Imitation and evidence of observation is now seen regularly in Jasmine's play. She sits with her arms folded alongside Daddy, unloads the washing machine on her own initiative and holds her jacket up high in imitation of an ironed shirt being hung on a doorframe.
When called away from her play she automatically places whatever she is playing with in the toy box, even if the floor is strewn with other items.
Jasmine likes to help adults and loves the garden. She helps pick up leaves and twigs to put in Grandad's sack and enjoys using the garden broom.
She shakes her head if she doesn't want to do something, saying 'Nonono', but can usually be coaxed quite easily. New language includes, 'Oh no', or 'Oh dear' when something goes wrong. She also says, 'ball' and calls out excitedly when she sees the dog on the Tweenies television programme, which she calls 'Doodles-doddod-voofvoof'.
Questions
1 Jasmine has begun to enjoy using crayons. What drawing actions might she be making?
2 Jasmine enjoys watching occasional television programmes alongside Mummy.
In what way is this adult involvement important to Jasmine's development?
Answers to part 24 questions (17 April)
1 By the age of two most children can say around 50 words. Some of these are likely to be much clearer than others.
2 Many toddlers become temporarily obsessed with wearing or carrying certain items. Unless they could cause them harm, there is no problem in them taking them to bed. It is pointless to make an issue of something that does no harm to anyone.
3 Toddlers are extremely active, yet their balance and co-ordination are not always as advanced as their intentions. It is therefore important that safety surfaces are in place, and sharp edges are protected. Safety catches on doors and windows are crucial and constant supervision is needed.
Household items that could harm them must be kept well out of reach and medications, bleaches and chemicals safely locked away. This helps minimise accidents.
By Sandy Green, an early years consultant and freelance trainer. She is also Jasmine's grandmother.
