Write an essay. Required topic is Depending on how rested and comfortable Eb comes into the setting, I will try him in the toddler room fir...
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What topic Depending on how rested and comfortable Eb comes into the setting, I will try him in the toddler room first where he can sit among his peers and join in with circle time and our wake up routine. These sessions usually last for around 15 minutes. The resources available will be our focus story and the puppets and props that go with that. We will sit on the carpet in the comfy area, sing ‘say hello’, ‘tick tock’ and it’s time to wake up. We will use our self registration cards to put ourselves into the room. Sometime EB will come and pick his own out and stick it to the window, sometimes the other children will say his name and try to pass the card to him or they might put it on the window knowing he is there. Afterwards, we will all sit down and read a story together. I will allocate the puppets and pieces of the story to the children to encourage them to raise them when the name of the character is mentioned in the book. We will talk about turn taking, patience, the animal no
Which subjectPersonal development
What age groupPreschool / Nursery
How many pages1
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Personal Development in Preschool Settings: Fostering Engagement Through Structured Activities

Introduction

Personal development, particularly in the context of early childhood education, is crucial for laying the foundational skills necessary for lifelong learning and social interaction. When engaging children like Eb, who are new to a preschool setting, various strategies can be employed to ensure they feel comfortable, engaged, and ready to participate. This essay discusses the importance of integrating structured activities such as circle time, self-registration, and storytelling to foster personal development in a toddler room setting.

Creating a Comfortable Environment

The initial approach to integrating Eb into the toddler room revolves around understanding his level of comfort and rest. A well-rested child is more likely to engage actively with peers and activities, thus enhancing their learning experience. By introducing Eb to the routine in a familiar, structured manner, he is provided with not only a sense of security but also with opportunities to explore social interactions.

Engaging in Circle Time

Circle time serves as a crucial aspect of preschool education, particularly for personal development. During the circle time session, activities such as singing 'say hello,' 'tick tock,' and 'it’s time to wake up' not only encourage participation but also create an inviting atmosphere. This 15-minute session is designed to help children like Eb begin to understand the concept of time and the rhythm of the daily routine.

The use of self-registration cards promotes a sense of ownership for children within the classroom environment. When Eb chooses his own card and places it on the window, he not only asserts his presence but also fosters early decision-making skills. Furthermore, the social interaction that arises when peers help him with registration enhances his confidence and sense of belonging.

Storytelling as a Tool for Development

The subsequent activity of reading a story together is integral to a child's cognitive and social development. Allocating puppets and story props to the children encourages them to engage actively, as they will lift the puppets whenever their character is mentioned. This strategy enhances listening skills, attention span, and responsiveness.

Storytime is not just about the narrative; it provides an excellent platform for discussing important social concepts such as turn-taking and patience. In a preschool setting, these skills are vital as children learn to navigate social dynamics with their peers. Discussing the number of animals in the story promotes counting and numeracy skills while allowing for conversations around themes of friendship, teamwork, and empathy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, structured activities within a preschool environment—such as circle time, self-registration, and group storytelling—play a significant role in promoting personal development among young learners like Eb. By creating a comfortable, engaging, and interactive setting, educators can support the holistic growth of preschoolers and prepare them for future social interactions and learning experiences.

These strategies not only nurture cognitive skills but also promote social competencies essential for personal development, ensuring children flourish in both academic and personal contexts.

References

  1. Duffy, B. (2006). Supporting Creativity and Imagination in the Early Years. Sage Publications.
  2. Sylva, K., Melhuish, E., Sammons, P., Siraj-Blatchford, I., and Taggart, B. (2011). EPPSE 3-16: Longitudinal Findings from the Effective Pre-School, Primary and Secondary Education Project (EPPSE 3-16) - The Importance of Social and Emotional Skills. Institute of Education, University of London.
  3. O'Connor, C., and McCarthy, M. (2015). The Role of the Adult in Supporting Children's Learning: Curriculum for Excellence and SCEC. Journal of Early Childhood Research, 13(1), 44-56.
  4. Mathers, S., and Tipping, S. (2009). Effective Early Years Education: The Impact of Different Types of Early Years Provision on Child Outcomes. National Centre for Social Research.
  5. Roberts, J., and Houghton, M. (2014). The Importance of Play in Enhancing Development in Young Children: A Guide for Early Years Practitioners & Parents. Routledge.