Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Simon is a new preschooler in your care, he is extremely shy and hasn't yet adjusted to the new environment of the Centre. His mother tells you that he has been this way since she separated from her husband. After his mother drops him off in the morning he often cries for an hour. He doesn't like being around the other children and often sits in the corner by himself and seems uninterested in the experiences around him. One say Simon comes into the centre with a big smile on his face. He has a container of play dough and shows it to you. At playtime he sits with the other children and plays with the play dough. This is a big step for Simon who usually doesn't sit with the other children. After a short while you notice Simon is watching the other children working with their play dough. They are using feathers and pebbles with the dough.

Question 1: How would you spend one on one time with Simon and extend his social experiences through play? Include how you would model care, empathy and respect.

Attempted answer: I would sit with Simon and play with the play dough with him while conversing about the experience ie. Why he likes play dough, what he likes to make with play dough, his favourite colour play dough etc. I would also start using feathers and pebbles and offer Simon some to use as well.

Question 2: If Simon does not wish to participate in the experience, what could you say to him that would encourage him to participate and communicate with the other children at the table?

Attempted answer: Talk about what the other children are doing and how fun it looks, tell him I'll sit and play with him.

Question 3: Answer the following giving at least one example for each..
a) What indicators would tell you Simon was ready to join an activity or experience?
b) Explain what you would do to ensure Simon developed a trusting relationship with you.
c) Describe what you would tell Simon to say to the other children if he also wanted to use some feathers and pebbles.
d) If another child would not allow Simon to use the feathers and pebbles with his play dough, what would you say to that child?
e) How would you support this other child to accept responsibility for their own actions?

Attempted answers:
a) He watches the other children that are doing it.
b) Be understanding of his choices, show support, show interest in what he does and be encouraging, always do what you say you will.
c) I would tell Simon to ask the other children nicely and politely if he could use some feathers and pebbles.
d) ???? I have no idea
e) ???? I have no idea


How do my answers sound? Do they seem correct, do I need to add anything? I need help with d and e, I'm not sure what to write...

TIA.

Your answers are good! I think your suggestions fit in with the scenario.

Question 2: If Simon does not wish to participate in the experience, what could you say to him that would encourage him to participate and communicate with the other children at the table?

"Simon come over here and look at the different coloured play dough. Let's get some and see if we can make some snakes. Let's find out what the other children are making..."

d) If another child would not allow Simon to use the feathers and pebbles with his play dough, what would you say to that child?

"These are for sharing with all the children playing with the play dough. If you choose not to share then maybe you can find another activity to do"...

How would you support this other child to accept responsibility for their own actions?

By explaining the consequence of the choice they make - "Sorry to see you chose not to share, please find something else to do" OR "Thanks for sharing with Simon, I can see you're really enjoying this activity"

Hope this helps,

,
Lorina

Thank you, it helped a lot