Ms. Lulu, Friendship Garden Toddler Teacher, wrote this blog, it has been edited slightly and shared with permission.

We often giggle that it probably looks like the teachers are just kind of hanging out, but what are we really doing? We spend much of the day in close observation of each child, adjusting the “other teacher/ the third teacher”, their environment, to meet their interests and explorations as they unfold. 

This might appear like a laidback approach but this Reggio Emilia style of childcare lets the teachers build strong bonds with each child while nurturing their natural independence, social skills, and problem solving. We often say that Friendship Garden children are “built different”! 😂💗

When they are ready our kiddos fly down the slides, swing on all kinds of stuff, climb trees, navigate complex pretend play scenarios that can last an entire day, read through books with a teacher, jump from the tops of the climbers (and somehow never get a scratch) and much more. 

We are grateful in the toddler class to set the initial path for self-esteem, love of nature and joy in independent thinking. It’s important to all of us teachers to make the children feel like they are at a home away from home where each child is like a member of the family. 

Basically, your kiddos mean a lot to us and we’re a bit nerdy about their development and growth behind the scenes 😂

written by Lulu