Infant and Toddler Play Environments

Why Play Environments Matter:

High-quality play environments lay the foundation for infants and toddlers early learning, wellbeing and development. When spaces are safe, predictable and rich in sensory opportunities, young children feel confident to explore, interact and learn (Garvis, Phillipson & Clarke, 2018).

Key Components of the Environment.

 

According to Kaywork (2019), infant and toddler environments are comprised of three key, equally important components:

 

  1. Physical Learning Space: It sets the stage for children's learning and explorations and influences their behaviour (Kaywork ,2019).
  • Use soft furnishings, low furniture and clear pathways to encourage safe movement.
  • Provide open-ended materials such as baskets of natural objects, textured items, and simple toys that promote problem-solving and coordination.
  • Keep the environment uncluttered to reduce overstimulation and support focus (Kaywork, 2019).

 

  1. Social and Emotional Environment: This is comprised of the relationships between the children, and between the children and the caregivers (Kaywork ,2019).
  • Build warm, responsive relationships to create a secure base for exploration.
  • Offer “yes spaces” where children can move freely and make choices, promoting confidence and autonomy (The Empowered Educator, 2017).
  • Use calm voice, eye contact and sensitive interactions to foster emotional safety.

 

  1. Routines and Transitions: These predictable, important events bring order to the day and give children a vital sense of comfort (Kaywork ,2019).
  • Keep daily routines consistent and unhurried to support emotional regulation.
  • Use simple language, gestures or visual cues to help infants and toddlers understand transitions.
  • Incorporate play into routines for example, singing during nappy changes or offering a comfort item during rest time.

 

Understanding Play

  • Provide opportunities for sensory exploration, mouthing, repetition, cause-and-effect play and early imitation.
  • Follow children’s cues and interests; allow them time to test ideas and repeat actions.
  • Redirect behaviour gently and offer alternatives rather than saying “no”.

Developmentally Appropriate Spaces.

According to Kaywork (2019), the design of the play environment is as crucial as the materials within it. The play environment should:

For Infants:

  • Provide confined spaces for very young infants (e.g., small mat or bouncy seat).
  • Provide support for 'cruising' such as shelves and sturdy furniture to hold onto while standing and beginning to walk.
  • Young infants need soft, comfortable spaces, good lighting, and items at eye level, while mobile infants need sturdy furniture, time for undisturbed play, and dividers to define designated spaces.

 

For Toddlers:

  • Include spaces that encourage independence.
  • Provide floor and open space to accommodate new gross motor skills like running and jumping.
  • Ensure materials and toys are on low shelves and provide low tables and chairs.

The Caregiver’s Role

  • Observe closely to understand each child’s intentions.
  • Narrate actions, model language and scaffold learning without taking over.
  • Support independence while ensuring safety and emotional comfort.

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