Thursday, October 9, 2008

General Philosophies...



I will keep this part simple..... that is my philosophy in a nut shell ! We keep it simple :)
I don't try to do too much at any one time. We finish, and tidy, before moving on to the next thing, and we are kind to one another.

I want the children to know what is being expected of them, and have guidelines they can follow at any age. Our day is consistent, and every day there is predetermined activity that the children know and are building on, (and are excited about). The activities are simple, and yet educational. Examples of daily activities are : circle time, yoga, and music lessons.
I speak to the children in a clear, confident, and kind manner. I don't talk them down or talk down to them. I am clear about what we are doing, & what I need them to do. I have a group that is quick to help their peers, can follow group instructions, and play together.

I feel it important to foster independence in little people. We encourage the group to reach their particular goals. Weather it is learning to walk, or cut with scissors !

We may not do as much in a day as some other daycares, but we are not a group that likes to be overwhelmed (who does??) ..... we like to keep it simple and do one or two things right!
I have a strict no violence policy and that includes nasty words. I take the time to teach the little ones what appropriate terms are to ask for a toy, or a turn.

I use a simple redirection approach for little ones, and when older we try to "give them words" A frustrated 3 year old is trying to say something .... even if it isn't coming out right. It is amazing how quickly a sad face goes away when they know they are being understood.
As a deterrent I will use "time outs" when I think the child is old enough to understand. But we do try to avoid such situations before they need these "quiet moments."

I chat with them about what is a more appropriate action, or word, and how to say sorry when the time is right ,and all is calm again. We have a 3 part sorry here ... first you feel sorry, then you say sorry, and then you act sorry (of course by changing whatever required the sorry in the first place ! )

I don't believe the TV is a babysitter. Although we will use the tele for yoga videos, sign language videos, and a little rainy day Baby Einstein. We do usually have it on in the morning when we would be receiving the group (even if everyone else is at the table doing a craft) because I find it a very powerful tool to distract little eyes and make the goodbye smoother. It is all about keeping everyone happy :)

But of course .... life is too short to spend in front of the TV all day. Don't you think?
So in short I try to treat your child with respect and love. We are family here and the children are an extension of our family. We are united in our devotion to giving the kids a loving and supportive environment to grow and learn in.