Welcome to Our Young 2's Classroom
During a typical day, you'll see the toddler creed in action:
"If I want it, it's mine.
If I give it to you and change my mind later, it's mine.
If I take it away from you, it's mine.
If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
If it's mine, it will never belong to anyone else no matter what
If we are building something together, all the pieces are mine.
If it looks like mine, it's mine."
– Author Unknown
With encouragement, all children learn to play and work together: build, play, communicate, and problem solve. In the process, they become individuals. Your child's growth (social, emotional, cognitive, and physical) benefits from positive reinforcement and a strong home/school partnership.
In the Young Twos classroom, parent/teacher relationships rely on communication, participation in the classroom, and celebration. We enjoy food, family, and fun, and create lasting memories!
Shady Lane Philosophy
All learning goals for the Young Twos class are based on developmentally appropriate practices. Milestones include: increasing independence, awareness of self and others, sensory awareness, creative expression, and play. In addition we foster language communication, emotional awareness, and cognitive and physical development.
We focus on process, technique, explorations, and experimenting with materials rather than on resulting product. Yes, that means freedom to scribble, finger paint, and glue random items/materials. Activities and play teach children about cause and effect, individuality, pride, planning, directionality, perseverance, and channeling frustration and anger appropriately. And it's fun! We listen closely, as many wonderful, interesting, amazing creations and stories emerge.
Daily Schedule
Our daily schedule includes teacher-directed and child-directed activities. Children begin the day by choosing from a variety of floor and table activities. Next, we visit the gym or playground for running, jumping, climbing, and throwing. Later, we follow a routine that includes circle time (stories, songs, puppets), and small group (creative expression or manipulative) play. Finally, we have free choice where the children choose their own activities from the areas of blocks, creative expression, fine motor, dramatic play, sensory, books, and the climber.
Young 2's Team
The Young Twos Team includes Lead Educator Shannon Steele plus Educators Dawn Ware and E.J. Wright. Dawn is working on her Child Development Associate credential, and has been an Educator in the Young Twos since 2002. E.J. holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Family Studies, and started as an Educator at Shady Lane in September 2008.
About the Lead Educator
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. I earned a Child Development Associate certification in 2005. I have been an Educator at Shady Lane since 2002, and I was made Lead Educator in 2006.
We look forward to sharing a special time with your family.
Shannon Steele
Young 2's Lead Educator
