Wednesday 02 March 2022
Colleagues ask me what my favourite age group and I generally reply it is the age that I am working with currently. I have now experienced being a Room Lead of both a Preschool, Toddler Room and 18 months to 2yrs so my experience of dealing with Personal, Social and Emotional Development is extensive, as well as having 2 children of my own with very different personalities and traits.
One of my passions and reasons in working with children, is to raise self-esteem and confidence. I feel that when children feel accepted for who they are and loved they relax and aren’t afraid to try and consequently are not self-conscious about making mistakes.
Forest School training was a tremendous turning point for me, it taught me that there is never a wrong stick, and that the outdoor environment is hugely beneficial. Outside children behave differently, especially those with sensory issues for example children who are easily overwhelmed by noisy places or who seek out quiet spots in crowded environments. An environment that has no walls can still be a great learning experience. Nature provides natural treasures, like pinecones, feathers, leaves and children feel the freedom to explore, learning naturally and organically.
Do you feel it when the room starts to get a little crazy? Open the door to outside and whoosh! children released, breath exhaled, and calmness is resumed.
What I love about free flow is giving children the choice to make their decision about what gives them a sense of joy. Children can regulate their own emotions by emerging themselves in a particular activity. It may be whizzing around on a bike, rolling playdough, hiding in the wicker pod, or building with Lego but whatever it is, it should help them to feel relaxed enough to have that learning extended. A child will not learn if they are feeling anxious or worried. Adults at Kamelia Kids are requested to be spread out around the room and as a Key Person knowing your child and their interests makes a huge difference to a child’s sense of wellbeing. Getting to know them, creating a bond, showing “professional love” means so much.
I remember a little girl who was non-verbal and English with Additional Language, her parents were so worried about leaving her. They told me she liked warm milk on her breakfast, so every morning I warmed her milk and always gave her a pink cup (as I knew she loved pink). It took a long time for words to come but one day she asked for the “pirate boots” so she had been taking in everything I said to her. When she left for school, her language was as good as any of the other children in preschool. Her parents gave me a card which read “thank you for the warm milk and all things pink), it made me cry, such a small gesture I made but it obviously meant so much.
The pandemic has made me realise that so many children who start at nursery have had such a small social circle, one parent commented they had not been home to Europe since their daughter was born, so all she knew was her mother and father… imagine coming to nursery and meeting 30 small people all like you! how overwhelming that must be. Kindness means everything and empathy is especially important. Working with parents to understand each unique child and do the best we can for each and everyone.
Tantrums are a natural part of growing up, difficult communicating your feelings results in an over spilling of emotions that need to be aired. Don’t ever say “stop crying” !! how irritating as an adult to be told to “cheer up and smile”, it’s just the same if you’re a little person.
At Kamelia Kids we talk about our feelings, we use sign language, we sing songs, we read books like the Colour Monster, this all helps children make sense of their emotions. We give a label to what we are feeling by saying “it’s ok to be cross …. Billy took your toy, or you are sad because you love mummy. Don’t try and talk a toddler out of a tantrum… when they are so frustrated give them time to cry and then ask them if they want a cuddle, stay close and show concern and calmness. Distraction can work but best of all before the situation gets to breaking point read the situation and divert.
My top tip working with toddlers is to remember that their energy levels can be very high and very low. Transitions need to be as calm as possible and never rushed. We use a tambourine, now and next board and the same language. This helps toddlers know what’s coming next and be able to cope with change. Children of this age get tired quickly especially just before lunch and their nap, so when coming in from the garden, do it in small groups, then a calming story or even better some singing where everyone can participate and feel relaxed ready to wash hands and sit down. A room of hungry toddlers can be extremely volatile! Sometimes I say it’s like having a box of frogs, the lid is opened, and they all go crazy.
Our job is to bring a routine, boundaries and familiarity to a situation so when they do sit down to eat, they can enjoy the process. I always wonder at how 17 children can all go to sleep in one room but with music, a familiar toy and face it happens!
Talking to the team at Kamelia Kids Day Nursery and Beach School gave me a wonderful insight into what works every day…
Nicola - Room Lead said … use distraction and pick your battles. Routine is key. Give them time to process what’s being asked of them. Look after colleagues who have a key child who’s still developing attachment, as this can be very emotionally tiring. Toddlers need lots of outdoor and messy play. Have fun!
Crystal - Senior Early Years Practitioner said … Have patience and give the child time to finish what they’re doing. Take the time to learn about your children, trying to remember siblings and pets’ names. If you are telling stories they don’t have to be boring, remember puppets and silly voices! Do lots of singing! Let the children lead the way, if they want to paint with their hands then YOU paint with your hands too. Don’t be scared to say no, it’s okay to sometimes make children upset, if you help them understand. Having fun makes up for all the bad bits!
Kirsty - Early Years Educator said … Speak to the child at their own level. Use clear and short language.
Louise – Early Years Educator said … Draw on your own experiences and always explain the process and routine as well as give comfort and cuddles and show professional love.
Heidi – Early Years Educator said … Give children time to digest what is being said, give them choice when singing songs (you could use a singing visual aid sack with pictures or objects of reference).
Erin - Early Years Educator said … It’s easy when getting caught up with daily life to think the children know what is happening and what they should be doing but taking a moment and slowing down, talking with them in clear speech, using the visuals or object of reference, can make everything less stressful for the child, which in turn is less stressful for you.
So, my Top Tips for managing children’s wellbeing and emotions are:
Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation No. 1154939.
© 2024 Nevalee Business Solutions Ltd. All Rights Reserved.