, xilfono, etc. Los nios/as sentados en el suelo se sitan alrededor de la caja y experimentan por s solos; es bueno que la distingan y que cuando preguntemos dnde est la caja?, les demos tiempo para que nos sealen con el dedito.Nos dirigimos hacia la caja de la msica para cogerla cantando la caja, la caja, que viene ya. La caja, la caja, aqu est ya. Cuando el juego termina, podemos hacer el momento de recoger, cantando: a guardar, a guardar, que ahora vamos a jugar a otra cosita ms.Se puede mientras los nios juegan poner msica, cantar, dejarles experimentar por s solos, sin decirles ves se hace as, sin ms podemos hacerlo nosotros para que nos imiten.

Actividades al aire libreA menudo, est programado que los nios jueguen al aire libre varias veces al da. Los cuidadores los ayudan a vestirse adecuadamente y llevan al parque los juguetes apropiados para el nivel de desarrollo de cada grupo de nios, por ejemplo, los juguetes de plstico para montar estn destinados para los nios pequeos y los triciclos y bicicletas para los nios mayores. Juegos a Realizar de 12-18 meses: El Corro:

Todas las maanas comenzaremos con esta actividad. Se coloca a los nios/as en el lugar adecuado a realizar la activad formando un corro entre todos. Comenzaremos con una cancin de buenos das y pasamos lista, saludando a todos los compaeros. Contamos cuentos realizando gestos y sonidos, nos identificamos en las fotos a nosotros/as y a los dems El Juego Heurstico: (Desde los 12 hasta 24 meses)Una actividad muy interesante de realizar, adems de poder combinarla con las dems actividades. Se trata de conseguir una situacin de juego, en la que se invita a los nios/as a preguntarse qu puedo hacer?Es una actividad de juego dnde nios/as de aprox. 12 a 24 meses, interaccionan de manera natural y libre con distintos tipos de material, que posteriormente se clasifica y recoge. Se potencia la realizacin de aprendizajes individuales, dnde el propio nio/a hace sus descubrimientos, partiendo de los que ya sabe, creando estructuras cognitivas nuevas que le ayudarn a solucionar sucesivas situaciones. No obstante se producen en muchas ocasiones momentos dnde 2 3 nios comparten e interaccionan con el mismo material.

Durante el mediodaAntes del almuerzo: despus de jugar al aire libre, los cuidadores ayudan a los nios a guardar sus camperas y gorras, a ir al bao y a lavarse las manos as estn listos para el almuerzo. Almuerzo: cuando hay un servicio de almuerzo ya preparado, los nios pueden tomar la comida ellos mismos mientras los cuidadores circulan con un recipiente para servir y una jarra de leche. Los nios eligen qu alimentos quieren comer y los adultos nunca deben obligarlos a terminar el plato. Si los padres les mandan el almuerzo, los cuidadores se encargan de calentar o disponer esos alimentos mientras el grupo de nios conversa. Siesta: los nios de todas las edades necesitan tomar una siesta al medioda. Pueden descansar en cunas, catres o colchonetas, segn la edad de cada uno. Por lo general, todos los nios van a dormir; si hay alguno que no puede hacerlo, debe ocupar el tiempo haciendo una actividad tranquila y ensilencio, como leer o colorear.

Durante la tardeDurante la tarde: despus de la siesta, por lo general los nios toman la merienda y luego juegan en los centros de actividades. Las cuidadoras circulan entre los diferentes grupos de nios para hablar con ellos mientras juegan. Tambin pueden iniciar actividades de movimiento creativas y experiencias tctiles usando mesas interactivas. Recreo al aire libre: los nios necesitan salir al aire libre durante la tarde ya que pasan lamayorparte del da adentro. Pueden jugar persiguiendo burbujas de jabn o dibujar con tizas sobre las zonas pavimentadas. A esta hora por lo general los padres comienzan a recoger a los nios.

Cierre: los nios disfrutan ayudar a los adultos a limpiar y de esta forma construyen su independencia. Mientras que t limpias y desinfectas, los nios pueden barrer con una escoba y una pala pequeas para contribuir con la limpieza del aula.

