What really matters- Social Engagement with you- Ball Play offers lots of different paths for learning. I picked up on the social connectedness that motivated much ball play. Whit was very interested in taking me over to the ball and demonstrating that she knew what a ball was and could say “Ball”, in addition to showing off her new tossing skills  (see video). In the video, notice how Whitney says ball after each toss to communicate and connect with me. Whit is very aware of the social rules of engaging us adults and establishing that connection and bond is the motivation and context for lots of play.

How to put it into practice-

Tuning In- Picking up on the social context for play requires the simple recognition that us adults are a key variable in the play and exploration process. Our toddlers figure out the  “Rules of Engagement” and continue to refine their ability to draw us in with an ever increasing array of tools. Whit uses her new language tools by saying “ball” as she knows I enjoy hearing hear new word skills.

Bridging-  As mentioned in the period/stage overview (Toddler Q2), reinforce desirable behavior with descriptive praise. I tried to re-enforce that yes I love it when she says her words by repeating her and saying “Yes, that is a ball! you can throw it.” Our little ones crave attention and by lavishing palpable excitement upon positive behaviors and healthy connections will propel that behavior.