Meltdown Mastery: The Listening and Skilled Toddler Mini Course

 Raising Little Scientists

Teach your little one to think like a scientist and be curious about learning and play! When the brain is being stimulated and exploring sensory learning we can see less meltdowns!

1. Explore your surroundings in nature, in your backyard or on a walk (think: trees, flowers, birds, bugs...)

• Be Curious: Model Asking Questions- “What is this?” “What do you see”, “How does it feel”, “where is it”, “who has it”, Instead of "it", you can say what it is by name. 
• Sensory: Discover using the 5 senses: see, touch, taste, hear, smell. Provide opportunities:  Blueberry Bush, Sand Pit, a nature walk in the woods: looking at flowers or leaves, water play with different sized containers and cups.

• Observe: Connect play to language: “ I see red”, "I hear an airplane”, “stick feels bumpy”, “Scoop water in cup”.
• Make Connections: Make connections with other experiences such as foods, books, other experiences and adventures you have had with your little one.
• Memory: Reflect on what your little one did and talk about it after (later on).

 Sensory Play can be a calming experience where toddlers can express their emotions in a healthy way which leads to less meltdowns.

It also provides a stimulating play and learning experience which leads to less meltdowns. 

Keep in mind sensory preferences and some types of sensory activities may not be preferred or enjoyed as much as others depending on the individual child.