Your Footsteps Issue 1

The link between brain development and play

Footsteps’ new look revealed

Make your own baby sensory play bags

YOUR FOOTSTEPS

FOOTSTEPS.CO.NZ | 0800 366 878

SSUE 01

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$100!

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Learning is child’s play

Parents wanting to give their child the best start are faced with a huge variety of choice and much commercially-driven pressure to ensure that their child makes the most of this developmental opportunity. The bewildering number of toys and activities currently available for our babies and young children is enough to send parents’ cortisol levels into orbit. And that’s before the credit card bill arrives!

Children need stimulation, but as with many things, moderation is key. More is not necessarily better. Many children today are at risk of being over-stimulated or over-scheduled and this can actually impede rather than encourage their optimal brain development.

During the first years of a child’s life it is play, not scheduled instruction that contributes the most to brain development (Frost, 1998). We

don’t need to formally “teach” our young children in order for them to learn. Children have their own interests and by being supported to follow these they are likely to be getting the stimulation that they need.

Play provides a wonderful opportunity for parent and child to have fun together, deepening their relationship. Children also need opportunities for some play on their own, this provides many opportunities to develop their imagination, problem-solve and develop other skills that are less likely to develop in adult-directed play. At times, boredom may provide the impetus for the child to make their own discoveries and create their own fun, fantastic life skills and great stimulation for a growing brain.

Simple toys that allow children to use their imagination and creativity have many benefits

On the cover this issue...Frankie has been enrolled with Footsteps Education since he was 3 months old and loves time spent with his kuia. He featured in our Footsteps photoshoot this year and was a natural in front of the camera!

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

It is proven that the first few years of a child’s life are the most crucial for brain development. This begs the question, how do we make the most of these important early years? Keryn O’Neill from Brainwave Trust Aotearoa shares her research.

over the endless plastic creations currently available (Ginsburg, 2007). Blocks, play dough, a sandpit, versatile dress-ups (as opposed to Disney inspired ones), crayons and paper provide endless options. Household objects such as boxes, blankets,

pots and pans can also provide many hours of fun and learning. The toys and activities that offer the most stimulation for a growing brain often don’t have the “educational” label on them!

...Continued on page 6.

FOOTSTEPS.CO.NZ | 0800 366 878 | PAGE 2

Kerry, how long have you been an educator?When I lived in the North Island I was a home-based educator on and off for 15 years before moving to Wanaka. I am also a trained early childhood teacher with a Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Diploma in Montessori.

What made you want to become an educator?I wanted to offer quality experiences in a home environment with a Montessori philosophy. Working with small numbers I have more freedom to follow each child’s interests and explore opportunities in our local community.

What is your philosophy around learning?To follow the child’s interests and to bring out the genius in each child. Also being able to korero Māori to the tamariki on a daily basis and share my knowledge of Māori culture.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?When I hear the children say “I did it” then I know that they have achieved their own little goals in becoming more independent.

What have you most enjoyed about being with Footsteps?Being well supported by Sally, our Footsteps visiting teacher, and being able to concentrate 100% of the time on working with the children instead of constantly worrying about all the paperwork. Also knowing that my contribution towards the children’s education is valued by the parents and by Footsteps Education.

This popular children’s book is a much loved classic, having sold over 30 million copies worldwide! This year celebrates the book’s 46th year.

The beauty of this book is two-fold; cleverly designed and illustrated, and a strong educational theme - children can learn the days of the week, food and counting.

Read with expression and children will often help you read the story.

A must have book in every child’s book shelf!

RRP $29.95

EDUCATORS

BOOK REVIEW: The Very Hungry Caterpillarby Eric Carle

Submit a photo for the cover of our

next issue and WIN a copy of this book

(details pg 3)

15 years in the role and loving it...Meet Kerry Limmer

Each issue we celebrate a fantastic educator whose everyday practice is making a difference in the lives of the children they care for. In this issue we spoke with Kerry Limmer who lives in the beautiful town of Wanaka.


TEACHER PROFILE:

Jacqueline– Started at Footsteps Education in 2005

– Resident blog writer

– Mother of two

Jacqueline has been with Footsteps Education for 10 years and is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to preschoolers. Author of the Q&A section and the “Ask our Expert” forum through our website, the most common questions she is asked are around toilet training and reading and writing.