Actividades para desarrollar la motricidad de los nios Orientation on Montessori Pedagogy

Children will be accepted as they are, they will be treated with respect and accompanied along their developmental paths in loving and caring ways. Children will be helped to obtain individual independence. Montessori principles in the fields of language, writing, mathematics, cosmic education, sensory learning and everyday activities, will be used.

Diversin con pinzasA travs de esta actividad los nios se concentran, se divierten, ejercitan sus manos y desarrollan la coordinacin ojo-mano, una habilidad esencial para dibujar,escribiry comer.Qu necesitas:

Unas pinzas livianas. (Quizs encuentres unas de madera entre tus utensilios de cocina). Pompones de diferentes colores. Un recipiente mediano de plstico para depositar los pompones. 3 o 4 tazas pequeas de aluminio o plstico (o de cualquier otro material que no se rompa).

Pequeos artistasPintar con pinceles es una manera muy divertida y sencilla de entretener a los nios. Adems de crear obras de arte, la forma en que los nios sostienen el pincel, les ayuda a practicar el agarre de pinza, tan importante en su desarrollo motriz.

Qu necesitas:

Un par de pinceles. Pinturas. Papel o cartn donde puedan pintar. Recipientes de plstico donde puedan colocar la pintura. Un pequeo recipiente con agua para limpiar la pintura de los pinceles.

Characteristics of a Great BabysitterParents look for certain qualities in a good babysitter. Some of these qualities include:Have good health: Your overall health is important. If you have a cold or other contagious disease, do not accept a babysitting job.Be dependable & responsible: Dependability is a must. You are responsible for the child's health and safety.Love little children: The best babysitters usually understand and love children. Children tend to know whether you like them or not.Be self-confident: Children judge you as much by the way you look and act as by the words you say. Be sure of yourself.Be mature: You need to be levelheaded and act calmly in an emergency. You have to maintain authority and discipline.Show good manners: Be pleasant, and act in a courteous manner. This includes respect for the privacy of families by not going through closets and personal possessions.Be knowledgeable about children: You need a basic understanding of the stages of child development. You must also know the basic techniques of feeding, dressing, diapering, bathing and playing with younger and older children.Have a business-like attitude:Make sure you agree on the business aspects of the job before babysitting with a new family for the first time. Get the necessary information from the parents before they leave.Be adaptable: Accept the differences between households. It's your responsibility to fit in with the family's usual pattern or routines not the other way around. If you feel uncomfortable with the family's lifestyle, you may need to refuse to accept the opportunity to work for them.Be safety conscious: Protect the children from harm. Be alert at all times.You will be in demand: Great babysitters are known by many parents. Usually they are busy with repeated jobs for the same families.

