Podcast

In this series on developmental concerns, we begin by looking at typical developmental milestones as guideposts for understanding how children develop their social, emotional, language, physical, and cognitive skills. Why is this important to the early childhood practitioner? What do we need to know in order to provide developmentally appropriate care?

In this podcast, Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel discuss the struggle that can sometimes arise between the early educator and a child in finding the balance between limit setting and power struggle. Some children can literally ‘run’ the program—how does this happen and how does the staff regain control? Priscilla shares some real life examples that can help shift the balance again.

In this concluding podcast on play concerns, we will look at some of the reasons a child might be ‘forgotten’ by his peers or even rebuffed when trying to join in play. Inclusion consultant Priscilla Weigel will share tools for the early educator to help the group include one another and build an atmosphere of acceptance.

Do you have children in your program who are reluctant to join others in play, or perhaps aren’t invited to join in because they seem too aloof? All children need one another to learn social competencies and to graduate to more complex social skills. So what can be done? We will discuss some scenarios for why a child might have these play issues and some strategies for easing anxiety and helping children connect with one another.

Building on the foundation of play skills from Part One, this podcast will examine children who can’t seem to settle into play activities or, conversely, the child who doesn’t want to leave a center or a particular toy. How can the early educator intervene to ensure that a child feels safe and secure but also is building important peer relationships? Inclusion consultant Priscilla Weigel will share some strategies that can help children settle into play.

In this podcast, we look at children’s development from infant stages through older preschool to explore what types of play children should typically be engaged in at different ages. Play is both developmental and learned so children need our help in acquiring skills that help them move from stage to stage. We will set the foundation for talking about some of the challenges children may face in their play.