The term “3 year old brain reset” refers to the period of time when a child's brain develops rapidly. This is not to say that a child's brain actually resets at age three. Instead, the phrase highlights the significant learning and development that can take place during these early years.
If you are searching for a childcare centre in Auckland, knowing this phase can help you pick a care centre that can cater to your toddler's evolving needs.
In Creative Garden Childcare Centre, teachers have seen that children will be more confident when they are given smaller responsibilities throughout the day. For example, children can help put away resources after an activity. Teachers can encourage them to decide where items belong and work together with other children.
Why Age Three Matters
By the age of 3, a child will be improving his or her ability to express concepts and feelings. They might ask a lot of questions, like playing imaginative games and begin to do simple things on their own.
They are also developing key social skills such as sharing, taking turns, listening and communicating with others.
According to the NZ Ministry of Education, early learning can help children to build confidence, develop curiosity, prepare for school and be equipped for lifelong learning.
This creates an important aspect of a child's daily experience in the early learning environment.
Learning Through Play
Three year olds do not need a traditional school environment. Play is an important way for young children to learn and explore.
The Ministry of Education states that, in early learning services, children learn through play and active exploration. Activities may be building, drawing, storytelling, music, outdoor play, or imaginative play.
For instance, block play can be used to aid problem solving and spatial awareness. Drawing can stimulate creativity and help to sharpen fine motor skills which are important in early writing. Children develop communication and social skills through play with peers.
The good quality child care environment provides opportunities for children to learn through enjoyment of daily activities.
Te Whāriki and Early Learning
Parents researching childcare in New Zealand will often come across the name Te Whāriki.
Te Whāriki is the national framework for the learning and development of children and young people in early childhood services in New Zealand. It promotes children's wellbeing, belonging, communication, contribution and exploration. It also acknowledges that kids have their own interests and set of interests and that they grow and develop at various speeds.
Parents have the opportunity to discuss with the teacher how Te Whāriki is implemented to support children's interests and development in a childcare centre.
At Creative Garden Childcare Centre, teachers can also provide an illustration of the ways that children's interests are reflected in everyday activities. A child may enjoy drawing, animals, music, vehicles or outside play, for instance, all of which can be a chance for additional learning.
Independence Starts to Grow
By about 3 years old, many children state that they can do it themselves.
Becoming more independent is an important part of development.
A supportive childcare setting can provide children with opportunities to:
- Choose activities
- Put away toys
- Wash their hands
- Help with simple routines
- Try new tasks
- Make small decisions
- Talk about their feelings
Children can attempt these tasks themselves while receiving support from teachers when needed.
The little things that happen every day can be great opportunities for children to build confidence and responsibility.
Tasks at Creative Garden Childcare Centre can be simple enabling children to make choices and work collaboratively with others.
Education for Social and Emotional Development
Some children may be beginning to show an increased interest in playing with other children, but sharing and taking turns may still be difficult.
Practicing communication, cooperation, patience, and problem solving in the everyday interaction with teachers can help children learn these skills.
Emotional development is also important. Even when children have developed a larger vocabulary, they may still find it difficult to understand or express complicated feelings.
A caring teacher can assist the children in identifying their emotions and expressing them in a healthy manner.
Parents should watch how the teacher interacts with children when visiting a centre. Do they listen? Are they able to talk to them with ease? Do teachers remain cool and caring?
These observations can provide parents with insight into the classroom.
Finding the right Childcare Centre in Auckland
There is no single childcare centre that is right for every family.
The Ministry of Education advises parents to take into account the age of their child, and the type of service, costs, staff and service provision. Parents may also inquire about the fees, meals, daily schedule, attendance and enrollment policies.
When parents visit a centre they may wish to ask:
What is a normal day like?
How much time does it include for outdoor play?
How are children's interests reflected in learning?
What is the way that teachers interact with parents?
What are the fees?
What is the meal or rest routine like?
What does the centre do to support toilet training?
How is Te Whāriki applied to the day-to-day learning?
Families can use these answers to help them decide if the centre is suitable for their child.
What About 20 Hours ECE?
Up to 20 hours of government funded ECE each week is available for children from age 3-4 and 5.
Parents are advised to ask the provider they wish to attend what the funding applies to, and if there are any other fees or conditions on the funding.
The Ministry of Education has information on 20 Hours ECE and early childhood funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there specific ages that are considered "special" children development?
While age three is an exciting time of development, each child is unique. Children develop, learn and progress at their own rate.
Does the brain really reset at age three?
No, it is not a scientific term to say “Brain reset”. A brief statement to illustrate the amount of learning and development that can occur in the early years.
What does 3 year old provision learn?
Language, social, emotional, physical, creative and early problem solving skills can be developed. Much of this learning is through play and everyday experiences.
What is Te Whāriki?
Te Whāriki is New Zealand's national framework for early learning and development. It promotes children's wellbeing, relationships, communication, belonging, contributing and exploring.
What are some ways parents can help their children learn at home?
Learning can be supported at home through simple, everyday activities. Parents can read with children, chat, draw, count with children, cook with children, and let children ask questions, etc.
Conclusion
A child's sudden change doesn't happen at age three. A period in which many children start to make significant strides in communication, independence, social skills, emotion and learning.
Parents can go see around various centres, ask questions, observe teacher-child interactions and choose a childcare centre that allows children to explore and learn at their own pace.
Families can also consider a setting where children will be able to enhance their confidence, independence, positive relationships and learning from everyday experiences.
Comments
Post a Comment