I'd find a way to be as inclusive as possible. All of my two year olds participate in our preschool time and they love it!!!

Get her involved in circle time if you have one. Music and movement, fingerplays and flannel board stories are certain to gain her interest.

Provide her with sensory play....clear rubbermaid bins on a table will work well, partially filled with sand and shells, or water and a doll to wash, playdough, etc.

MUSIC....when she is being aggressive or ornery, turn on some tunes and DANCE!!!

Pull out a napmat and encourage an older child to help her do somersaults, burn off some energy.

Give her old shoes, purses and jewelry to play with.

INCLUDE the older children. By nature, they tend to LOVE being helpers, especially with the younger children. When you are woring with one or two older children and the two year old needs attention, ask an older child to play with her. Be sure to give a specific activty or play experience or it could turn into chaos.

Give her jobs.....wet a sponge or give her baby wipes and ask her to clean tables, chairs, light switches, door knobs.....most two year olds LOVE this.

Give her wipies and have her give the dolls a "bath"

As far as speech development....most importantly talk to her, using real words, not baby talk. Hang colorful pictures, posters ad make a "friends and family" photo album. Point out and talk about what's in the pictures and ask her questions....when she points to something and attempts to say what it is, repeat it back to her. Play picture bingo with her, making sure to point out the exact words for each picture. Don't allow her to "lazy talk" to you. If she wants something, pointing and grunting for it doesn't work, she HAS to at least ATTEMPT to state what it is she wants. When she says it the best she can, repeat it back correctly...example....she wants juice, she points to a cup, you ask her what she wants....she keeps pointing....you tell her I need you to use your words, I do not understand what you want when you point....she says cup or juice....you say, oh, I see, you are thirsty and want some juice (or water) in your cup. Be consistent about it and she'll slowly catch on.

Good luck!

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