The room was definitely darker - the flash of the camera certainly brightened it up.
The glow sticks did look amazing in the dark as the tots danced about!
Showing posts with label About Us. Show all posts
Showing posts with label About Us. Show all posts
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Dancing in the dark!
Yesterday it was a dark and gloomy day - we celebrated the day instead of feeling blue - by turning off the lights and making it even darker. We got out some glow sticks and danced to the beat of the drum. Oh what fun!
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Our new couch!
Last night I went to pick up a couch, 'hand made' by the aunt of a friend. I had seen her work on my friends Facebook page and on a FB garage sale page, which my friend had set up! After a discussion with 'Patsy' - the creator of the couch - she made one to match our classroom decor for us to enjoy!
WE LOVE IT!
It matches our decor perfectly!
I could tell the tots felt very special sitting on their very own couch!
The name of Patsy's company is 'Dawns Designs'
telephone: 647-889-4244
email: slawter1959@msn.com
11880 Derry Rd.
Milton, Ontario
Canada
Here are some of her other designs
I love them all!
Each is so unique!
Monday, 5 March 2012
Sharing
As adults we do our utmost to ensure that children are sharing. Why? Because we want children to learn that within a large group there are times when we must should allow others to participate in using the same equipment in a fair and amiable manner. We simply don't have the funds or the resources to provide individual pieces of equipment for each child. We know that no matter what we provide the children will ultimately want the same item.
So how do we teach children to share?
Well - model this! Show children how to share. Set up situations where sharing is to take place and ensure that you are displaying how sharing is implemented. Your are the example for your child. Along side this - point out genuine sharing moments and praise them when they occur.
Toddlers will have a struggle with this - however it is imperative to be consistent in presenting a positive manner in which to share - while still having the 'right' to individual items. This is difficult especially if the child has their own toy in their possession. Even if the toddler reaches out to allow others to touch their toy - without giving the toy up - that in itself is a form of sharing and should be praised.
I am aware this can be a hot topic especially when the toy actually belongs to the toddler.
Must we 'make' the child share what is their personal possession?
There are many opinions on this. Some say, 'let the child have their own toy and keep others from touching it'. While others say, 'do not allow the child to bring personal toys into a childcare situation, where others may want to touch, or take that toy'. This alleviates any arguments or conflicts. Then there is the opinion that if the toy is brought into a group situation the child must learn to share that item. What ever your opinion the ultimate goal should be to teach the child a positive manner in which to deal with moments when sharing is imminent. Respect in this instance is to be foremost. Patience is a virtue.
When we make sharing fun - as in a game situation, there is more likelihood that sharing will take place. Also allowing your child to bring a special treat to share, could result in a better understanding of how others feel when sharing is done in a positive manner.
Keep in mind that toddlers are tenacious, and do not share in a purposeful manner. Developmentally they are just not there. It's a me, me, me age - it's all about them - hence adult intervention is key.
When your job is done correctly, sharing will take place when you least expect it!
The following two pictures were taken at the same play time and the children (2 to 2 1/2 years of age) independently chose these activities. Sharing took place without adult intervention. Praise was given for the sharing moments. The children (with the exception of one) have known one another for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 years. Sharing is instilled in many forms as described above. It appears as though these children are prepared for sharing.
So how do we teach children to share?
Well - model this! Show children how to share. Set up situations where sharing is to take place and ensure that you are displaying how sharing is implemented. Your are the example for your child. Along side this - point out genuine sharing moments and praise them when they occur.
Toddlers will have a struggle with this - however it is imperative to be consistent in presenting a positive manner in which to share - while still having the 'right' to individual items. This is difficult especially if the child has their own toy in their possession. Even if the toddler reaches out to allow others to touch their toy - without giving the toy up - that in itself is a form of sharing and should be praised.
I am aware this can be a hot topic especially when the toy actually belongs to the toddler.
Must we 'make' the child share what is their personal possession?
There are many opinions on this. Some say, 'let the child have their own toy and keep others from touching it'. While others say, 'do not allow the child to bring personal toys into a childcare situation, where others may want to touch, or take that toy'. This alleviates any arguments or conflicts. Then there is the opinion that if the toy is brought into a group situation the child must learn to share that item. What ever your opinion the ultimate goal should be to teach the child a positive manner in which to deal with moments when sharing is imminent. Respect in this instance is to be foremost. Patience is a virtue.
