2018 Spring Kansas Child

me
individual child expectations
may be different, Ms. Kayla
keeps consistent the location,
order of activities, and
transitions in and out of circle
time. This allows children to
learn what comes next and
what is expected of them
during the different parts of
circle time.
Ms. Kayla makes it a priority
to reflect on past circle times
in order to ensure that her
current circle time is best
meeting the needs of each child
and her class. Below are some
questions she considers during
her reflection:
•§
Are there parts of circle time
that feel more stressful?
•§
Are certain children more
engaged than others?
•§
Do children ever leave circle
time? If so, when?
•§
Where is circle time
facilitated?
•§
Do children participate more
when standing or moving
their bodies?
The teachers and children
are enjoying the current circle
time routine, but there will
inevitably come a time for
change or improvement. Ms.
Kayla will need to reconsider
the above questions and
make revisions to the routine
in order to successfully
continue building a classroom
community. n
Start Talking!
By Christi Smith
Quality Initiative Director, Child Care Aware ® of Kansas
Meaningful conversations build trust, which is a key foundation for
relationships and promotes children’s development.
Children learn best by interacting and communicating with their
friends and family. Think beyond a simple “yes” or “no” question,
and beyond the standard “fine” answer. By simply adding the word
“why,” you expand the discussion to allow for more back-and-forth
exchanges. These exchanges set a great example for children as
they begin to develop their own skills for learning about others and
to identify their own feelings, thoughts and opinions.
Meaningful conversations can happen throughout any day. Try
visiting during transition times, which can be stressful. Other key
times could be during handwashing, family-style meals, at drop-off
and pick-up, or in the car ride to the latest event.
Try to focus on a strategy that can reduce stress and promote
development. Here are some questions to get the conversations
started:
•§
What is your favorite silly face to make? Silly sound?
•§
What are two things that you were thankful for today?
•§
What is your favorite day of the week? Why?
•§
What is your favorite letter of the alphabet? Why?
•§
What is your favorite thing about yourself?
•§
If you were an animal, what animal would you be? Why?
•§
What is your favorite fruit? Vegetable? Why?
•§
What is the best thing you have ever smelled?
•§
If you could have dessert for breakfast what would you eat?
Be ready for lots of giggles. Hopefully, some of these questions
will inspire children to think of their own questions. Children are
social by nature and need healthy interactions
with people who care about them.
www.ks.childcareaware.org Kansas Child 11