Your Teaching Practice

Dodge Volume II p60

  1. Think about the children and families in your program. Do you know how each family feels about children dressing themselves? Is it something they feel strongly about?

Even though I don’t have a program, I do have a family. My parents had no issues at all with their kids getting dressed by themselves. I didn’t begin dressing myself when I was a kid until I was about 5 or 6 years old. Usually, my mother would gather clothing for me to wear, and I would then be responsible for putting them on. Since my parents felt more at ease with me choosing my own things to wear at that age, I began looking for clothes on my own when I was around 8 or 9 years old. I think most parents think kids shouldn’t be allowed to dress themselves until they’re a particular age.

  1. The next time you are engaged with a child in the routine of dressing, pay attention to what you say. How much do you talk with the child? What do you talk about? Are you giving directions, correcting behavior, describing the routine, talking about articles of clothing, and/or simply engaging in casual conversation? Try to use this time for less directive language (giving instructions and correcting behavior) and more language building. Challenge yourself to use rich vocabulary as you engage in this routine (e.g. “Let’s put your soft, corduroy overalls back on. They will keep you warm and cozy on the playground today. It is chilly outside.”

As a child when my mother use to dress me, she would mostly give me directions such as “put your arm through the hole”.  I acquired my independence in dressing in this way. In fact, I think that’s how most kids learn. There would occasionally be brief discussions regarding school, such as how school was and what I learned, but most of the time, my mother would merely give instructions during dress up to assist me in getting dressed.

Dodge Volume II p48

Your Teaching Practice

Can you think of a bedtime ritual that you have used effectively with your own children or the children in your care? What was it? How did it make the child feel about going to sleep?

Although I don’t have kids and have never had any under my care, I did have my own bedtime routines when I was a kid. Before going to bed and after dinner, I would occasionally take warm bubble baths. Even as a child, I have always cherished warm baths. Once I had a good, warm bath and got into bed, my body would feel so relaxed and my bed would feel more comfortable than before. I was so at ease that falling asleep would have been simple for me. Because I disliked sleeping in the dark, since I never had a night light, Instead I would always turn on the TV and watch a small portion of movies until I fell asleep. Not only did I not enjoy sleeping in utter darkness, but I also disliked sleeping in complete silence. I’ve even been known to just lay in bed listening to music. I haven’t changed since I was a child; I still enjoy taking warm baths or showers and watch tv before going to bed.

Take time to consider each child in your room. What are his sleep patterns like? How does he prefer to fall asleep? What is his mood generally like when he wakes up?

Each child is unique. The book advises us to become familiar with each child’s unique napping style; close monitoring enables you to recognize and accommodate the kids’ sleeping habits. While some kids like some quiet time before getting started, others come up eager to play. Some kids fall asleep almost right away, while others take longer. Children have their own nap patterns that vary depending on their age. Singing, playing music, rocking, massaging a child’s back, and reading a story are a few common techniques. Children frequently find it easier to unwind before going to sleep when the lights are dimmed and pleasant music is playing. Some kids can even sob before going to bed to let off their frustration. Some people cry because they are too worn out or scared. Some children may cry briefly before going to sleep. Some people require picking up and holding in order to calm down.

Dodge Volume II p35

Your Teaching Practice

Would you describe yourself as a healthy eater? How does your approach to nutrition influence how and what you teach children about healthy eating?

I am absolutely not the best at eating healthily. Nonetheless, I do have a tendency to drink a lot of water. I am well aware of the significance of eating well, and I believe that children should absolutely learn about it. It’s important for everyone to have good eating habits. In addition to the physical benefits to the body, it also keeps us focused, promotes sound sleep, and helps us learn and succeed in life—including in school. According to the book, we should let kids choose how much food they eat and that it’s normal for them to finish only some of the food on their plates. Infants and toddlers should be given options, according to recommendations. So, we should encourage kids to try different meals, but we shouldn’t make them eat anything they don’t want to.

Think about mealtime in your classroom. Do you encourage conversation among children and/or talk to preverbal children? How would you describe this routine time of day (e.g., peaceful, lively, chaotic)?

I would promote conversation among kids and with preverbal kids. According to the book, children can hear and practice using intriguing, descriptive language during mealtime talks. With their teachers and friends, the kids started having verbal and nonverbal dialogues. Toddlers definitely communicate their dietary preferences to others using their developing language skills. A lot of language development is aided by conversation in general. I really can’t offer a detailed account of this typical time of day because it relies entirely on the kids and how they behave. There is no assurance that they will behave the same way even if they first behave in a certain way. Nonetheless, based on my observations and experiences, it can be lively since the kids are getting along with each other and interacting.