When we make sharing fun - as in a game situation, there is more likelihood that sharing will take place. Also allowing your child to bring a special treat to share, could result in a better understanding of how others feel when sharing is done in a positive manner.
Keep in mind that toddlers are tenacious, and do not share in a purposeful manner. Developmentally they are just not there. It's a me, me, me age - it's all about them - hence adult intervention is key.
When your job is done correctly, sharing will take place when you least expect it!
The following two pictures were taken at the same play time and the children (2 to 2 1/2 years of age) independently chose these activities. Sharing took place without adult intervention. Praise was given for the sharing moments. The children (with the exception of one) have known one another for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 years. Sharing is instilled in many forms as described above. It appears as though these children are prepared for sharing.
Sharing one puzzle - taking turns to put the puzzle together.
Sharing a train set - each putting the tracks together as a team and dividing the cars equally!
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Dental health
Toddlers need to brush their teeth!
I feel funny saying this but, there are some people that don't introduce their toddlers to tooth brushing.
Healthy teeth means a healthy body - so it is very important for the teeth to be brushed at least twice per day.
Some parents have a concern over using fluoride toothpaste. It's OK to use fluoride toothpaste as long as you are encouraging spitting out and only a small pea sized amount is placed on the brush.
Then there is the fact that some parents don't have time for a battle to brush a toddlers teeth. All I can say to that is who's the boss? A good way to get around that battle is to introduce tooth brushing as early as possible and make it part of your daily routine. Parents can model good hygiene habits. Children will emulate parents behaviour, so if you are brushing so will they.
I have always introduced dental care in my classroom. Why? Well it is evident that some children are not practising good dental care by the odour emitted from their mouth and the fact that food can be seen on the teeth - and yes, some children come to school without their mouth wiped after they have eaten.
Practise makes perfect!
Halloween is when I start introducing dental care. Halloween hygiene!
Then throughout the year we revisit the issue to see who is in a good routine of tooth brushing. Which brings me to a great chart that I was privy to through an email contact here at Kreative Resources.
I was given this link to print out individual toothbrushing charts for each child to use at home. I must say I was impressed with the chart - but there was no futher information to present to parents. I felt it required a cover letter introducing the chart with some healthy dental tips for parents and a brief description on how to implement the chart. So I found myself creating my own so that parents would get why I was sending this home. I also would have loved some insentive stickers to place in the areas indicated - showing that tooth brushing had taken place. These could have been offered as a print out or through a mail in offer. The chart also says you win at the end - children will want to know what they win. We as adults get that they win because they have healthy clean teeth but children want something tangible. I always give out toothbrushes in my classroom - but along with the chart there could have been a certificate to print off indicating success.
It was suggested that the children take their chart to their own dentist to show the success they have had - because most dentists do have rewards to offer the children - good idea - as long as the dentist are on board and are aware of the chart and it's value. Again a cover letter to take along with the completed chart for the dentist would be great. This letter could include informing the dentist that this was a part of a school insentive to promote good dental care and a link where we got the chart so that the dentist could also pass the information along to their other patients.
All in all - I loved the chart and the chart was completed by 7 of the 17 children I have in my class. One family asked for another chart, because their son was routine oriented and enjoyed using the chart. Some used their own stickers to fill out the chart - while others simply had their child colour it in. Both well done!
I feel funny saying this but, there are some people that don't introduce their toddlers to tooth brushing.
Healthy teeth means a healthy body - so it is very important for the teeth to be brushed at least twice per day.
Some parents have a concern over using fluoride toothpaste. It's OK to use fluoride toothpaste as long as you are encouraging spitting out and only a small pea sized amount is placed on the brush.
Then there is the fact that some parents don't have time for a battle to brush a toddlers teeth. All I can say to that is who's the boss? A good way to get around that battle is to introduce tooth brushing as early as possible and make it part of your daily routine. Parents can model good hygiene habits. Children will emulate parents behaviour, so if you are brushing so will they.
I have always introduced dental care in my classroom. Why? Well it is evident that some children are not practising good dental care by the odour emitted from their mouth and the fact that food can be seen on the teeth - and yes, some children come to school without their mouth wiped after they have eaten.
Practise makes perfect!Halloween is when I start introducing dental care. Halloween hygiene!
Then throughout the year we revisit the issue to see who is in a good routine of tooth brushing. Which brings me to a great chart that I was privy to through an email contact here at Kreative Resources.
