Ways to Help Children Feel Special
CUBBIES - They provide private places for each child. They can be movable and put away when the children leave. Cylinders from ice cream in plastic or paperboard are free, and can be taken apart and stacked, retaining some space for your family to use when the daycare children are gone.
MIRRORS - Have shatterproof full-length and hand mirrors available. Full-length mirrors mounted near the floor can be great fun for toddlers. A mirror near the dress-up clothes is fun.
"A PICTURE OF ME" - Use large sheets of brown wrapping paper or news print and trace around each child. Let the children add details with paints, crayons, and bits of fabric or other stuff.
TAPE RECORDERS AND CAMERAS - With a recorder, tape each child's voice. Play it back and let the children guess who is speaking. Take pictures of the children.
BIRTHDAYS - Do something special for each child's birthday. Make a paper crown and turn snack time into a "party" with a candle and songs. Let the birthday child bring someone or something special to show or share.
PHOTOGRAPHS - Post photographs of the children where they can see and talk about them. And post children's artwork where attention can be called to it. Put each child's name on his/her own pictures. (If children can sign their own names, that's great!) The kids will feel proud because you think their pictures are "good enough to hang" on the wall or refrigerator.
NAMES - Use the child's name in songs, verses, games, and stories. Using the child's name helps the child feel important, special, and unique.
OPINIONS - Ask individual children for their help or opinions: "What story shall we read today, Jamie?" "Kara, how would you feel if someone gave you a Golden Goose?" "Will you help me set the table, Zachary?"
SPECIAL DAYS - Now and then, you might plan a special day to honor one of the children--"Cindy's Day" or "Gregory's Day," etc. The child can plan for that day, choosing the activities, stories, and menu. Involve the youngster's parents too. They'll appreciate the attention being drawn to their child.
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