....continuing with the final excerpt from a paper I have written for school...the topic is the
essential needs of the child in the 3 phases of early childhood, with
an emphasis on how we as adult caregivers and educators can best meet
these needs...
The Kindergarten child (5-6.5, 7)
The needs of the
child do change during this next big developmental phase…as caregivers, we may
begin to hear “I’m bored” or notice a sense and longing for “more”. Involving the children in some of our more
dexterous work, such as peeling apples, sweeping with a dust pan and brush,
baking, and sewing are all ways we can support this phase. Through such
experiences, we show them how to do more; sharing with them our skill set and
the love we encompass for the work our hands do.
The stimulus for play is no
longer budding from external objects; now it begins to come from deep
within. The kindergarten child needs for
the play space or environment to be arranged conducive to creative play. This
means creating a world suitable for imitation where they experience adults engaged
in joyful and purposeful work. This also means that there are ample
opportunities for the children to be involved in the work and practical
experiences, even if they are not directly a part of it. Freya Jafke has
stated, “Creative play depends more on a calm, joyful atmosphere of work rather
than on many clever words, suggestions for play, or instructions of any kind.”
It is also
noteworthy that an essential need for all 3 phases of early childhood development
is that of love and warmth; “the basis for development”. All 3 phases also need and deserve a “
breathing in and out”; a rhythm to the day that is predictable and
relevant to life. Perhaps most importantly, all phases truly need an educator who
is on a never ending path to self and soul discovery.
I can't wait to read your next post!!!
ReplyDeleteAs the mama of a kindergartener, this had some good info for me to remember. Thank you!
ReplyDeletebeautifully written ...always a joy .... thanks for this
ReplyDeletemagic and light your way
dawn
such a lovely post. I do miss this age. Our children were very fortunate to attend a wonderful Waldorf preschool and kindergarten. Not only did they get so much out of it, we as parents did too. We homeschool now and having just gone through a very profound 9 year change with our son I am longing for the wisdom of our waldorf kindergarten days.
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