I was given this link to print out individual toothbrushing charts for each child to use at home. I must say I was impressed with the chart - but there was no futher information to present to parents. I felt it required a cover letter introducing the chart with some healthy dental tips for parents and a brief description on how to implement the chart. So I found myself creating my own so that parents would get why I was sending this home. I also would have loved some insentive stickers to place in the areas indicated - showing that tooth brushing had taken place. These could have been offered as a print out or through a mail in offer. The chart also says you win at the end - children will want to know what they win. We as adults get that they win because they have healthy clean teeth but children want something tangible. I always give out toothbrushes in my classroom - but along with the chart there could have been a certificate to print off indicating success.
It was suggested that the children take their chart to their own dentist to show the success they have had - because most dentists do have rewards to offer the children - good idea - as long as the dentist are on board and are aware of the chart and it's value. Again a cover letter to take along with the completed chart for the dentist would be great. This letter could include informing the dentist that this was a part of a school insentive to promote good dental care and a link where we got the chart so that the dentist could also pass the information along to their other patients.
All in all - I loved the chart and the chart was completed by 7 of the 17 children I have in my class. One family asked for another chart, because their son was routine oriented and enjoyed using the chart. Some used their own stickers to fill out the chart - while others simply had their child colour it in. Both well done!
Coloured in and stickers - both work!
Here is a reward certificate:
I personally love the one above and this is the one I am presenting to my kids!
Some informative links:
Other charts:
I hope this post will encourage you to promote good dental hygine and to make it a part of your curriculum.
Please include how you practice good Dental Health!
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Caring Friends!
Friendships grow in our classroom! 
Sometimes one recognizes when a little comfort and mentoring needs to be put in place -
and the adults don't have to say a word!
Saturday, 31 December 2011
2011's Favorites!
If I had to pick our readers 2011's favourite posts here on Kreative Resources I wouldn't have been able to do it - but the stats show that you all enjoyed my Texture Boards the most. If any of you made your own I would love to see your variation.
Then storage ideas seemed to be an important choice - we all need storage ideas for our classrooms - since space is usually at a premium.
Then bulletin board ideas was an attraction. I like to see what others create as well - it inspires me to keep up with creative new boards when ever possible!
Next came sensory activities. I love making these and the kids love playing with them!
I would really love more feedback in 2012 - so that I can provide things which interest you or some inspiration for new sharing in 2012.
Teaching Essentials
It's amazing how each and every year I add to my stash of essential resources for teaching. Those resources have certainly changed over the years. Especially since technology has changed. I think of all the things I have provided for the children in my charge with out technology. Not to mention the hours and hours of prep time it took to make sure I could provide all I had envisioned in my mind.
At this time in my career I have a few essential tools to help with my task of providing a full and fun program.
First I got on to a computer - I am a late bloomer - I have only been on the computer since approximately 1990 (perhaps later than that). Wow this computer thing is really cool eh?! LOL Having really good programs is important to assisting in the creation of all those ideas stashed in my brain! I have had many different publisher programs - which I adore - I couldn't live without them. Now I have a husband who is 'Mr. Computer' and he can add anything I request. Of course that means that a printer is in order because you definitely have to print off all those ideas that you find and create!
The best part about being on the computer is meeting all the other great educators through blogging - Facebook and other social networks. Those people inspire me like I have never been inspired before!
I am just so happy I am able to have all the resources I find essential to creating the things I want to enhance my classroom and my activities!
At this time in my career I have a few essential tools to help with my task of providing a full and fun program.
First I got on to a computer - I am a late bloomer - I have only been on the computer since approximately 1990 (perhaps later than that). Wow this computer thing is really cool eh?! LOL Having really good programs is important to assisting in the creation of all those ideas stashed in my brain! I have had many different publisher programs - which I adore - I couldn't live without them. Now I have a husband who is 'Mr. Computer' and he can add anything I request. Of course that means that a printer is in order because you definitely have to print off all those ideas that you find and create!
The best part about being on the computer is meeting all the other great educators through blogging - Facebook and other social networks. Those people inspire me like I have never been inspired before!
The next important thing for me is a laminator - I LOVE MY LAMINATOR!
I recently had to purchase a new one since I jammed up my older one.
That was a sad day - I wanted to cry! :( Fellow laminator addicts know what I mean!
Now I have recently purchased Cricuts - OMG my new addiction!
If you don't know what they are - they are personal die cut machines to make letters and images for bulletin boards - calendars - class projects etc. Some people use them for scrap booking!
