Usually we think of transitions as something that must be done in order to get to something else, but very young children don’t think this way and can’t think this way. Young children live in the moment. So in order to have transitions go smoothly and enjoyably, change your view so that each transition is an activity in its own right, with a beginning, a middle and an end. … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2011
End of Meal Transition
March 8, 2011 · by · 1 Comment
Dear Miss Faith, I run a small home daycare, and a difficult time for me is clearing the table after a meal. Do you have the kids clear their bowls or empty extra food into the compost? My children excuse themselves when finished and leave their items on the table to be cleared and then washed by myself and any child who wants to help. I'd like to have a clearing/composting … [Read more...]
Practical Tips on "Life"
March 3, 2011 · by · 3 Comments
So what can we do, as parents and caregivers, to ensure that these household tasks foster connection, foster competence, and foster the children's ability to contribute? What can we do to help tasks go smoothly, so that we don't feel frazzled as we try to incorporate children into the neverending tasks of housework? It turns out there are lots of things we can do: Slow … [Read more...]
What I mean by "Life"
March 1, 2011 · by · 1 Comment
In my last post I talked about Life As the Curriculum, and why children really feel fulfilled by helping with household tasks. So what do I mean by "Life?" There are several layers of “Life” as I see it, that combine to form a rich day (and a rich life!) if they are done with attention, reverence, and spaciousness: Daily Tasks. These include preparing meals, setting the … [Read more...]
