Over the years the daycare has evolved to include new routines, rules, and many new faces. One thing that has never changed however is my strong devotion to include education and mindfulness, as well as giving each child the opportunity to explore their own individuality. Children are complete, wonderful, and separate individuals, and should be allowed to maintain their child like enthusiasm in all aspects of learning, and growing.
It is easy to try and follow charts for milestones, expecting each child to fit the mold. Not that people should not be aware of the norms, but all children grow and change at their own rates. Keep it in the back of your mind, but don’t change who they are. Growth happens, and progression is different for each child. Do not let it overshadow their natural talent, or inhibit their self awareness through play and nature. Always allow them to be children first and foremost.
My daycare has never raised children based on age, or gender. Age is something we pay attention to, but only for markers that may link to being differently abled, and/or physical impairments that might require intervention. I have had 4 year olds with natural musical abilities, 3 year olds reading chapter books, artists, all because limitations were not imposed. When children are given opportunities to explore interests and their environment, their natural abilities shine through. Purposeful play is our constant in the daycare. Here are a few examples of them and why we encourage it.
Creative arts – multi sensory through music, and visual arts.
Drawing – fine motor skills, and almost all cognitive processes to sharpen their minds
Outside – basic fundamental information about the world.
Collaborative play – team work, understanding each other’s strengths and differences.
There are so many ways to help children reach their full individual potential. The responsibility lands on being a thoughtful educator. Teaching them how to learn in a manner that is compatible, meaningful, and memorable. Best of all if they have fun they will want to continue to learn.