Relationships are very important to young children. Struggling to learn their nuclear family is a toddler activity that provides a sense of security and structure in an insecure world. By encouraging toddler learning about the immediate family, you are providing a visual "map" for the child to focus on.
Photos also help young children (and even older children) learn who their relatives are, even if they live far away. A few days before an out-of-state relative comes to call, pull out the photos and introduce the child to the strangers who are coming to visit. These fun family activities prepare children to meet family members.
Using photographs for toddler crats can even help children grasp the concept of death. Using photos, a child can make a collage of treasures--favorite toys, pets, activities, teachers, friends, etc. Later, if a death occurs, this type of activity can spark the discussion of how the treasured person, pet or toy can never be forgotten.
Pictures can also be used to spark toddler learning about alphabets and numbers. Find familiar objects in photos, count familiar objects, use these captured minutes to help a child learn!
Sherry Bowen is a teacher and a mother of two daughters in Buford, Georgia.