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TOPIC 3 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS 
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exploration will allow the adults or caregivers to spend more time with infants and toddlers in social activities and less time on managing the space.
ACTIVITY 3.2
1. Compare and contrast the differences between infantsÊ and toddlersÊ floor plans.
2. Based on your comparison, design your own infantsÊ and toddlersÊ floor plans.
• InfantsÊ and toddlersÊ space is environment that is developmentally appropriate, comfortable, safe, healthy, supportive and stimulating for very young children.
• The best design of such a space should provide frequent opportunities for them to learn and control their body in space using their five senses. This space should have stimulating sensory input which contains a large variety of manipulative objects, a variety of textured crawling or moving surfaces.
• Enriched spaces for infants and toddlers must encourage movement and exploration. This space should help infants and toddlers to feel comfortable and safe to engage in a variety of tasks that match their abilities and development.
• Touch and movement are the earliest ways in which the infants come to know him or herself and the world around them. For small children like infants and toddlers, touch and movement form the base for more complex learning processes.
• Touch develops since birth and it makes infants and toddlers feel safe and secure. It is the main way in which infants learn about their environment. The sense of touch allows infants and toddlers to determine an objectÊs size, shape, weight and texture. It also helps them to identify if an object causes pain or pleasure.
• Developing movements in infant lays the foundation for their future development. Movement in environment not only helps infants strengthen their muscles and develop their motor skills, but also helps them to enhance their cognitive development.
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