In supportive early childhood settings, infants and toddlers have lots of opportunities to interact with each other and build foundational social skills. These early experiences have a profound influence on children’s current – and future – ability to play, learn, and be happy.

In this session we’ll explore how to help our youngest learners…
• Notice and respond to other children’s gestures, sounds, and activities
• Participate in simple imitation games, back-and-forth interactions, and parallel play
• Begin to
o develop appropriate strategies for joining and initiating peer activities
o engage in simple cooperative and/or extended play
• Demonstrate care, concern, and compassion for their friends

Note: Laurie is facilitating a similar session on Thursday, Nov.7, which will focus on preschool age children. If you work with both age groups, choose the session that is the best match for the age/development of most of your children. You can then adapt the strategies as needed for the older or younger children.