I got mine from Kijiji - the large machine was only used once - just not the ladies cup of tea - her hubby bought it for her as a Birthday present - she's not a crafty person. The small machine I got from a young lady who updated hers to a larger machine - it is in immaculate condition. I have already used both and they work like a dream - I can't wait to put up my bulletin board and have the children make their first project! I will definitely post pictures when I get back to school in a week or so.
I am so glad I have hobbies where I make additional income - because that paid for my new toys. :)
I got the 2 machines and 4 cartridges plus a 'Jukebox' (seen below) for the price of one of the smaller machines, retail.
Pictured below is the Jukebox - which holds up to 6 cartridges.
I don't have to keep switching cartridges as I create.
Here are the cartridges which have the designs available to cut.
Each one has many choices and there are many others available.
I am just so happy I am able to have all the resources I find essential to creating the things I want to enhance my classroom and my activities!
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Speed Racers
In my classroom I have a lot of boys - boys with tons of energy. No matter how much we move, they want to move some more. We even play hockey inside our classroom! Dues to this, I ended up buying mini hockey sticks with sponge balls and we took the hockey game to the gym.
We also made sure the girls got involved.
There is no lack of gross motor movement in our day. We even get up during our circle activities while we are teaching things like the ABC's, to 'shake our sillies out'. All this on top of our daily outdoor recess times.
So again - no matter how much we move, they want to move some more!
I get a little nervous when they do this - there have been some face planting moments - but I don't want to be a total party pooper and tell them to stop all together, so I simply ask them to slow down.
There is no lack of gross motor movement in our day. We even get up during our circle activities while we are teaching things like the ABC's, to 'shake our sillies out'. All this on top of our daily outdoor recess times.
So again - no matter how much we move, they want to move some more!
Which leads us to the new daily activity which the boys spontaneously get involved in. They race around the room as fast as they can - pushing the cars and trucks available on our toy shelf.
They go so fast it was even hard to take these pictures!
So they haven't really slowed down at all!
Yikes!
Saturday, 24 December 2011
Wishes!
Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - thanks for following Kreative Resources!
We hope to share much more fun and adventure with you in 2012!
We hope to share much more fun and adventure with you in 2012!
Thursday, 22 December 2011
How to tame a toddler!
I often get asked how I can deal with a room full of toddlers all day, and my response is, “With LOVE”!
I really enjoy toddlers – when they come to me they are still babies, some still on formula and in fact last year I had a little 16 month old boy who couldn’t even walk! Within a two week period I had him walking and interacting with the other children with great vigor. We are now ‘buddies’!
Success in the toddler room comes with a lot of hugs, sweat and tears, both theirs and mine! However we all pull through. J When the toddlers leave me they are little students ready to take on the world. That makes me very happy and proud!
I really enjoy toddlers – when they come to me they are still babies, some still on formula and in fact last year I had a little 16 month old boy who couldn’t even walk! Within a two week period I had him walking and interacting with the other children with great vigor. We are now ‘buddies’!
Success in the toddler room comes with a lot of hugs, sweat and tears, both theirs and mine! However we all pull through. J When the toddlers leave me they are little students ready to take on the world. That makes me very happy and proud!
Sometimes toddlers are extremely challenging, after all they are at the “it’s all about me stage of life”. Each child is vying for my attention for the entire time they are with me. I have learned to bounce four toddlers on my knee at one time. I can play cars with seven tots, all shooting cars down a ramp at me simultaneously. I can also put multiple toddlers to sleep at the same time; I have learned to rub backs with my feet (kidding – maybe – LOL).
All kidding aside there are little tricks to the trade when dividing my undivided attention with 15 toddlers at the same time. First on a rainy day I can whip up a mean batch of play dough and provide a multitude of tools to manipulate this squishy, much loved concoction. [Editor's note: click here for a play-dough recipe.] This keeps at least 10 of them occupied while I colour with the remainder of ‘friends’. Funny thing is though when they are finished colouring, I am still sitting at the table completing my work of art.
Second, I have learned to provide a room full of very interesting activities, which get rotated and added to on a regular basis. There is no such thing as getting bored in my classroom. Garage sales are my friend! I can get inexpensive resources to ensure there are objects to explore, that have not been explored before. If I can’t find any I create my own. Topping that, I network with other Early Childhood Educators who not only inspire me, but they ensure that I am on my best game.
Alongside these points you have to ‘believe’ in the fact that at the toddler stage of life, their brains are like sponges, and toddlers must be given credit for being far more intelligent and capable than people give them.
