I have answered the below questions, however am not overly happy with my answers!! Could anyone please advise if i am on the right track and let me know if i have missed anything as i am sure i have!!! Thank you so much
Case study 4
Safaa is a reserved two-year-old; she is quiet in nature and can become quite withdrawn when any of the educators join her play. She is the fourth child in a family of six, and her older brothers tend to do everything for her.
She is playing in the sandpit. Safaa fills up a bucket with sand and tips it upside down to make a sandcastle. As the sand is dry, it makes a pile but doesn’t stick together to form a castle. “Oh…” Safaa says disappointingly.
Willow and Ashley, both aged four, come across and start to build a sandcastle next to Safaa, with Safaa watching them closely. An educator sits with Willow and Ashley, talking to them about what they are doing and copying their techniques to assist them in building an additional sandcastle.
The educator noticed that Safaa was starting to become upset. Ashley moved over to Safaa and asked ‘What’s wrong Safaa?’ Safaa looked at the educator and pointed to Willow and Ashley’s sandcastles.
Answer the questions that follow:
a) Outline two ways an educator could acknowledge Safaa’s efforts, in a manner that would be sensitive to her temperament and personality whilst fostering a trusting relationship between the educator and child. Refer to Erikson’s psychosocial theory to guide your answer.
Answer : Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
- I can acknowledge and commend her for the efforts already made, being sure to comfort her and speak to her in a soft and encouraging voice. As she has pointed at the other sandcastle it is clear she is disappointed in her efforts so I would ask her if she wants to make one like Willow and Ashleys, asking her if she saw how they did it and encouraging her to give it another go, giving her the independence to do it on her own and achieve it by herself will build her self esteem and confidence. If she requires help I am there to assist, however giving her the verbal encouragement will help her to give it another go. Praising her efforts and acknowledging her courage to try again will build her trust in me and provide a safe and nurturing environment.
b) Give a possible explanation for Safaa’s quietness, using your child development knowledge.
Answer :
Coming from a larger family and having older siblings that do things for her, she has perhaps not had to speak out for things and therefore does not feel the need to talk as she get lots of things done for her without having to speak. Also coming from a larger family sometimes it can feel quite daunting to try and get a word in especially if her family is full of confident personalities which can over dominate the younger ones in the family.
c) What key strategies would you see as important for Safaa in your curriculum?
Answer :
I would definitely find it important to help Safaa become more confident and to speak up, helping to build her confidence in certain areas and encouraging and nurturing her to become more independent and secure with her environment. Taking the time to listen and speak with Safaa, giving her the attention she needs to develop her ability to express herself and feel comfortable to do so. Perhaps encouraging her to do more group pretend play so she can learn to work together with other and feel comfortable taking control of a situation.
d) List two techniques appropriate to Safaa’s age that you could use to help her express and manage her feelings.
Answer :
- Through pretend play, puppets, talking about feelings and encouraging her to express how she feels.
- Reading stories with her and talking about the pictures together, encouraging her to participate to help gain confidence.
Gaining her trust, encouraging her to give things a go while being there to help her if needed. Being positive, kind and patients with her at all times and acknowledging her achievements no matter how small or big they are.
e) List five developmentally appropriate resources that will facilitate Safaa’s exploratory play in the sandpit.
Answer :
1. Buckets and spade
2. Rocks, twigs, brushes, combs
3. Shape moulds
4. Pots, pans, spoons, tea cups/pots (Kitchen equipment)
5. Sieves/funnels
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