At Big and Tiny, Our 2s program is designed to help children transition from the sensory motor world to an increasingly social world. Children learn by exploring the materials, ideas, and people in the world around them as they build a sense of themselves as individuals and as members of a group. With an emphasis on social-emotional development and problem-solving skills, Big and Tiny’s curriculum helps children build a sense of self, discover their role within a classroom community, and recognize and appreciate our differences.
Program Objectives
An immersive learning experience
Our 2s program helps your child transition from the familiar world of home to a new community of learning, teachers, and friends in a safe and caring environment. Using inquiry-based learning, students build their comprehension, critical thinking, and communication skills. As your child’s language is increasing, your toddler is beginning to form mental images for things, actions, and concepts.
-
Increasing solving problem abilities
-
Understanding the process of cause and effect
-
Observing, questioning, and investigating
-
Matching shapes, sorting, and organizing skills
-
Recognizing the impact of their words and actions
Cognitive Development
Language & Communication
Our goal is to help children in the 2s program solve problems and learn fundamental concepts. Through open-ended questions and visual thinking strategies, children will grow their vocabulary and start putting together simple sentences and develop conversational skills.
-
Solve problems and express their emotions
-
Growing their vocabulary
-
Asking questions
-
Responding to directed group discussions
-
Following simple instructions and rules
-
Following and adjusting to daily routines
-
Start recognizing letters and some words
Social & Emotional
Growth
Teachers at the 2s program provide young learners a sense of comfort, safety, confidence, and encouragement. They teach toddlers how to form friendships, communicate emotions, and deal with challenges. Building strong, positive relationships also helps children develop trust, empathy, compassion, and a sense of right and wrong.
-
Learning to experience the joy of friendship
-
Showing a wide range of emotions
-
Engaging in pretend and imaginative play
-
Developing autonomy and independence
Cognitive Development
Fine & Gross Motor
Skill Development
As the 2-year-olds are just beginning to have better control over their hand and finger movements, your toddler's artwork is also drastically improving. Your child’s muscles begin to develop, which improves their climbing and running skills as well.
-
Jumping, running and balancing
-
Climb up and go down in the play structure
-
Pedaling tricycles and ride on cars
-
Create art projects
-
Developing more independence
-
Stacking toys and solving puzzles
-
Drawing more defined marks
A day in the Twos Room
Developing fundamental life skills
Arrival
When families first arrive at Big and Tiny, they store all their belongings (diapers, milk, clothes) and say goodbye to their little ones for the day. Practicing this transition from home to school everyday helps your little one discover the excitement of healthy independence.
Circle Time
Circle time allows children to connect with each other and their teachers. Circle time encourages listening, talking, and sharing among the children and modeling opportunities for the teacher. It also encourages the development of social skills and enhances their language and gross motor skills while they move along their favorite rhythms and songs.
Music & Sensory Art
Art is one of the many ways children express themselves and strengthen skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. Every day children experiment with different safe materials such as foam, finger paint, water, . We provide open-ended art activities that help children explore and use their creativity while developing fine and gross motor skills.
Music and movement classes are offered weekly for children to develop forging connections between their brain and their mind, body, and emotions and allows them to learn sounds and meaning of words.
Life Skills
Many practical life activities are incorporated throughout the day to allow the children to understand the world around them. They learn a routine and procedure that is consistent and can be followed at home, too.
Early Literacy
Interactive story time takes place at different times of the day. These books are selected according to the topics that the children are working on. Children will become familiar with books and rhymes, repeating words and phrases from different stories, helping them grow their vocabulary and sentences. Infants visit the local library regularly where they listen to new adventures.
Gross Motor
Children develop large motor functions through group games, gym activities, outdoor play and movement.
Nature & Neighborhood Rides
Children engage in outdoor activities on a daily basis. Community stroller rides around the neighborhood and Rockefeller Park provide students an opportunity to connect with nature in a deeper level and learn more about their surroundings.
Lunch & Snack
We provide healthy and organic transition meals and snacks courtesy of Little Spoon.
Nap and Rest
Learning and playing can be exhausting! Big and Tiny knows how important sleeping is for an infant's growth, and development. Individual cots with organic cotton sheets are provided.