Safety FirstGood babysitters are safety-conscious and take extra precautions to make sure the children are safe from accidents. If you need to talk on the phone, make sure you always know where the children are. Make calls short and always be attentive to the children.Child Safety Never leave a young child alone while he/she is awake. Check on the child occasionally while they are sleeping. Never leave a baby unattended on a changing table, in a high chair, bath or walker. Use safety straps whenever they are available. Stay awake so you'll hear the children if they need you. Children will likely try you out to see how far you will let them go. Be firm in insisting that they play where they will be safe. Closets, medicine chests, drawers, and storage locations are not proper places for children to play. Also keep them away from stairways, hot objects (such as an iron or curling iron), stoves, microwaves and electrical outlets. Keep scissors or knives out of sight. Keep buttons, pins, cigarette stubs, money, small toy pieces, matches, and any other small particles off the floor and out of sight. If playing outdoors, know where their parents permit them to play. Watch for traffic and fire hazards, garden sprays, tools and unfriendly animals. Don't bathe the children unless specifically asked to do so. If you do bathe the children, do it very carefully and never leave the child unattended. The water in the bathtub should be comfortable to touch, not too hot! Cut food into bite size pieces for toddlers and preschoolers. Make sure that children remain seated while eating. Try to avoid foods that are likely to cause a young child to choke such as popcorn, hot dogs, hard candy, and grapes. Make sure that doors to rooms such as the bathroom, basement and garage are closed. Remove plastic bags, beanbags or pillows that could cover a child's face and cut off breathing. Remove any strings or straps that might pose a strangulation hazard to a young child.Personal Safety Don't let haste or carelessness cause you to have an accident. Carry the baby or any package so that you can see where you are stepping. If you should suffer a cut or burn put the baby in his crib and take other children with you while you apply first aid. If you are annoyed, bothered or in doubt about any unusual people or situations, call one of the people you are to contact in emergencies, or your own parents. If you get sick while babysitting, call your parents or another qualified babysitter to take over for you. Then contact the parents to let them know of the change in plans for their final approval.Toy Safety Put up toys with objects small enough to swallow when watching a child under age four. Check stuffed animals to make sure that button eyes are not loose enough to come off and be swallowed. Put up toys with sharp edges and sharp points as well as toys that shoot objects. Look for toys with long strings and cords that may strangle an infant or young child. Put these toys in a place were young children cannot reach them. Put up electronic toys that might burn or shock young children. Make sure that the toys the children are playing with are appropriate for their ages. Toys that are safe for older children can be quite dangerous when played with by younger children.Outdoor Safety Children are usually unaware of the risks that are present in playing outdoors. You can teach them to play safe when they are playing outside. Keep children from walking in front or back of a moving swing or glider. Place young children in the center of a swing. Make sure that they are capable of hanging onto the swing or place them in a swing designed for infants and toddlers. Be cautious of hanging rings. Some young children are able to place their entire head through the ring creating the potential for being hung. Explain your list of outdoor rules to children. Your list might include: no pushing other children off a swing or piece of playground equipment, no swinging empty swings or gliders, no climbing up the front of the slide, no walking in front or back of a moving swing, no twisting swing chains, no rough playing on the equipment, and only one person can be on a piece of equipment at one time if it is designed for use by one person. Be extremely cautious of swimming pools, wading pools, spas, and hot tubs even when a pool has a cover and is fenced in. Keep your eyes on the children at all times. If a child is missing, immediately check the pool to make sure the child has not fallen in it. Make sure that gates are locked, and ladders are up in pool areas. Learn CPR and first aid practices in case you might need it when watching children. Learn the phone number for emergency medical service in your location.

Behavior and GuidanceReasons for MisbehaviorAll children misbehave sometimes. That is a normal part of growing up. But children's behavior is also influenced strongly by the people and the environment around them. Here are some reasons a child might be misbehaving: Needs a nap Feels ill Needs food/drink Has too much stimulation Feels bored Feels frustrated Feels scared around strangers Needs to feel a sense of power and control Needs attention

Handling Behavior ProblemsHere are some ideas for handling common behavior problems:Diverting attention - This works well for infants and toddlers as they are easily distracted. Diverting attention from an activity you disapprove of by substituting another plaything or leading the child to another activity is an easy way to avoid a meaningless struggle with a child who is too young to understand and learn from other methods.Calming time - A calming time may be used to separate fighting children or calm an over-excited child. You need to calmly explain to the child/children that they must sit quietly for three minutes (you may want to give one minute of calming time for every year of the child's age a four year old would receive 4 minutes of calming time). Calming time gives children time to simmer down, think about their behavior and realize that you will not allow such behavior to continue.Ignoring misbehavior - This is an effective way to deal with fighting between siblings and misbehavior that is directed at getting attention. Children do need attention, and it is important that you give a child your attention at other times and especially when they are behaving well. Children who do not get enough positive attention will settle for negative attention (Example: yelling) brought on by misbehavior.Redirect behavior - You can move a child away from behavior you do not like by suggesting an alternate acceptable behavior. (Example: The child is throwing a ball in the house. You set out some paper cups and suggest that the child try bowling, stressing that the ball must be rolled.)Consequences - Allowing children to experience the consequences of their behavior can be more meaningful than any action a caregiver could take. A child who experiences unpleasant consequences of behavior will not be likely to act that way again.Consequences may be: Natural- A child who acts bossy may spend a lonely day after playmates decide to leave. Logical- A child who rides a bike in the street is not allowed to use the bike for a period of time. Logical consequences are used when the natural consequences (being hit by a car while riding a bike in the street) would effect a child's health or safety. Sometimes it is difficult for a caregiver to allow a child to experience consequences but it is important to remember that the child is learning. Problem Solving- You can talk with the child about why she is behaving in a certain way, why the behavior is unacceptable and how you might work together to change the behavior. (Example: When the child is angry, she slams her door, this causes the pictures to fall off the wall. Next time she is angry, she will tell you how she feels.)

