Strategies To Encourage Educators To Do Planned Activities and Set Up Experiences

The following article provides information on Strategies For Getting Educators Engaged In Planned Activities, Create A Simple, Visual Planning Board, Encourage Educators To Co-Create The Program and more.

Strategies For Getting Educators Engaged In Planned Activities

1. Foster Ownership and Collaboration

Instead of assigning tasks, invite educators to co-create the program based on children's interests.
Hold weekly brainstorming sessions where everyone contributes ideas for experiences.
Use interest webs to visually map children's emerging interests and connect them to planned activities.

2. Make Planning More Accessible

Create a simple, visual planning board where educators can see upcoming activities at a glance.
Use digital tools (like shared documents or apps) to make planning more interactive and flexible.
Offer quick-reference guides with easy-to-implement activity ideas.

3. Encourage Accountability and Reflection

Set up peer check-ins where educators reflect on what worked and what could be improved.
Use learning journals to document children's engagement and adjust plans accordingly.
Celebrate successes—acknowledge when planned activities positively impact children's learning.

4. Align Activities with Educators’ Strengths

Identify each educator’s passions and strengths (e.g., storytelling, outdoor play, sensory experiences), and let them lead activities in those areas.
Rotate responsibilities so educators feel empowered rather than pressured.

5. Provide Support and Inspiration

Share examples of engaging setups to spark creativity.
Offer professional development on play-based learning and intentional teaching.
Encourage educators to observe each other’s setups for inspiration.

Create A Simple, Visual Planning Board

A simple, visual planning board can help educators stay organized and engaged with planned activities. Here’s how you can create one:

1. Choose a Format

Use a whiteboard with sticky notes for flexibility.
Create a digital board using tools like Trello or Canva.
Use a bulletin board with labeled sections for different activities.

2. Organize by Categories

Daily Schedule – Outline key activities for the day.
Child-Led Interests – Track emerging themes based on observations.
Educator Responsibilities – Assign roles for setting up experiences.

3. Make It Interactive

Use color-coded sections for different types of activities.
Allow educators to add ideas and reflections throughout the week.
Include visual prompts like photos or drawings to inspire setups.

4. Keep It Accessible

Place the board in a common area where all educators can see it.
Use simple language and visuals to make it easy to follow.
Encourage weekly check-ins to update and adjust plans.

Encourage Educators To Co-Create The Program

Inviting educators to co-create the program based on children's interests fosters collaboration, engagement, and meaningful learning experiences. Here’s how you can implement this approach:

1. Collaborative Planning Sessions

Hold weekly brainstorming meetings where educators share observations of children's emerging interests.
Use interest webs to visually map connections between children's play and potential learning experiences.

2. Flexible and Responsive Programming

Allow educators to adjust plans dynamically based on children's evolving interests.
Encourage spontaneous learning moments rather than rigid schedules.

3. Shared Documentation and Reflection

Create a digital or physical planning board where educators can contribute ideas.
Use learning journals to track children's engagement and refine activities collaboratively.

4. Strength-Based Contributions

Identify each educator’s passions and strengths (e.g., storytelling, outdoor play, sensory experiences), and let them lead activities in those areas.
Rotate responsibilities so educators feel empowered rather than pressured.

5. Encouraging Child-Led Exploration

Observe children's play and invite educators to build on their interests with relevant experiences.
Provide open-ended materials that allow children to explore freely.