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.

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!

Masks

Masks can bring out the wild in even the shyest of children.

Using masks opens the door for communication.

They transform us.

Masks allow us to be something we are not.

Sometimes we just want to be in a different realm - they help us let loose.

They make us giggle.

Pure entertainment - a chance to be funny and make other people and ourselves laugh.

Perhaps we would like to hide behind our mask.

Hiding in plain sight - why not!

Masks allow us to observe without feeling we are being observed ourselves. 

Even if we don't get them on quite right - we still have fun!

We can transform ourselves quickly without much effort.

Here are some masks to make:

masks.

animal masks

templates - oblong shaped mask

Using masks for ESL:

ESL drama games

PLAY respected!

I think we can all agree that play is the fundamental way in which children learn. We have heard the quote, “Play is the true work of childhood.” Children will thrive intellectually, physically, and socially through play. Simultaneously, communication skills are enhanced through play. During play children will explore, experiment, develop friendships and share on many different levels. So play is definitely the quintessential element in early childhood development.

So where should that play take place? Some advocate mainly outdoor play – while others may suggest both outdoor and indoor play in balance is essential for the children in our charge.  It is my belief that neither is right nor wrong, but simply a preference. I am sure there are many strong opinions on this, which opens a can of worms; however I believe we all have the same goals in mind – the positive, forward development of the child.

So respecting the differences in how play is implemented should be recognized.

Some questions that need answering when providing a quality childcare program may be:

What is your preferred manner of implementing your program to ensure play takes place?

 What if you had no choice in the matter; how would you ensure play takes place?

What portion of your program is dedicated to play?

It can be said that play is innate; however there are those children that need a little encouragement to venture forth. So it is our job to provide the tools to ensure play takes place. This means we have to be astute in laying out the path to affirmative play. I recognize that the majority of Early Childhood Educators are very creative and have their finger on the pulse of what children want and require for developing during play. Some of us do this through music and drama, some through outdoor exploration, some through art and creative activities….. The list goes on, due to the fact that we are all essentially unique in who we are, where we live and the experiences we have had. There is no right and wrong when it comes down to the fact that children are indeed playing. They are indeed thriving and developing into the fully evolved little people we want them to be. The children are flourishing, happy and show us that what we are doing for them is fostering growth.

So why speak of play and how we implement play? Well it goes back to the fact that we know play is essential – play is implemented in many different ways. As long as we are providing an outlet for play and play is taking place on a daily basis – we respect the manner of how play is implemented, our children will benefit. 

An Impromtu game of hockey!

An impromptu game of hockey broke out in our classroom today!
We were stuck inside because of drenching rain and a flooded playground. So what to do? Well sure I provided many suggestions, did some phonics practice, played a few games and read a few books, but the best ideas come from the kids. With dish brush and duster in hand, and a plastic scoop of ice cream for a ball - the game was on! It went on for at least an half hour - cooperatively and with great precision. Thankfully the other children were respectful enough not to interrupt the game. It went so well I may just sneak a couple of those small hockey sticks into the room! :)

Action shots! :)

Love the huggies peeking out the back!

We all have a voice!

There are times in a toddler classroom when we need to encourage children to use their voice - to communicate thier needs, however some children don't have the confidence to speak. They are still unsure of themselves and how they will be understood. Today we brought out a tape recorder to tape the voices of the children so they could hear themselves speak and to encourage those who don't speak - to speak. We will be continuing this exercise for awhile.

Listening intently to how the tape recorder will work.

                                    Listening to the teachers voice but not sure what to make of it.

                                                   Belting out a tune to record our voices.

                                            The reaction to hearing their voices was priceless!

The little boy in orange didn't want to speak into the mic at first, but as you can see he got right into it very quickly - when he saw his friends having so much fun!