1. Have fun!
We all like having fun, right? And, when we enjoy what we do, it’s infectious. If we openly display enjoyment while carrying out a task, activity, or while exploring and discovering, then children will follow. Be prepared; determine exactly what the activity will be and have all your resources ready to go. This way, you can be fully present. Go on, enjoy yourself! Relax into it and just be you. Within moments, children will join you.
3. Be honest. As educators, it’s important to be reliable and consistent. Children need to know where they stand with us, so let them know what’s happening during the day and maintain clear boundaries and limits. Implementing routines will empower children, build their confidence, and help them feel relaxed to engage in play with deeper learning and understanding.
4. Inspire and excite. Introduce awe-inspiring opportunities that children will flock to. Children are naturally eager to explore, discover, touch, and feel something they’ve never seen before. Use a wide variety of activities, materials, and resources that introduce colour, texture, and natural materials to generate interest and excitement. Deepen learning experiences by connecting the opportunities to children’s interests and passions.
5. Make-believe worlds. Make learning magical, mystical, and exciting. A simple way to do this is by sharing your love of books and the written word. Reading with children brings a book and its characters alive. Use your voice in different ways to give characters personality. Let go of inhibitions and witness how children smile as you relax, have fun, and become someone else. Your enjoyment of a book, the story it tells, and the adventures in which you travel come to life as your inner actor emerges. Exploring make-believe worlds with children sparks their imagination and encourages a self-directed world of role play.
Angela Foley
Recognized By HM Queen Elizabeth for her service to children, families and education, Angela has dedicated 40+ years in Early Childhood Education in the UK, AU, and NZ.
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