February 2020 Newsletter – Supporting Child Development: Tasks within the Physical Environment

Consider how the following tasks can promote children’s development:

  • Rearranging furniture – Room arrangement should evolve with the needs and interests of the children. Proper room arrangement supports child engagement and the development of independence. Well organized classrooms help children focus on tasks and encourage children to make choices.
  • Cleaning the bathrooms – Clean bathrooms cut down on the spread of germs and prevent injury so that children remain healthy and able to participate in the program on a consistent basis.
  • Taking out the trash – In addition to the sanitary benefits, taking out the trash creates a pleasant learning environment that shows respect for children.
  • Wiping tables – Cleaning surfaces is a good way to teach children about germs. They can also participate in the daily chore of wiping the tables with soapy water (not sanitizer), which promotes responsibility.
  • Conducting an inventory of materials – Taking inventory will alert you to any materials that may be missing or broken. You can then determine the best way to replace those materials so that children can take advantage of the learning opportunities the materials provide.
  • Inspecting the playground – Playground inspections keep everyone safe so that children can establish healthy physical activity habits at an early age.
  • Creating displays and bulletin boards – Displays showcase children’s work and promote a sense of community spirit and pride.

For the main article Supporting Child Development, CLICK HERE
For the article Tasks within the Daily Routine, CLICK HERE
For the article Interactions with Children, CLICK HERE
For the article Interactions with Adults, CLICK HERE

February 2020 Newsletter – Supporting Child Development

As an early learning professional, it is your ultimate goal to support the development of each and every child in your care. That is no small order.  There are many factors to consider and influences at play when you think about supporting individual children within a group of 6-30 children.

With everything that’s on your plate – from diapering and daily reports to mealtimes and medication administration – it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. Every action you take is designed to support child development, even when things seem like menial tasks.  Even tasks specifically designed to help you, like conducting assessments and compiling portfolios, can seem more like paperwork that pulls you away from your ultimate goal of supporting the development of children.

If you start to feel frustrated with all of the job responsibilities, the first steps is to realize how you are feeling.  Notice the sensations in your body and the thoughts that are running through your mind.  Make note of them, so you can recognize them in the future. Then make the intentional decision to shift your thinking. Make a connection between the task and your ultimate goal of supporting the development of every child in your care.

Use the ideas shared in this newsletter to remind you of the benefits of how to incorporate learning opportunities that promote development throughout the day.

For the article Tasks within the Physical Environment, CLICK HERE
For the article Tasks within the Daily Routine, CLICK HERE
For the article Interactions with Children, CLICK HERE
For the article Interactions with Adults, CLICK HERE