Being becoming and belonging
By Alice Sharp
Every new baby starts their journey in this world as a helpless, immature human. They rely on others to care for them, keep them safe, calm them, nurture them, and love them.
They have an urgent need to connect to other humans. They have no understanding of themselves and their emotions and needs and look for someone to guide them to develop their capacity for life. They are born into a 'family', community, and a 'culture'.
Establishing a bond and fostering a sense of belonging with infants and children is especially important when working in early years. But how do you, as an educator, develop a bond working in nursery and childcare? Interacting with children, being present and having positive engagement is key. Simple acts like smiling, singing, touching, and eye contact can also help.
Here are other more practical ideas you can use in your setting.
Places not spaces
Fill an empty space with an invitation to engage. Make it enticing. This excellent Triangular Mirror House will make it every baby's place to be!! Seeing themselves engaging will help develop concentration, focus and attention skills.
Peek-a-boo!
Gather bags, pouches or purses in black, white and red. Then, get a selection of black, white, and red items to hide inside the bags (for example, rolled-up socks, a hair scrunchie, a face cloth or a little car).
Allow the little ones to see themselves and the adult exploring and experimenting with the items. Hide items under the bags, inside them or rolled up in some materials, cloths, or socks.
This activity takes the idea of 'peek-a-boo' to a new level. It allows children to become kinaesthetically involved as they listen and respond to the descriptive and expressive language shared by the adults.
4 For more ideas and inspiration visit
ypo.co.uk/littlelearners
Triangular Mirror House (D53291)
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