Dodge volume II Pg. 19

Your Teaching Practice

How do you feel when you are changing diapers? How do your feelings about diaper changing influence your interactions with children during this routine?

Changes in diapers, in my opinion, affect how the child and the adult interact. I agree that changing diapers fosters relationships because it is a private and intimate activity.

How do you feel when a child has a toileting accident? What do you say or do? How does this makes the child feel?

Although having frequent accidents on the toilet can be a little stressful and annoying, kids who are still learning about potty training are still learning how to be responsible. I would reassure a young child who had an accident that mistakes are made and that accidents do occur. Children who are told that everything will be fine will understand that they are not in danger and that there is no reason to feel fearful or unhappy.

What do you want to teach children about their bodies while they are learning to use the toilet?

I want to impart to them the importance of using the restroom on a regular basis. I would advise them to go to the bathroom at least three times daily.

Dodge volume II Pg. 6

Your Teaching Practice

Do you say hello and good-bye to each child and family member every day? What messages do you think your hellos and good-byes (or lack of them) send?

Yes I most definitely say my hellos and goodbyes. I believe that the way I say hello and goodbye shows that I am content to be there and grateful for the opportunity to spend time with the kids.

What do you think about a child who cries a lot when his parents say good- bye? How does his crying make you feel? Do you feel differently about a child who never cries at drop-off time!

When I witness a child crying as their parents say goodbye, I feel awful for the child because I can relate. Because they are not accustomed to being left alone in a foreign environment, most kids are terrified to leave their parents. If a youngster is dropped off and doesn’t cry, I wouldn’t assume that they are terrified or upset unless I notice sad facial expressions. I would try to console a child if I saw him or her being distressed in any way.

What might explain some parents’ attempts to leave without saying good-bye? What are they feeling? How do you feel when parents leave that way? How do the children feel?

Genuinely, aside from them claiming to have forgotten, I couldnt think of any other reasons.  Much worse would be if the child started sobbing as soon as the parents departed without saying goodbye. Every youngster desires to hear their parents say, “Goodbye, I love you,” as they all desire to be loved. Kids desire confirmation of their parents’ affection.

How do you help parents reunite with their children at the end of the day? How does a parent feel when her child cries or keeps playing? How do you feel?

I’d stay in touch with the parents if the child keeps sobbing about it. I can ask the parents if they have any images I might use to reassure the child. Any loving and caring parent, in my opinion, would be sad to part with their child. I would feel sad about it as well.

Guided Reflection-Infant Massage

Baby Massage: An Introduction by KidCareCanada

1-Discuss the benefits of Infant Massage for infant, mom and dad?

Touching not only helps stimulate neural development and increase health for the baby, but it really encourages and accentuates the mother-child bond. A massage can relieve discomfort from teething, congestion, gas and colic, and emotional stress. This has a specific effect on maturation and/or activity of the sympathetic nervous system. This also helps with bonding with parents; it helps the baby handle sensory and put in a relaxed state and assists in increased vocalization. 

2-What time of day and how often could you give infants massages?

Some parents massage their infants every day, while others only do it every other day. You can massage your infant in the morning to jump-start the day or in the evening before bed to help settle them to sleep. The best way to choose the right massage technique is to pay attention to your baby’s signs.

3-How does it help in developing ‘body image’ for the child?

A daily massage is extremely beneficial for the nervous system’s growth. It can stimulate the production of hormones, such as growth hormones, to aid in weight gain, alleviate colic, lessen fussiness, and stimulate neurons in the brain to develop and branch out to promote cognitive function.

4-What new information did you learn from the video and readings?

Daily massages are very necessary to ease the child and to create a strong bond between parents and the baby. Massage helps improve breathing patterns, lung function, and the transfer of nutrients and oxygen to cells. Additionally, it helps parents who are stressed out or experiencing postpartum depression.

Guided Reflection-Time With Toddlers

For Sections 1-5, 3-5 examples in each section.

Time With Toddlers: Key Ideas

Section 1: Im a toddler

  • Giving toddlers the freedom to choose their own entertainment allows them to have much-needed independent playtime.
  • Toddlers begin to develop a sense of self, which is crucial to their social and emotional growth.
  • Toddlers require love, safety, and attention from those around them.

Section 2: How does that work

  • Provide plenty of open-ended items for them to play with.
  • Their experiences, relationships with people, the environment in which they live, and their particular personality can all influence how they feel about themselves.
  • Engaging with your kids in interactions that are consistent with these special qualities and messages is crucial for developing the trust that underpins stable attachment.

