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30.8.12: Too Much Looking or Listening Time

  • Page ID
    199572
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    The Need for Interaction  

    When working with infants and toddlers, it is essential to understand and adapt to their developmental needs, especially regarding their attention span and desire for physical interaction.

    Toddlers naturally find it challenging to remain still and attentive for extended periods, particularly during activities that require only looking or listening. Their instinct to explore and interact physically with their environment often takes precedence. For example, when sharing a board book, older infants and toddlers might initially listen intently but eventually begin to move around, touch the book, or interact with their surroundings as they near the end of the story.

    Introducing tactile elements like flannel stories can be highly effective in addressing this. These allow for touching, movement, and interaction with story elements, maintaining interest and catering to the need for physical engagement. This approach keeps young children focused and enhances their understanding and enjoyment of the story.

    Even with an engaging book, expecting infants and toddlers to sit quietly and listen throughout is often unrealistic. A more effective strategy involves reading part of the book and then inviting interaction. Pausing to ask questions, encouraging infants and toddlers to touch the pictures, or interacting with their peers keeps them engaged. This interaction holds their attention and stimulates their cognitive development by actively involving them in storytelling. By acknowledging and embracing natural tendencies to explore and interact physically, caregivers can make learning experiences like reading more enjoyable and effective. [1].

    Definition: Cognitive Development

    The process of growth in a child's ability to think and reason.

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    30.8.12: Too Much Looking or Listening Time is shared under a mixed license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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