Spending time in a toddler room during my placement was an eye-opening and rewarding experience. Every day was filled with laughter, learning, and yes plenty of messy moments! Whether you’re an educator, a daycare owner, or a parent curious about what happens inside a toddler classroom, here’s a glimpse into a typical day.
Morning Drop-Off: The Transition Begins
Mornings in a toddler room start with big hugs and some teary goodbyes. Separation anxiety is common, especially for little ones adjusting to daycare. We had a warm, welcoming routine to ease the transition soft music, favorite toys, and lots of reassurance.
Example: I noticed that a toddler named Lily always cried at drop-off. Over time, we created a special handshake just for her and her teacher. It made her feel secure, and soon, the tears disappeared!
Circle Time: Songs, Stories & Smiles
Once everyone settled in, we gathered for circle time, one of my favorite moments of the day! We sang songs, read stories, and practiced simple movements to get little bodies moving.
Example: One day, we read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and encouraged the toddlers to act out the animals. It was hilarious watching them stomp like a bear and hop like a frog!
Free Play & Learning Stations
Next came free play, where toddlers explored different activity stations:
🎨 Art Corner – Finger painting, scribbling with crayons, or playing with Play-Doh. (Yes, a LOT of handwashing followed!)
🏗 Building Blocks & Puzzles – Little engineers worked on towers (which they loved knocking down, too!).
👩🍳 Dramatic Play – The toy kitchen and dress-up station were always the most popular!
This was where I saw toddlers develop independence. Even a simple activity like putting on a dress-up hat helped them practice problem-solving.
Snack Time & Socializing
Snack time wasn’t just about eating, it was a time to practice patience and sharing. Toddlers learned to sit together, take turns, and even clean up after themselves (with a little help).
Example: A little boy named Max would grab all the crackers first. Over time, with gentle reminders, he started waiting his turn and even offering food to his friends. Small wins like these made my day!
Outdoor Play: Energy Release!
After snack time, it was time to run, climb, and explore outdoors. Whether it was the playground, nature walks, or simple ball games, this was when toddlers burned off energy while developing gross motor skills.
Tip: Fresh air does wonders for toddler moods! A cranky child indoors often turns into a happy explorer outside.
Nap Time: The Quiet Hour (Finally!)
Post-lunch, we dimmed the lights, played soft lullabies, and helped toddlers settle down for a nap. Some needed back rubs or stuffed animals, while others fought sleep until they finally gave in.
I quickly learned that every toddler has a way of self-soothing. Understanding their needs helped create a peaceful nap time.
Afternoon Activities & Pick-Up
The rest of the day was filled with music, sensory play, and storytime before parents arrived. Seeing toddlers run into their parents’ arms, eager to share their day, was always a heartwarming moment.
Final Thoughts
My placement experience in a toddler room taught me that toddlers learn best through routines, patience, and lots of play. Each day brought new challenges, but also incredible moments of joy and growth.
For daycare owners and educators, creating a nurturing space where toddlers feel safe, loved, and encouraged to explore makes all the difference. And for parents, your little ones are learning SO much more than you realize every day!
