What is moms and tots?
Moms and Tots is a developmental program that incorporates all major areas of learning. These include, gross and fine motor skills, auditory and visual perception, sensory perception, as well as social and problem- solving skills and cognitive development. In addition to this imaginative play is also encouraged during free play in the classroom. We also have fun outings that the whole family can enjoy! We don’t forget about dad either, once a term dads have an opportunity to come to “Dads and Tots”.
It is a program where both mom and tot are able to focus their attention on loving, learning and growing together. This eliminates the painful experience of separation at such a young age. The tot has the comfort and security of Mom close at hand. This enables him to leave mom for short periods of time to explore, knowing that mom is close by.
Why will my child benefit moms and tots?
Children between the age of 1 and 3 years old are in the ‘sensorimotor’ phase of development. This means that they learn through their senses, i.e. touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight. Playing with things such as water, sand, play dough and food helps your child to absorb information through his senses. Messy play is especially beneficial for these senses and fun too!
During the period of 12 to 36 months, your child’s physical capabilities progress from being able to ‘toddle’ unsteadily on his feet – into confident mastery of a broad range of complex physical skills, such as throwing, catching, running, balancing and kicking. Of course, his movement skills continue to develop in subsequent years, but it is in this phase of his life that these advanced physical abilities begin to emerge.
Will my child get messy?
Yes, and this should be encouraged! We do have aprons, but best not dress them in their Sunday best! Messy play is such a vital aspect of their development and it is wonderful for them to get their hands into and feel all the different mediums we offer (including paint).
My tot does not want to do the actions to the songs, why?
A young child has not yet learned how to co-ordinate his body enough to participate in all the actions. This is why we repeat the songs over a period of 5 weeks. They really enjoy predicting which action comes next and will begin to feel confident enough to participate even more. This requires patience and time, though.
How long will it take for her to settle down?
The little ones sometimes feel overwhelmed if they have not had much contact with other tots of the same age. They also need a chance to learn the routine. Generally it takes about 3 weeks to get the hang of the program. This is a guideline, because every child is different, some take a little longer.
Why do we move quickly between activities?
This is for the simple reason that their span of attention is so short. If too long a time is spent on an activity requiring concentration, they get very frustrated. Naturally, a child will gravitate to an activity he enjoys, and they all have their favourites. We encourage participation in all activities, but it is unnecessary to force her to do something she does not want to do.
Is Free Play a waste of time?
Certainly not, the half an hour free play in the beginning gives the tot an opportunity to show you what she enjoys doing and she loves having your focused attention. When a child plays, he learns. He uses senses. He begins to understand how his body moves and functions. He starts to use language to express his needs and desires.
During the last half an hour, when you enjoy your tea and socialise with the other moms, she too, gets to play on the jungle gyms and interact with her peers.
Is she too young for the programme, she has only just started walking?
She will quickly hone in her skills and become an adept walker, give her time! There are a wide variety of skills such as balance and crawling that we focus on, which do not require walking. She learns a great deal from falling and picking herself up to try again.
What should I do if he is throwing a screaming fit in the class?
We all have our bad days and get tired or frustrated. It can be embarrassing if your child does this in front of everyone! Rest assured, we have all been through it! The best way is to take him outside, give him something to drink, calm him, and bring him back in.
He is too shy to sit on the mat for story time.
Tots really enjoy story time; it gives them comfort and encourages their imagination. It may be a good idea to bring his bottle and let him drink during story time. If he is too shy, you could sit on the edge of the mat and hold his hand. Moms are encouraged to help this process by concentrating and refraining from talking to each other during story time.
How often are the toys and equipment cleaned?
In an effort to keep clean and sanitary, toys are cleaned with diluted bleach after each class. This kills all bacteria or viruses that may be unknowingly transmitted by a child. Our obstacle course and gross motor equipment is cleaned before a class commences.
Will the other children make him sick?
Sick, feverish children are encouraged to stay at home. Not only is it important for them to rest while they are sick, it helps children from spreading an infection to others. Luckily, at moms and tots it is easy for you, as a parent to control as you are with your child. There, obviously, can be no guarantee that he wont get sick by a child that may not look or act sick, but may be carrying a bug, that presents days later. Toddlers are very active and resilient and usually bounce back quickly.
Could my tot get hurt?
Our best efforts are made to provide a safe and secure environment. However, accidents can happen! It is your responsibility to look after your child during playtime.
Will she have fun?
Yes, Yes, Yes!!!
I hope you have a wonderful time at moms and Tots!!