Second, I have learned to provide a room full of very interesting activities, which get rotated and added to on a regular basis. There is no such thing as getting bored in my classroom. Garage sales are my friend! I can get inexpensive resources to ensure there are objects to explore, that have not been explored before. If I can’t find any I create my own. Topping that, I network with other Early Childhood Educators who not only inspire me, but they ensure that I am on my best game.
Alongside these points you have to ‘believe’ in the fact that at the toddler stage of life, their brains are like sponges, and toddlers must be given credit for being far more intelligent and capable than people give them.
That is all well and good but, what about the times when I have some behavioural issues in the classroom? Well I have developed a manner of selecting when the ‘quiet voice’ is used and when the ‘serious voice’ is used. How does that work? Let’s just say you get more bees with honey than you do with vinegar. However I do admit the ‘grumpy voice’ has reared its ugly head from time to time. Hey I’m human! I have also realized that I will NEVER get Botox – facial expressions in a toddler room are gold! *smirk* :/
I could babble on with some other ‘stuff’ or jargon, but will it make sense to anyone but me? I don’t want to bore you!
So what does all this come down to? What am I saying here? Well nothing really! LOL
I just resort back to my first point – LOVE! Just love them! If you truly love the children – love your job and love the experiences you have each and every day – you will be a toddler expert.
What does any child need? LOVE! They need to feel secure – they need to know they are cared for and that they have meaning in your life! The children light up my day – I feel joy when I see them come into the classroom. We have a connection. We ‘get each other’.
What does any child need? LOVE! They need to feel secure – they need to know they are cared for and that they have meaning in your life! The children light up my day – I feel joy when I see them come into the classroom. We have a connection. We ‘get each other’.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
One of 2011's Best New Education Blogs!
I was honoured to be nominated in the edublog awards as one of the best new education blogs for 2011 - we are mentioned in this article on the Edudemic website. Don't forget to check out some of my favorite blogging sites - which I love - that are mentioned as well!
Flights of Whimsy
Exploring the Outdoor Classroom
Happy Hooligans
Learning For Life
Teaching Blog Addict
Flights of Whimsy
Exploring the Outdoor Classroom
Happy Hooligans
Learning For Life
Teaching Blog Addict
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Our Toddlers Shave! :)
Today we had a spontaneous experience - which was brought on by someone claiming they had a moustache! LOL I told the little lad that he was much too young for a moustache so we had to shave it off. Then some of his friends decided they would shave as well - claiming they too had moustaches.
So off to the bathroom we went with shaving cream in hand!
Lathering up!
Like this?
Some of us may have gotten carried away!
Even the girls got involved!
What?
So off to the bathroom we went with shaving cream in hand!
Lathering up!
Like this?
Some of us may have gotten carried away!
Even the girls got involved! 
What?We didn't use a razor - we simply wiped it off with paper towel but it was sooooo fun!
Deborah Stewart from Teach Preschool has a good suggestion below - use a craft stick to shave it off!
If this wasn't such an impromptu activity we may have thought of that - LOL
Monday, 31 October 2011
Halloween Hygiene
So in my house we hand out Halloween pencils with erasers - no candy here - I want the kiddies to be healthy! Today in my classroom we talked about the fact that we should brush our teeth after we eat all the sugary treats. We practiced how we would do that.
I think everyone did a great job - now hopefully they will do it at home on a regular basis!
 |
| These are the cute little brushes we gave the kids to take home! |
Sunday, 9 October 2011
A peaceful classroom
I am quite amazed and bless at how peacefully the day starts in our classroom each day. I attribute that to the fact that we have many things of interest to explore and the children are free to explore as they wish. We do have routine activities that I expect the children to be involved in - such as circle time. However the freedom and the variety of age appropriate and individualized activities of interest, assists the children in making good decisions on how to spend their time. There are also enough things for each child to have their own activity without infringing on someone elses freedom to choose.
The photos below were taken on Thursday morning. All the children came in and went directly to the areas which interested them - without prodding - without suggestion. They all played quietly and cooperatively! A smile came to my face when I realized I could hear a pin drop and yet the room was full of toddlers. They were so immersed in play that they had no time for nonsense or trouble making! :)
The photos below were taken on Thursday morning. All the children came in and went directly to the areas which interested them - without prodding - without suggestion. They all played quietly and cooperatively! A smile came to my face when I realized I could hear a pin drop and yet the room was full of toddlers. They were so immersed in play that they had no time for nonsense or trouble making! :)
Monday, 19 September 2011
A break through day!