Diapering &ToiletingDiaperingWhen caring for a baby, you will get to change a diaper. Make sure to change the diaper regularly or as the need arises.To change a baby's diaper: Gather all necessary items (Examples: clean diaper, wipes, baby powder, clean clothes, and diaper rash ointment). Put the baby on the changing table or other flat surface. Fasten the child with the safety restraint if there is one. If not, stay with the baby at all times. Remove the dirty diaper. Lift the baby's hips off the changing surface by holding the baby by the ankles with one finger inserted in between them. If the baby has a messy diaper, wipe his bottom with the corner of the diaper. Wipe girls front to back. Clean with a damp cloth or wipes. Make sure to clean all creases and genitals. Apply lotion or powder sparingly. Lift baby's hips off the changing table and slide the clean diaper under the baby's bottom. Pull the diaper between the legs and pin or tape into place. If using pins, place your hand between the diaper and the baby's skin to prevent accidently sticking the child. Put the baby in a safe place and put the dirty diaper in the correct container. If the baby is wearing cloth diapers and the baby had a bowel movement, be sure to dump it into the toilet and flush before putting the diaper in the container.ToiletingYoung children who have recently been toilet trained, still need your help in using the toilet. They may need help in undressing, wiping, washing hands and dressing again. They might also want you to stay with them when they are using the toilet.Be prepared to help with toileting needs. BathingYou will only want to give baths to children when parents ask you to do it. You may want to ask the parents to let you come and see how they do it before babysitting their children. Make sure you know where they keep all of the bath supplies.When bathing a baby, you will want to follow these simple steps: Put the baby in a safe place while you gather everything you need. Use your elbow to test the bath water before putting the baby in. The water should feel lukewarm, not hot. Babies can be badly burned if the water is too hot. You will only need four or five inches of water in the tub. Smile and talk to the baby while you undress him. Support his head and shoulders if he can't sit up yet. Slowly lower him into the water. Place him into a bath safety seat if he can sit up. Never let goalways keep one hand on the baby. Continue talking and smiling. Use your free hand to gently soap the baby. Use a small amount of soap. Don't put soap on his head or face. Just use a damp cloth to wash his face. Rinse the soap off the rest of his body. Carefully lift the baby out of the water and wrap him in a towel so he won't get cold. Dry him off and apply lotion or powder, as directed by the parents. Diaper and dress him.If you are uncomfortable giving a baby a tub bath, give a sponge bath instead. It's also good when a baby has a messy bowel movement. Undress the baby and wrap him in a towel. Lay him on a flat surface beside the water you are using. Never let goalways keep one hand on the baby. Wash and dry one part of his body at a time with warm water. When done, diaper and dress the baby. Clean up the area later while he is napping.When bathing or changing a baby, never leave the baby alone for even a few seconds!When bathing older children, you will want to make sure that they sit still in the tub. Children can slip and fall if they are standing or moving around. You will need to help young children in cleaning themselves and in washing their hair. Be careful not to get shampoo in their eyes while rinsing their hair. Never leave a child in the bathtub for any reason! Children have been known to drown in only a couple inches of water. SleepingAsk parents about the child's bedtime routine, no matter what age the child is. What does the child do before going to sleep at naps and at night time? Follow the usual sleeping routine so that the child feels more secure and can sleep easier.InfantsYounger infants generally sleep when they are tired. Some infants have difficulty relaxing and settling to sleep. Some infants get "over-tired" and then have trouble sleeping. It is really important to get to know the infant by asking a lot of questions and watching carefully to see what helps the infant calm down.Older infants usually have a "routine" something that the parent does each time the child is put to sleep. Ask the parent first, and then try other calming techniques to help the infant go to sleep: Play soft, calm music. Gently pat on the back and hum. If the child cries a little bit, but remains laying on the bed, try being quiet in the room or leave quietly. Do not let the child cry for more than just a few minutes before you