The Goddard School’s Post

Play is the work of children we know this, but what we don't know is how to respect it. As educators and parents we are programmed to "hijack or interrupt play" Do you know the stages of play? Do you know how to support the natural curiosity of young children? In this short conversation we unpack create joyful, low-stress classrooms where children's social-emotional development can thrive through respecting their natural play. We discuss the four stages of play unfold, we also explore ways to shift from conditional approval to unconditional appreciation and love. 

This video of our kids playing at the beach when they were young, made me stop and reflect on the powerful lessons kids can teach us. Do you ever envy how present and joyful little kids are? Whether they're giggling with delight over bubbles or completely absorbed in building a block tower, young children live fully in each moment. As adults, we tend to dwell on the past or worry about the future, losing that childlike wonder and contentment we once effortlessly inhabited. We let responsibilities, goals, and societal pressures pull us out of the now. But we can learn a thing or two from our tiny teachers. Kids embrace ordinary moments with their whole selves—dancing as if no one's watching, marveling at tiny insects, feeling emotions intensely. They can be upset one minute and then completely let it go the next. What would it look like to recapture that presence? To soak in little delights without judging them as silly or unimportant? To give our full attention to the task or person before us? Let's remind ourselves that the present is a gift. Our little gurus can inspire us back to what matters most.

When observing children, and looking at how they play with toys, it's important that they're able to use the toy and they're able to have fun with it. But that it also challenges them so that they're able to reach a new milestone and grow to the next level. Watch the full story here 🐧👾 https://hubs.li/Q02d8dRp0

We as parents want all good things for our kids and only positive experiences in life for them..But once the kids grow up in life they face the reality of adulthood. Professional Vibes has come up with new video Do not say "Yes" when you have to say "No" to your kids. For parents it is important to understand and get this very clear... Pls watch and share the link https://lnkd.in/gkYgZzi5

How often do you speak with someone completely different to yourself? When you change career to teach you meet pupils from many different backgrounds. You break out of a corporate bubble and suddenly you are in a classroom with teenagers who have a very different view of the world. Because of the experience Now Teachers have had in the "real world", they have a perspective to show pupils, and hopefully open windows of opportunity the pupils wouldn't otherwise have. But in reverse, pupils invariably teach the teachers what it is like to be a young person in 2024. That new perspective is refreshing, eye-opening and just that bit more interesting than another corporate lunch. Not every will lesson go to plan, but if you can build relationships with your students, you will almost certainly find a new view of the world. So, how often do you speak with someone completely different to yourself? https://lnkd.in/eSjmbuu7

Becca Owen so glad you posted this! Keeping it simple is best. When we try to truly comprehend the enormity of the influence we all have as both educators and parents on the children we teach and raise in these first five years it can feel, somewhat, overwhelming at times. However, it seems fitting that in the rather complex and over complicated educational landscape that we find ourselves in today that it takes a seven year old to succinctly and powerfully deliver a very simple message to us all. Be present, play, have fun with your child and limit the screen time and you won't go far wrong in helping to raise a child who is healthy, thriving and happy. I would also mention the need to ask for help when needed and accept help often! Community is key. It really does take a village. It also begs the question what place do screens have in our classrooms and homes for the under fives? Even though we might well be logging nappy changes, meal times and WOW moments on iPads for what feels like a minute or two, it still creates a barrier with the child or key children in our groups, and in a world where there is no shortage of screens now in a young child's life is this truly neccessary or needed? Are we in danger of losing those moments of joy and connectedness with our children if we are feeling overly burdened by the pressing need to log every bread stick a child consumes and a mandatory WOW moment each day? Nothing can be more WOW than the impact of a relaxed, fun, happy and healthy team of practitioners who feel they can engage in all those moments of joy with a child because they are being supported to do so.

A simple reminder of how many journeys start for young children, with discovery and play.

"Composure" is a powerful skill for success. Our Powerful Words Character Development program was created by child development specialists to help kids learn these types of skills. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dUVkJCx9

Child-initiated play is one of our most important training modules for our team. Supporting our children to problem solve and to emotionally regulate through play is vital in developing their early learning experiences and creating confident young learners. Whilst holiday camps and wraparound care are places that the children come for fun and games after their long days/terms of lessons, it is still our responsibility as Early Years Educators to provide some learning based experiences and development opportunities for our children. We love to do this in a way that isn’t seen as ‘learning’ by the children and encourages them to develop themselves. Items we covered in our most recent training to support our children in our settings: - Open-ended activities - intentional questioning - intentional atmospheres - various accesible resources What do you do to support children’s self-development? We would love to hear your ideas and techniques 👏🏼

Here is a 3 1/2 minute video on Trusting the Child. If you are interested in joining my community to learn more about RIE's Educaring® Approach, just reply! https://lnkd.in/gvuwTu8J