When asked about her best advice she would tell you “Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy the early years as they go too fast! Also, don’t underestimate the effects of lack of sleep on a child’s behaviour.”

Be sure to tap into Jacqueline’s wealth of knowledge via the “Ask our Expert” section on our website.

Do you have a concern about a behavioural issue, child’s development, or just looking for some extra support? Our expert teachers are here to help. Submit these to Jacqueline at www.footsteps.co.nz/ask-our-experts

My two and four-year-old seem to fight and argue all the time. I really want them to grow up as close friends as well as siblings. How can I improve their bond?Firstly, be assured that sibling rivalry and arguing is normal. Stop and look at what is happening before the arguments so you can see any triggers or ways to prevent or reduce the arguments. Often children get a lot of attention from arguing, so it may be that they have learnt that this is a way to get your attention when you are busy. It’s tempting to think oh good they are playing nicely with the blocks I will load the dishwasher. But this is the time to give some attention and recognition for positive behaviour.

Be specific in your praise such as, “you were kind to help your sister reach the books” or “great sharing with the blocks - what a fantastic team you are”. As they are at different ages/stages it’s important that they get their own time to play. Your four-year-old might get frustrated if the two-year-old always knocks down their block towers or interrupts a long but enjoyable story. Try

and set up different spaces to call their own to play in. If arguing starts, don’t try to work out who is right. Give each child some phrases they can use to try and solve the problem and if that doesn’t work say, “it looks like you need your own space to play for a while”. This should not be seen as a punishment. One child could be up at the table with some drawing, while the other plays in the lounge with a puzzle.

Another idea that can be tricky to put in place but is really worthwhile is to have separate time for each child. This makes them feel special, gives them the attention as an individual that they are seeking and gives them a chance to miss their sibling!

Some of my friends have been saying that my two-year-old won’t learn social skills as he is in home-based care with his cousin rather than a preschool. Are they right?Research shows that young children thrive in a small group setting and are able to develop and practice important social skills best alongside a few children. Young children can

find a group size of 20 or more overwhelming. With an educator and two or three children, there is enough time to play alongside each other learning about turn taking, working together, waiting, offering, considering others and sharing in each others interests. Many children in Footsteps also attend playgroups, Playcentre, music groups or library story times. Some families even choose to do a split between Kindergarten and home-based care so there are lots of options out there. Your child will be able to develop some lovely close friendships in a small group as he grows.

COVER COMPETITION

Send us your best high resolution photo for the cover of our next issue, and you could win this month’s book being reviewed. Enter as many times as you like!

Send your entries to [email protected]

ASK OUR EXPERTS

Q&A

WIN


Footsteps Education goes green

Still the people you know and love but with a new look and feel! In June, Footsteps Education switched to their new branding - what this means for you...

“One more time, looking at the camera…got it, great job!”

At the Footsteps photo shoot, children and educators alike enjoyed being in the spotlight for the day. Everyone brought their unique personality and flavour to the photography and the result, well…we will let you be the judge.

The beautiful photos that you will see throughout the new marketing material is but one of the transformations resulting from Footsteps rebrand. Shedding the yellow and blue colours for green and black, the new look is both refreshing and confident.

Footsteps Education’s new tagline “Child First Learning” reinforces the importance of early childhood education in the early years, as the child continues to be placed at the centre of everything Footsteps Education does. You may notice that this is cleverly illustrated by the stylised ‘i’ (representing a child) that appears in the logo and

through the layout of various resources in an ‘i’ shape – Enter the competition on pg 6 to create your own ‘i’ and win!

The new Footsteps website is already proving popular with people finding the new layout clearer and easier to navigate. It is now easy for educators and parents to go online to enrol a child, refer a friend or apply to become an educator. It is also a great source of information with regular teacher blogs and resource ideas all in one place.

“Ask our Expert” is a popular feature brought across from the old website - a great forum to ask questions about anything you may be struggling with or would like advice on regarding your children.

