Choosing a daycare requires spending time carefully exploring education programs to find one that best fits your child's temperament and learning needs. Cultivating an independent mindset is a goal that you should expect to see in an early childhood classroom since children must feel comfortable expanding their horizons as they learn. This personality trait can be nurtured as early as infancy, and seeing these elements in the classroom let you know that your child's independence will be nurtured throughout their time in the program.
Open Access to Learning Materials
Young children learn through play. This means that early childhood teachers stimulate interest in learning by using toys that keep children engaged. For infants, these could include noise-making objects that teach cause and effect, or textured materials could be placed on the floor mat to encourage sensory exploration. For older children, dressing frames may be placed on open shelves that allow them to practice social skills such as buttoning and zipping anytime they feel the need.
Furniture That Encourages Self-Help
When your child is at daycare, they can rely upon their teacher to help when there is a problem. However, experienced teachers know that it is important for children to learn how to help themselves with age-appropriate activities. For this reason, you will find open shelving that is perfectly sized so that children can take out materials and put them away independently when they are done. Open floor space encourages infants to crawl, and older childhood classrooms have small tables and chairs where kids can quietly work without being encumbered by oversized furniture.
Areas For Group and Independent Activities
Part of developing independence is helping children learn to regulate their emotions and interact in a group environment. Throughout the day, children alternate between wanting to play alone and with their friends. For this reason, a classroom should have plenty of space for both quiet and activity play. At any moment, you might see a child cuddled up with a book or quietly coloring while another part of the room may have several children experimenting with building a house out of blocks.
Naturally, your child's teacher plays a big role in helping your child develop independence, and one way that they do this is by setting up an environment that allows them to safely explore their world. From intentionally setting out learning materials to fit your child's interests to carefully arranging learning areas, your child's teacher designs a classroom that provides all of the elements your child needs to feel comfortable practicing being independent.
For more information, contact a school like Montessori Of Woodridge.
Share2 March 2017
Ever since I was a small child, I submersed myself in books. Whenever I started a new work of literature, I was instantly transported to another exciting world. Besides burying myself in books, I also actually enjoyed going to school in order to learn new things. My love affair with learning motivated me to earn four college degrees. As an adult, I still enjoy becoming educated about unfamiliar things. Thankfully, I don’t ever have to stop learning. Many colleges and universities regularly provide continuing education courses for those whose thirst for knowledge is never quenched. Regardless of whether you wish to learn how to sew, dance, or excavate ancient ruins, you can discover your passion in a continuing education class. On this blog, you will find out more about this incredible opportunity to learn for a lifetime. Enjoy!