• Take your time to think about what you have observed/heard.
• Ask yourself the question why? Look for explanations.
• Take time to reflect often. • Don’t be afraid to act on the moment. • Tune into children’s play cues. • Self-reflection is important – consider the impact you are having on the children and their surroundings.
• Ask yourself, what have I learnt? How will you develop this learning for yourself in the future?
• Be prepared and open to learn something new. • Be prepared to be challenged and challenge yourself.
Planning
• Plan a starting point; not an end product. • Have 20 things up your sleeve and be ready for wherever the children take it.
• Think carefully about your resources – make sure they are open-ended.
• Make use of cheap, recyclable and accessible resources.
• Allow time for children to explore and develop their play.
• Don’t be afraid to try new things – come out of your comfort zone!
• Plan at the level of the child and from their real experiences.
• Provide activities/resources that do not limit children’s exploration in using all their senses.