Section 3: I want that

  • Toddlers and babies will initially learn to associate you with meeting their needs; they will start to associate your touch, your voice, and your face with comfort, warmth, and reassurance.
  • Toddlers must be nurtured and protected in the most personal environment possible as they grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially, as well as as their personalities and identities are formed.
  • Caregivers must encourage them to explore and try new things.

Section 4: Gentle touches

  • Toddlers can learn about their body’s spatial awareness via pushing, tugging, and jumping.
  • Toddlers learn linguistic skills and how to engage with others through play.
  • Adult role models help toddlers develop appropriate social behavior.

Section 5: I can do it myself

  • By conversing with them and completing their words, you can aid in your child’s language acquisition.
  • By going for walks with your child, you may foster their interest and help them identify familiar objects while they are away from home.
  • More often than not, react favorably to positive behavior.

Section 6: Don’t leave me

  • Give the toddler enough time to become used to his or her new classmates and teachers.
  • Recognize and sympathize when a young child exhibits separation anxiety.
  • To make the child feel at ease, create a relaxed environment.

Section 7: Bye-bye

  • Years can pass quickly, so take advantage of the time you have with a child.

Guided Reflection- Language for Learning

Language for Learning: Infants and Toddlers by ncrlap

2 examples for each:

1-Concept development-using descriptive language

Showing pictures and comparing toys to the child

2-Describing events and actions

Teaching how to wash hands and allowing the toddler to follow a toy car

3-Social and emotional development

Guide children during play and ask questions to give the children a chance to respond verbally or nonverbally

4-Responding to communication attempts

Asking questions and demonstrating something and imparting knowledge

5-Positive language for guidance

Encouraging the child to help another and encouraging the kids to act positively by speaking to them politely

6-Using language during daily activities

If a child made an “uh oh,” kindly reassure them that it’s okay since accidents happen, and the instructor can move closer to the child if the child needs help.

Guided Reflection-Healthy Brains

4 components Infants Need for Healthy Brain Development with Angela Fraley

1-What did you know about this topic before viewing the webinar?

I was already aware that children’s brains grow quickly from birth to age three. All aspects of a child’s growth are influenced by brain development. Language and communication, social and emotional, motor (physical), and cognitive development are the four main domains. Cognitive development includes the development of the brain. Cognitive development, which encompasses thinking, learning, and problem-solving abilities, describes how a child’s intellect develops. All other areas of development are impacted by these abilities.

2-How do you feel about this approach to infant care and development?

When I initially studied about how infants develop psychologically, I was pretty amazed by how quickly the brain develops from conception through early infancy. Although the brain continues to grow and alter as an adult, the first eight years of life can lay the groundwork for future success in learning, health, and life. Infants are created to discover the world before experiencing it. So that they can respond to children’s needs correctly, caregivers must be aware of the many stages of infant and toddler physical development. The advise Fraley offered was ideal for parents-to-be or those who had just become parents.

3-How could you apply this philosophy in your teaching practice?

I could certainly utilize the tips for the older kids even if the video primarily discusses infants and suggestions on how to care for them. Fraley also discussed soothing the child and ensuring their safety in the video. Children must feel welcomed, comfortable, and safe. Due to their sensitivity and high level of emotion, children will seek consolation, and I will need to comfort them depending on whatever problems they may be experiencing. This might improve my comprehension of the kids and my ability to react to particular behaviors.

4-Look around the Conscious Discipline website, what else do you fine surprising or interesting to you, and why?

The Conscious Discipline website is basically a training resource for aspiring educators, trainers, and parents, which is something I find to be quite intriguing. Events, training, coaching, and instructors who shared their professional experiences via website comments can be found in the Professional Development area. There are a variety of ways to get ready for teaching or parenting. Dealing with children is a great responsibility because they are still developing physically, mentally, and emotionally and are still learning about the world. If the children are not your own, it is crucial to understand how to handle them because many kids behave differently.

Why I Love Pixabay!

Pixabay is a trustworthy, simple-to-use alternative to Google Images, where you can always discover a fantastic image to use for whatever you may need. The best aspect is that it offers everything to you without asking you to pay a dime.


How incredible is that?!


When using Pixabay, all you have to do is enter in the kind of image you’re looking for, choose it, and insert it —then you’re ready to go! One thing about the plugin that I will say I don’t like is that there are some types of photographs that you won’t find on Pixabay, so you might need to use another platform. Other than that, Pixabay is highly recommended.

I will definitely use this plugin in the future!!

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