Beginnings
– How I view my practice at the start of my current training –
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I enjoy the funny things children say and do. Being around them is never dull! Getting to be part of their and their families lives is a real privilege.
Enabler. Observer. Facilitator. Listener. Organiser. Swan!
I think working with young children you cannot fail but to be child-centred. Conversations with children or time spent observing in an informed way, means you get to notice what interests them, what needs they might have, what inspires them and that then informs planning. I'd say too that my practice is family-centred. Enabling and supporting families is one of my key roles. So from saying hello in the morning to writing communication to writing observations to thinking about how the nursery looks and feels, it is important to see things from the family and child's point of view.
I work with Froebelian colleagues which has really helped as the whole team are of one mind when it comes to the way we think about the spaces, resources and routines within the nursery. We've been inspired by Community Playthings guidance on setting out a room and although we don't have much of their furniture or resources, we have used their ideas in the way we organise the rooms. This has helped the nursery to flow and allows children more independence in play choices. We've thought about how areas link and how areas can work for us. We try to use sustainable materials as much as possible and work on the idea that 'less is more'. Real -life experiences are important as we notice children deeply involved in purposeful play or real experiences like collecting eggs from the hens or repairing something or just helping.
Our nursery is small so things like the Pupil Council, who meet to share ideas or discuss things, really includes all pupils. This along with a short Together Time in the morning (this is for anyone who wants to join in) gives pupils a voice in resources, play ideas, outings, snack choices, etc. Children participate in shaping the rhythm of the day. They have been included in some recent policies that we've written such as our Sleep Policy but we could do more.
Being connected to the Froebel Futures family of practitioners as well as to the Froebel Trust is both informative and inspiring. It's a reminder of how to stay true to principles and how those principles impact on ALL areas of practice. Again, I am glad I work with fellow Froebelians as this informs day to day practice and has shaped all aspects of the nursery.
COVID-19 and the period afterwards really highlighted ineaulities and parent anxieties.
I hope to be able to read books and research.
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