Jump online and make the most of the new resources available and be sure to let us know what you think about our new look.

www.footsteps.co.nz

PLAYGROUPS

► Young Mums & Infants/Toddlers Playgroup. Waipuna Youth & Community Trust, 349 Woodham Rd, Christchurch. Every Friday during term time 9.30-11.30am 021768526 Anna

► The Early Years Hub. 158 Oxford St, Dunedin. Every Wednesday, all ages welcome. Music & Movement: 10.30-11.15 Playgroup: 11.15-1pm 0275710322 Yvette

► Mums + Minis by Rachel’s House Trust. Rangiora Baptist Church. Every second Friday 10-12pm. Gold coin donation. 021926925 Lisa

KA PAI!

Congratulations to educator Sarah Gill for recently completing her National Certificate in Early Childhood Education & Care. Two of her papers have since been used as course exemplars - well done Sarah!

INSIDE FOOTSTEPS EDUCATION

Come along to a playgroup in your local area.For more updates join your local Footsteps Facebook page (links on pg 7)


It’s the everyday things that make a difference

The Important Role Of Educators“Recently I had an educator who was wanting to help her child learn about letters and writing skills, but a family member had told her, “Your job is to love your child, you don’t have the expertise to teach him that, that is for school.”

The educator just needed another point of view to reinforce that as his main educator, she was his first and most important teacher, and that the love and care a child receives is intertwined with learning. With a little guidance on how to make the learning fun and age appropriate, she is now on her way confident in her role.”

Overcoming Fear “Young twins (a girl and a boy) are cared for by their uncle whilst Mum works on the farm. The uncle told me that the young boy had a fear of

bugs, so to help him overcome this fear, I brought along magnifying glasses for him and his sister to use to go on bug hunts. We dug over the garden and found lots of snails, slugs and worms to explore. Books were also left to support this interest and the children helped grow swan plants.

The magnifying glasses were an amazing resource, they supported the disposition of curiosity and inquiry whilst developing a sense of courage. Now the twins enjoy discovering the awe and wonder of nature and the young boy no longer has a fear of bugs.”

Learning through vehicle play “Two brothers were very involved in vehicle play. Mum asked if I could provide his educator with ways to teach the boys using their interest.

Four-year-old Max was very happy exploring and

LOOKING FOR QUALITY HOME-BASED CARE FOR YOUR CHILD?We currently have educators with spaces available in Dunedin, Tauranga, Mt Roskill, Te Atatu, Manakau, Nae Nae, Cromwell and Christchurch, with more coming on every week.

You and your child will receive:

• A professional Footsteps registered educator in a nuturing home environment

• Regular teacher visits providing personalised learning for your child

• Access to WINZ and 20hr ECE subsidies

Call Christine today on 0800 FOOTSTEPS (option 2) to discuss you childcare requirements or secure your place.

SUCCESS STORIES

Everyday educators and teachers are making a difference in the lives of the children they care for. Often it is the smallest things that make the biggest impact for a little child. We hear stories from our teachers on a daily basis and thought it was time to share some of these with you.

learning through the literacy and number resources that were introduced, but his little brother, Simon, was uninterested as soon as he saw the written numbers and words. I decided to combine another interest of Simon’s which was jigsaw puzzles and his ability to notice ‘same and different’.

I placed Simon’s favourite vehicles inside the shoe box (his parking garage) and traced each unique shape on the bottom “Can you figure out this puzzle with your cars

and trucks?” I asked. Simon couldn’t wait to match the shapes. He used trial and error, persistence and problem solving skills to complete the challenge.

Our next step is to write numbers and letters on Simon’s vehicles and on the traced patterns in his parking garage so he can once again notice ‘same and different’, completing a new challenge and learning number recognition along the way.

For more success stories visit our website.


Learning is child’s play continued...

Learning and brain development is not limited to toys and activities specifically created for children, but also by following their interests in participating in the real world. Household activities that most adults consider work are also rich with opportunities for learning. Hanging out the washing, baking, grocery shopping and weeding the garden provide many opportunities for exploration and learning - and while the task inevitably takes longer, it can be much more fun for the adult too.

Everyday life is full of naturally occurring learning opportunities. Watching the rubbish truck, road works, rain going down the drain, or a rainbow, can capture the

interest of a child when shared with a parent or educator. Take time to stop, observe, and talk with your child about the things happening around them, and when possible move on only when your child’s interest is waning. Be confident in the knowledge that you have just provided them with the stimulation they need, and it didn’t cost a cent!

