Importance of Timing

In Simple Steps: Developmental Activities for Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year Olds, Karen Miller comments on the importance of timing in working with the youngest children:

"Offer an activity when the child is alert, calm, and in a good mood.  It makes sense that an activity will be uninteresting, frustrating, and unsuccessful it the child is tired, not feeling well, fearful, frustrated, or angry....

"Don't make everything available at one time or you will find a distracted and frustrated child, unable to concentrate.  Offer something new when current interest lags....

"It is also important to know when to stop the activity.  Watch the child closely.  Young children, especially infants, have a limited tolerance for stimulation and new things....  Let the child set the pace....

"Resist the urge to interrupt, if some child is concentrating deeply on an activity... let the child play it out unless something urgent requires attention.  Even your own play interactions with the child can interrupt.  However, when you see the child's attention lag, some interaction on your part can prolong the child's involvement.  Try to do the minimum.  Don't take over the scene.  You might play alongside with similar materials and talk to yourself, or move another object close by."

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