Toddler Explores Books

Return to Practice Videos

  1. Read video background.
  2. Watch video and record observations on Watch Me Grow worksheet.
  3. See which measures we think are reflected by the evidence!
  4. Explore additional information from the California Preschool Curriculum Framework and California Preschool Learning Foundations.

1. Video Background 

This is a 2:09 minute clip of a toddler with Downs Syndrome crawling to a book stand, exploring books, and engaging her teacher.

2. Watch Video: Toddler Explores Books

3. Measures Reflected by the Evidence 

A good piece of evidence might address multiple measures. We are not assigning a developmental level, but rather saying that this video clip could be evidence for the measures. Measures Reflected by the Evidence: Toddler Explores Books

4. For more information, explore California’s Infant/Toddler Curriculum Framework for information about:

Language Development

Guiding Principles:

• “Be responsive to the active communicator and learner.” (pp. 84-85)
• “Include language in your interactions with infants and toddlers.” (p. 85)
• “Celebrate and support the Individual.” (p. 86)
• “Make communication and language interesting and fun.” (p. 87)

Learning Contexts:

Environment & Materials:
• “Engage infants with books and stories”  (p. 89)
• “Arrange the environment to support language development and communication” (p. 89)

Interactions:
• “Be responsive when children initiate communication” (p. 89)
• “Use child directed language” (p. 90)
• “Help children expand language” (p. 90)
• “Attend to individual development and needs” (p. 91)
• “Be playful with language” (p. 91)

Cognitive Development

Guiding Principles:

• “Relate to the child as an active meaning maker” (pp. 102-103)
•  "Provide opportunities for exploration” (p. 103)
• “Respect the child’s initiative and choice” (p. 103)
• “Describe the child’s actions and the effects of actions” (p. 105)
• “Support self-initiated practice and repetition” (p. 105)

Learning Contexts

Environment and Materials
• “Provide play spaces with rich opportunities for learning”(p. 107)
• “Keep toys in places that are easily visible and accessible” (p. 107)

Interactions: 
• “Notice what interests each child” (p. 112)
• “Use language to engage each child’s intellect” (p. 112)