30-36 Months: Child to Child -- Observation Record

How does the toddler play with other children?

Toddlers talk to one another, imitate one another, and engage in simple pretend play. They play fairly well together in small groups, even as they guard their possessions by grabbing, refusing, commanding, and hitting. They often need reminders to use words to settle arguments.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Want the same thing–look for the same sand toys her classmate is using at the sand table.
• Grab it–take a cup from a friend at the water table and declare, "That's mine!"
• Read with a friend–look at a familiar book as she sits beside another child.
• Do what her friend does–watch a child build with blocks and do the same thing.
• Join in–participate in simple group activities such as Follow The Leader or March in a Band.

How does this toddler interact with other children? (Include dates.)

How does the toddler show that she is beginning to understand how other children feel?

Toddlers show that they can recognize how other children feel, but they may have a hard time separating those feelings from their own. They need adults to help them learn how to respond to and work out solutions to conflicts.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Get help–run to get the teacher after pushing another child off the swing and making him cry.
• Respond as if it were her–begin to cry when she sees another child who has just had a toileting accident.
• Show appreciation–say, "Thank you," after another child helps to get her riding toy unstuck.
• Give comfort–offer her ball to a child who is crying because he can't get a turn at the easel.
• Offer help–help her friend pick up the crayons that spilled when he was putting them away on the shelf.

In what ways does this toddler show she's beginning to understand how other children feel? (Include dates.)