go in and help. If the child stands up or cries a lot, help the child relax and settle down to sleep.It is not always easy to put an infant to sleep. Do not be surprised if it takes a great deal of time.Toddlers Ask the parent what the "routine" is how the parent puts the child to sleep. Toddlers usually like to play more than they like to sleep. Make sure you help the child calm down first by reading books or laying down and telling a story. Generally toddlers do not need to "cry" before they sleep, so make sure you help the child calm down and relax enough to sleep.Preschoolers Ask the parent what the child likes to do before he or she goes to sleep. Keep activities calm before naptime or going to bed. For safety reasons, make sure you are available when the child is settling to sleep. Preschool children can get up and may get into unsafe situations. Read books, relax and play imagery games to help the preschooler close his or her eyes. Imagine sitting by the river or watching clouds in the sky. Planning Play ActivitiesActivities for All AgesTake a trip to the playground, park, or basketball court. Do errands together, or plan field trips to the library, bank or newspaper office.Music is fun for everyone. You can make and play instruments with preschoolers and elementary school-aged children. To make shakers, gather some cans with plastic lids. Fill the cans with buttons, bells, and beads. Glue on the lids. Have the children decorate the cans. Make drums from old coffee cans with plastic lids. To make a shoe box guitar, cut a hole in a shoe box lid. Tape the lid on the shoe box. Stretch three or four rubber bands across the hole on the lid. The children can pluck the rubber bands. Have the children play their instruments for the younger children and infants.TV WatchingYou need to ask the parents if the child is to watch TV, how long can he watch and what shows can he watch. The TV should be used only as a learning aid. Children will learn the most from TV if you talk about the shows with them. It should not be used for adult entertainment while children are in your care.Activities for Infants Hold, rock and sing to young babies. Explain what you are doing throughout the day when you change or feed them. Put bright toys near babies. Take them outside on nice days. Give babies toys they can move and make noise with (like a rattle). Play different kinds of music on the radio(keep the volume low). Give them soft toys (like a stuffed animal or a clean sock) to hold and feel. Have a clean space for babies to crawl. Put bright toys near babies so they can reach out or move toward them. Read aloud books that have colorful pictures. Remember that infants put everything in their mouths. Wash toys if they become dirty and be sure they cannot be swallowed.Activities for ToddlersToddlers like to put things inside of other things and dump them out.Cut a hole in the middle of the lid of a clean coffee can or plastic margarine tub. Make sure there are no sharp edges to cut the toddler. Let the toddlers put clothespins, thread spools, and other safe objects through the hole.Make play dough. Mix 3 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 3 tablespoons oil, and 1 cup water together. Add food coloring for color. Let the toddlers use jar lids, clothes pins, and popsicle sticks to cut and shape the play dough.Children love to play with water. Fill big buckets or tubs with water. Give the children soap chips, measuring spoons and cups, plastic bottles, butter tubs, and sponges to play with in the water. Put towels or newspaper on the floor so the children will not slip on the wet floor.Toddlers like goop. Mix cornstarch and water together. Let toddlers play with it in a bucket or in bowls with cups and spoons. Make the goop thick or thin.Ask your local appliance shop for a free refrigerator (or other large appliance) cardboard box. Cut doors and windows in the box to make a playhouse. Toddlers can draw on it with crayons or paint it with water and big brushes or sponges.Toddlers like to draw with short, fat, unwrapped crayons. Give them paper bags (you can tear them open to make large sheets of brown paper) or large pieces of heavy paper to draw on. To help them draw, tape the paper down so it does not move.Toddlers also like to play house with dolls and housekeeping props such as plastic dishes and spoons.Most toddlers are just learning how to walk and run. Go for lots of walks but make sure you hold onto the toddlers hand.Let toddlers tear old wrapping paper. Then have them paste the pieces to make a collage.Toddlers can use some swings and low slides at the playground. Do not leave them unattended on any piece of playground equipment.Have toddlers finger paint with shaving cream mixed with food coloring.