Learner Natalie McQuade
LearnerForum Replies Created
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A good daily schedule is predictable, but flexible. I think that having a good mix of free choice and more structured activities will ensure that the children get to explore while also having some times where they work with other children or try a specific type of activity. I also think that having smooth transitions can help, so singing while you move from activity to activity could provide an additional cue that we are moving along in the schedule.
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A good early learning environment is functional and nurturing, but one of the most important aspects is if it is safe. By placing furniture strategically, children can be seen at all times by their educators and to slow the movement of traffic to encourage walking feet.
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First by approaching in a way that is respectful and shows a sense of care for the child and the family, then using words that show that parents and educators are a team. After stating your concerns, ask for their input, then both of us can think of potential ways forward, and ultimately it is important to remind the family that you and all educators want to support their child as best as we can.
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Conducting observations ensure that educators are taking time to intentionally focus on what one specific child is doing. And then by documenting these observations, the educator is able to see the progress that a specific child is making and then sharing that information with the child’s parents or center leadership. By looking at a child’s progress you are able to notice their strengths and challenges, so you know what areas you as an educator should support more than others.
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I think screen time in early childhood settings should be extremely limited. Children learn language, socioemotional skills, and executive function skills by interacting with people (peers and caregivers) in person, face-to-face. By limiting any screen time in the early childhood learning center, then parents of older children (3-5 years of age) can have around an hour of screen time at home. For example if a parent would like to make dinner, but need to occupy their child, they may choose to put on a child-friendly show. That type of distraction shouldn’t be needed in a childcare center and hopefully us as early childhood education providers we can rely on our planned activities, music time, and made-up games instead of screen time.
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Early childhood educators can create serve and return situations for older children by asking questions that are developmentally appropriate for the children to respond to. If the child is younger joint attention can create serve and return situations where the child can reach or point to an object and because the educator is also looking at that abject they can help them reach for it or play with it.