s Bright Horizons’ learning programme for twos reflects the transitional nature of the child's third year of life. The programme is designed for each child to make the transition from the sensori-motor world of toddlers to an increasingly social world and the onset of symbolic thinking.

Power of Communication

Twos are exploding in their power to communicate, to move purposely, to assert their independence and individuality, and to control their important bodily functions. The twos’ experience is similar to adolescence in that it is transitional. In the same way that adolescence stands between childhood and adulthood, twos are moving from the total dependence of babyhood to the more independent, mobile world of preschoolers. Like teenagers, twos are often frustrated with being in-between. They swing back and forth and often are conflicted by what they really want to do. Their imagination and desire often exceed their competence. Twos need manageable challenges and mastery experience. They need a relaxed environment that allows for frequent changes in moods, interests, and capabilities. Twos, in particular, need staff to be learning consultants who accept them in their entire inconsistent behaviour, setting limits calmly and firmly when necessary.

Learning Environments and Activities

The twos learning environment has well-planned learning centres that allow for child-initiated play, small groups, and supportive teaching that lays down firm foundations for developing positive attitudes and dispositions for learning throughout life. The development of language, mathematical reasoning, and scientific thought is emphasised throughout all Bright Horizons centres. Changes to the learning environment, activities, and projects are based on observations and assessments of emerging skills, interests and individual learning goals. Learning centres offer guided experiences that encompass all the skills and understandings necessary for optimum development and success in school.

Some of the learning centres you will find in a twos room

Language/Library: A well-resourced book area which is warm and inviting for young readers.

Action/Movement: A range of resources and activities to promote physical skills such climbing, balancing and co-ordination.

Construction/Blocks: Blocks are universally popular for imaginative and creative constructions that incorporate mathematical problem-solving.

Discovery/Science: A hands-on learning centre for exploring, investing and experimenting. From growing cress to watching the African snail move.

Role Play/Imaginative Play: An area for imitating life and trying out different roles with realistic props.

Outdoor Learning: The outdoor area provides for physical development, gardening and role play. We aim to provide similar learning experiences to those inside.

Art/Creative Expression: A range of activities for creative expression including paints, crayons, glue and clay.

Music: Exploring musical instruments and creating music with shakers, bells and xylophones.

Sensory: Sand and Water. Both sand and water are ‘open ended’ resources that provide a timeless fascination for exploring scientific and mathematical concepts

Table Toys/Manipulatives: These include puzzles, threading, peg boards - all important for developing hand and eye co-ordination, mathematical skills of sorting and classifying, and problem-solving.

Throughout the day, children make self-directed and guided choices, participate in planned activities with small groups, join in brief circle-times with the whole group, and reflect upon and document their learning experiences. Children are guided to critical learning experiences that form the building blocks of healthy development. Using the required regulatory framework (see side bar for country-specific detail) and knowledge of the children and families as a framework, staff use their talent and expertise to plan. adapt, and invent learning centres and learning activities that best support the children’s learning and development..

Our aim is create a place that invites children to explore, question, investigate, create and imagine. A place where skillful staff support learning and development so as to enable children to achieve their full potential.

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We are very confident that our World at Their Fingertips programme mirrors the core principles and standards outlined in Síolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education developed by CECDE.