Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Dear Lorina, can I ask for your help again? I know this particular question was already discussed, but my assessor wants something else out of my response.

Scenario A
Part A - Tom
Tom (4 years) suffered a brain injury at birth. He has a developmental age of around 2 years, walks with an unusual gait and uses gestures and loud noises to communicate. Tom is not yet toilet trained and needs adult support with other self-help skills.
Tom loves to play with wheel toys and enjoys any types of sensory experience, particularly finger painting, wet sand and water play.
Tom is new to the service and the preschool. Children have been curious about him, asking Cara, the educator, a range of questions:
• Why does he walk funny?
• Why can’t he talk?
• Why does he make those noises?

Scenario B

Part B - Tom - Block Play
Two children approach the educator and say “Can you take Tom away from the blocks ‘cause he doesn’t know how to build and he just knocks them down and we’re building a car park.”

Question 4Bii: How would you respond?

My answer was: I would respond: “Children, do you think you can help Tom understand how to build. Maybe you could have a little master class together with Tom. Maybe you could build something other than a carpark and knock it down together at the end when you finish? It is going to be fun.”

My assessor's comment: What alternative can create a mediation between the children so that they can continue their block play. How will you ensure Tom and other children can play with blocks?

Question 4B iii:Why is it inappropriate to insist that Tom be included in the block play?
My answer was: I think it is inappropriate strategy to insist that Tom be included in the block play, as it might cause boys frustration. A gentle approach is needed here. Here I would prefer to use another strategy -Peer support. I would offer boys to become Tom’s buddies who will show him a masterclass in building blocks, guiding him throughout building activity.

My assessor's comment:Why would this be inappropriate? How else might this make the other children feel? Consider how would it affect children’s. You are on the right track, just need to elaborate.

Lorina, do you have any ideas? I do not know what exactly the assessor wants to know here.
thank you in advance
sasha r

Hi sasha,
For the Question "4B iii:Why is it inappropriate to insist that Tom be included in the block play?"
my answer was," This will be inappropriate because the children has already told Cara about Tom, and they want to make something and if tom breaks it again this will make the other children feel very upset and they might not built or play with or may be ignore tom from next time. "
and the answer was ok. but for the Question " 4Bii: How would you respond?" my answer was not correct.