Toddler Mealtime

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 39 second clip of a toddler, Marcos, drinking and pouring milk with support from his teacher.

2. Watch Video: Toddler Mealtime

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 Mealtime

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

Social-Emotional Development

Guiding Principles:

• “Place relationships at the center of curriculum planning” (p. 65)
• “Read and respond to children’s emotional cues” (p. 65)
• “Attend to the environments impact on social-emotional development” (pp. 65-66)
• “Understand and respect individuality”(p. 66)

Learning Contexts:

Environment & Materials:
• “Create a positive environment that allows children to explore freely…”(p. 67)

Interactions: 
• “Offer learning opportunities through caregiving routines” (pp. 69-70)
•  “Model responsive and respectful interactions and behavior”(p. 71)
• “Respect children’s interests” (p. 71)
• “Demonstrate acceptance for all feelings children express” (p. 72)

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)
• “Build on children’s interests.” (p. 87)

Learning Contexts:

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)

Perceptual and Motor Development

Guiding Principles:

• “Recognize the child’s developing abilities” (p. 127)
• “Encourage self-directed movement” (pp. 127-128)
• “Respect individual difference” (p. 128)
• “Be available to children as they move and explore” (p. 130)

Learning Contexts:

Environment & Materials:
• “Choose materials that support perceptual and motor development, focusing on the children’s interests …” (p. 130)
• “Use everyday objects and materials to offer opportunities for perceptual and motor experiences” (p. 132)

Interactions: 
• “Use common routines, activities and behaviors to allow for practice of perceptual and motor skills” (p. 134)