Keryn O’Neill, MASenior Researcher, Brainwave Trust Aotearoa

This abridged version is reprinted with permission from Brainwave Trust Aotearoa. Full version available at www.brainwave.org.nz

For a full list of references please visit http://goo.gl/SwO50e

Mere weeks after completing a Child First Aid course, Vicki faced a situation that everyone thinks will never happen to them...

As a Footsteps educator, Vicki was scheduled to complete a St John’s Child First Aid course. Nervous and a bit reluctant at first, Vicki went along to the course and came

away with some valuable skills. Weeks later she realised just how valuable these skills were.

While at home one evening, Vicki noticed her husband was agitated and started slurring his words. Remembering the acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm Weakness, Speech Difficulties and Time), Vicki called 111 and was able to

clearly and confidently present his symptoms to the medical staff, resulting in her husband receiving instant attention. His blood pressure was at 242 and if there had been any delay he would have died.

Staff praised Vicki for her quick actions. She was not overwhelmed or emotional and had the ability to stay focused

which she put down to her first aid training.

All educators are child first aid trained when they come onboard with Footsteps Education. It is stories like Vicki’s that remind us just how important it is to be equipped with the right skills.

Educator saves husband’s life

At Footsteps Education we proudly and authentically place the child at the centre of everything we do. In our new logo we have illustrated the child using a lowercase ‘i’.

One of the fun ways of symbolising the ‘i’ is through the use of various resources that are found around the home; so here is your opportunity to get creative with your little ones and see what i’s you can find around your home!

Take photos and upload them to the competition post on one of our social media pages for an entry into the draw to win a $100 Visa Prezzie card! Every photo gives you one entry into the draw and sharing the Facebook post gives you a double entry!

Stay tuned for the winner announcement via our Facebook pages on Wednesday 26th August.

FEATURE ARTICLE

COMPETITION TIME

FIRST AID TRAINING

SUBMIT YOUR i PHOTOS & WIN A $100 PREZZIE CARD


RESOURCE IDEAS

Baby sensory play bags

Ideas:

Put your creative hat on and encourage your baby or toddler to get involved in the process of filling their bag.

You will need good quality zip lock bags, masking

tape and a range of materials to fill the bag. Some ideas are baby oil and water, hair gel, food colouring, shaving foam, two primary coloured paints, foam letters or numbers, feathers, glitter, googly eyes, pompoms or sparkly stars.

Make sure you let the air out and seal the bag,

double bag them and run the masking tape across the seal.

These sensory bags are to be used for supervised

play. As a facilitator your role is to ask open-ended questions and add meaningful words to enhance babies learning.

For older children try theme bags e.g. Space - use black food colouring and stars. Animals - small farm animals and hay. You could also put magnetic objects with liquid or sand and offer a magnetic wand, or create an eye-spy sensory bag.

► Footsteps Education - Timaru, Ashburton & Surrounds

► Footsteps Education - Canterbury & Upper South Island

► Footsteps Education - Otago/Southland

LATEST RESOURCES

For notifications on events in your area as well as learning ideas and up-to-date news, ‘like’ your local Facebook page.

FACEBOOK

Babies learn through touch, taste, hearing, and observing. Their natural disposition of curiosity is their motivation. Babies build their working theories about the world by using their sensory exploration. Cost effective and easy to make, have a go at creating some of these bags at home.

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What do children learn:

Children learn a range of concepts through this resource. First and foremost, they learn that they have good ideas and that curiosity is a valued component for learning. This promotes their self esteem and self identity.

Other concepts learned include; colour mixing, texture, descriptive words, cold, warm, soft, lumpy, heavy, light.

It also strengthens grasping and fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, hand-mouth co-ordination and promotes focus and concentration.

Opportunities to explore and manipulate materials helps with pull, push and pat movements. Try answering the child’s innate question of what will happen if? What can I do with?

We’d love you to share photos

of your creations on our Facebook

page!

Visit the Learning Resources page on our website for regular resource ideas

Recent posts:

► Pretend Play

► Fun with Science

► Using Natural Resources from Papatūānuku (Mother Earth)

► Numeracy and Mathematics

Your Footsteps Issue 1

Documents

Transcript of Your Footsteps Issue 1