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Early Childhood Educators and Stress

Stress, we all feel it, we all have it. A good level of stress does motivate us to perform better. But, when stress becomes a consistent presence in our lives, our bodies, over a long period of time, it can have unhealthy impacts. Our body’s stress system becomes overloaded as it sits in emergency mode.  People can begin to have physical and emotional results that are not beneficial to positive well being. So, by keeping ourselves in check with stress, by listening to our bodies, mind and spirit carefully, by adopting valuable coping strategies, and actively carrying them out, we are controlling how stress affects our lives.    

Working with children is one of the most meaningful occupations. It leaves you with a sense of purpose, moments of joy brought by the preciousness of children, and many hugs. But, on the other side, it holds stress indeed. After time, our need to keep calm and patient can become strained, we feel tapped out and the overworked/underpaid phrase starts to ring in our ears. When childcare providers, begin to reach their stress limit, it is time to start getting real and look at the stress in their bodies and mind. Stress is a risk factor to our health and well being. Stress can and should be managed.  To be a good caregiver is to take care of ourselves as well, if not first.  The first step is realizing we are in control.  We cannot fix with one big band aid the problems of society, governmental systems, and the childcare profession as a whole, but we can control our reaction. We are in charge of our thoughts, emotions, and internal dialogue.

We are in charge of our attitude. We can make small changes in our environment and life that will move us towards being less stressed.  When we realize we are in control of our stress, it is the basis of stress management!

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Quote of the week

Why We Love Children!

50 people asked a question. See the difference between how an adult answers versus a child!

Those Who Need the Most Love

Owl Theme within an Emergent Curriculum

Recently, I worked in a group childcare centre with an Emergent Curriculum. An Owl Theme came from the interest of the children, and then with the creativity of the caregivers and the children themselves, the theme unfolded into a learning process for all. We can still learn from other professionals, regardless of how long we are in the field. I certainly experienced this as I spent time within this Reggio influenced daycare.

After Halloween, the children were interested in owls, which is understandable as so many stories and pictures display owls in the background of Halloween "scenes". Throughout the next week or two, the children were provided books on owls, staff looked for pictures of owls from calendars and other sources. Luckily the center had a wonderful felt story about a mother and baby owl. I was happy to include my felt story about 5 Fluffy Owls into the mix.



Five Fluffly Owls from Felt Board Ideas

Over the next few weeks, I heard the children and teachers learning about owls. We discussed what owls eat and learnt the definition of nocturnal, to name a few facts. Although it never transpired while I was there, we discussed the possibility of talking about how feathers are light and setting up a sink/float type game. I also suggested a creative movement activity of moving around the room as if we were feathers. The ideas were definitely flowing.

One day, when I came into work I saw this display of natural settings for children to explore, and I immediately grabbed by phone to take some pictures! Love it.

Perhaps, the most impressed I was about a theme incorporated into a Reggio (emergent curriculum) program was to observe the art projects. In my history as an Early Childhood Educator, I would have provided owl shapes from paper and then material for the children to decorate them with, such as feathers and googly eyes.  However, at this center, open ended art is encouraged. One day, a picture of a baby owl was sitting on the table for viewing and the children were provided white paint and white feathers to paint with. Another day, they had pictures of owls to look at and draw and then stories were written out about the drawings. Another day, they made owls with playdough and natural ingredients, which were then placed on display. There were lots of  ideas!

 One Monday I walked into the daycare, and there hanging on branches displayed in a vase were adorable owls. One of the educators was at Target and couldn't resist. The children played with these owls all day long. All week long. It was a perfect ending to the owl time period. Yet, that being said, I left this center to work elsewhere, so whoooo hoooo knows if the theme will continue along or if it has run its course. With an emergent curriculum the children are the drivers and the topic will follow with their interest and involvement.