24-30 Months: Learning About Me -- Observation Record

How does the toddler show how she feels about herself?

Toddlers' feelings of competence sometimes lead them to expect more of themselves than they can do. By supporting their different styles of being in the world, adults encourage them to keep trying and learning.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Disappoint herself–insist that she can carry her glass of milk over to the table, then cry when it spills.
• Pretend to be a caregiver–explore being a caregiver while feeding her doll, putting it on her shoulder, and then tucking it into bed.
• Be impatient with herself–dump the puzzle pieces on the table and then feel unhappy with herself until she gets help.
• Feel competent–try to wipe up the paint she spilled and then give a big smile.
• Be the center of attention–call for everyone to look at her as she prances around the room in her firefighter boots or fancy hat.

In what ways does this toddler show how she feels about herself? (Include dates.)

How does the toddler show she is trying to manage her own behavior?

Toddlers feel powerful and want to do things by themselves. They push limits to see how far they can go. Although this can make them appear stubborn and uncooperative at times, it's really about asking adults to set limits so they can find out what they can and can't do.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Make up the rules–insist on a bedtime routine of getting into her pajamas first, then brushing her teeth, then reading a story, and then getting a drink of water.
• Call for help–hang onto the dramatic play hard hat that her classmate wants as she yells, "No, no," and then calls for help from the teacher.
• Accept substitutions–whine when she can't have cookies ,but cheer up when you give her juice.
• Cooperate with you–protest and shake her head when asked to put things away, but join in when you offer to help with the cleanup.
• Need to move–start running around and around while waiting for a snack.

In what ways does this toddler try to manage herself? (Include dates.)

How does the toddler use language and pretend play to express her feelings?

Toddlers' growing use of words enables them to express more clearly how they feel about things. They use words and dramatic play to learn about their fears and try out different moods such as anger, sadness, and joy.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Act fierce–pretend to be a lion and roar at everyone.
• Tell her story–say over and over in a trembling voice, "Mommy go, Mommy go," as she watches her mom walk down the path away from the child-care center.
• Act it out–act out a visit to the doctor as she gives "shots" to her stuffed animals and then cuddles and comforts them, saying, "Okay, you're all right."
• Be happy to help–jump up and down and run over to the table when asked if she would like to help make the fruit salad for lunch.
• Run to safety–walk confidently down the street until she sees a dog coming toward her, and then turn around and run to the safety of her caregiver's arms.

How does this toddler express her feelings? (Include dates.)