There are many reasons why I work with children. There is a certain joy I get when I see hurdles overcome and the proverbial light bulb going off over the children's heads.
Last year a little boy joined my toddler classroom, about halfway through the year. He was only part time, and he even missed some of those days. While I had him, I worked hard to assimilate him into the classroom. Whilst being cognisant of his personal boundaries and maintaining an understanding that this was a new experience for him. It was obvious at the onset that his little boy had some special needs, this was backed up by a phone conversation with his pediatrician (who had requested a conversation with me). This little boy was autistic. Not severely, but definitely showing characteristics of autism. As a mother of an autistic son, and a Developmental Care Worker with over 30 years experience, I was aware that the diagnosis his pedieatrican was going to share with me, was what I had suspected. Although his family did not share this with me. Any way, my first goal for this little boy was to get him comfortable in his new surroundings, with the hopes that he would one day join us at circle time, and participate in the group activities set out for the day.
Today that goal was accomplished! We had been slowly getting him to sit during circle activities a little bit at a time, and the past few times he has sat the entire time. (Insert big grin) Today I was selecting each child to come up and select a colour to match and show the class. When I called up this little boy he did it! He came when I called his name - he took the colour to match - matched it - then went and sat back down!!!! Yippy! I was on cloud nine - I was so happy for him and he was happy with himself! I see many awesome days ahead for this little boy! He will accomplish a lot!
When I experience a 'Break through day', I continue to hold steadfast on the path I am taking, while teaching little minds.
Last year a little boy joined my toddler classroom, about halfway through the year. He was only part time, and he even missed some of those days. While I had him, I worked hard to assimilate him into the classroom. Whilst being cognisant of his personal boundaries and maintaining an understanding that this was a new experience for him. It was obvious at the onset that his little boy had some special needs, this was backed up by a phone conversation with his pediatrician (who had requested a conversation with me). This little boy was autistic. Not severely, but definitely showing characteristics of autism. As a mother of an autistic son, and a Developmental Care Worker with over 30 years experience, I was aware that the diagnosis his pedieatrican was going to share with me, was what I had suspected. Although his family did not share this with me. Any way, my first goal for this little boy was to get him comfortable in his new surroundings, with the hopes that he would one day join us at circle time, and participate in the group activities set out for the day.
Today that goal was accomplished! We had been slowly getting him to sit during circle activities a little bit at a time, and the past few times he has sat the entire time. (Insert big grin) Today I was selecting each child to come up and select a colour to match and show the class. When I called up this little boy he did it! He came when I called his name - he took the colour to match - matched it - then went and sat back down!!!! Yippy! I was on cloud nine - I was so happy for him and he was happy with himself! I see many awesome days ahead for this little boy! He will accomplish a lot!
When I experience a 'Break through day', I continue to hold steadfast on the path I am taking, while teaching little minds.
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Let them do it!
There are many times when we could simply do things for our children to save time and to get tasks completed promptly, then we can move on to something new. But are we really helping our children if we do everything for them? In my classroom I work on skill development and building independence. Sometimes that means we simply have to allow our children to struggle a little, even if that means they may be the last one to join in on an activity or circle time. We may feel a little guilty for not jumping in and doing things for our kids to alleviate any stress - for them and us. We may even get frustrated because time is ticking. However we are giving our children a great gift when we let them discover and achieve things on their own. The sense of accomplishment when a job is well done shows on their little faces - that to me is priceless and supports the efforts.
I have had other teachers who come into my toddler room and say "Oh but they are so little, we should do it for them." My answer is, "Why?" If we always do each and ever task for our children they may never feel the satisfaction of achievement and they may even hesitate to try new things without an adult hovering over them to direct every move. Exploration and discovery in the early years of life is essential to healthy development. So I say, "Let them do it"! Supporting success is an imperative part of my job!
I have had other teachers who come into my toddler room and say "Oh but they are so little, we should do it for them." My answer is, "Why?" If we always do each and ever task for our children they may never feel the satisfaction of achievement and they may even hesitate to try new things without an adult hovering over them to direct every move. Exploration and discovery in the early years of life is essential to healthy development. So I say, "Let them do it"! Supporting success is an imperative part of my job!
Today my little friend put on his own shoes - he was the last one to come to story time but he came with a big smile on his face! :)
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