From a Toddler's Point of View
The other week after observing a tentative toddler at the light table in the Studio I wondered if I had ever really looked at this room from the perspective of a toddler- 25 inches off the ground. I’ve gotten on the floor probably hundreds of times in the past 10 years here, but had I ever really experienced all the corners of our space as a toddler might?
Having my own 18 month old at home has uncovered new questions in my work. Maybe I’ve said this before? No longer do I see what I do from strictly an educator’s perspective- I now see it work through tired, freshman-parent eyes. These eyes are now learning just how real it is to parent a willful, exploratory, energetic toddler. In the hope to tie new connections between work and home I grabbed the camera and got on the studio floor.
From my observations over the years I know that while pleasant and vibrant, our space is large and therefore overwhelming for some small people.
My time on the floor offered me more questions than answers . Is our entry welcoming for toddlers? Do we provide the right visual engagement at their level? Is our furniture conducive to toddler and toddler/parent participation? Do parents of toddlers feel at ease here? Does how I focus the camera match how a toddler sees our space?
As I explore these questions with Diana and our volunteers, I want to hear from you. Have you seen your space - be it your home or classroom, from a young child’s perspective? Did it lead you to make any changes? If so, what was the reaction?
