Muddy Puddles Early Years Service

28/09/2024

The insightful Peter Gray on play based learning. Yep....there is loads of research around play based as opposed to rote/ explicite instruction learning. Play based does not mean there is no instruction or engagement or learning, but children are supported to think independently and follow their interest. You know from your own experiences that you will engage longer if you enjoy doing the activity.

Research reveals academic training in pre-K and K has long-term damaging effects on children's social, emotional, intellectual, and academic development.

27/08/2024

Art that produces an end product or art that develops wonder & awe, creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and most important of all builds self esteem… Product art V Process art.

Product-Art Vs. Process-Art

19/08/2024

Oh I just love this.. so simple yet so nice.

If you have a little one who is nervous about going back to school after the holidays. Here are a few little pocket-sized ideas that might help!

Pocket Promises:

Write out little promises of treats for your child (for example, an extra bedtime story, a family movie or puzzle night, homemade popcorn, trip to the park or playground, they can pick their favourite dinner) and put them in a jar. Every morning your child gets to pick out a pocket promise and cash it in when they get home from school.

Pebble in my Pocket:

Find two very similar pebbles, gem-stones or crystals. You keep one in your pocket and the child keeps the other in their pocket. Tell them that any time they feel a little nervous or are missing you they give their pebble a little squeeze. It is a very concrete reminder of their connection to you. [Some alternatives to a pebble that they might like to keep in their pocket are a little photo of mum/dad/family, or a hankie with your perfume/aftershave on it]

Worries in My Pocket:

Talk to your child about any worries they have about starting school. Write the worries down on pieces of paper. Then you put the pieces of paper in your pocket. Tell your child you are going to carry their worries for the day while they are in school, so they don’t have to carry them alone. This can really help to ease any fears they may have.

14/08/2024

Time outs V Time in’s??
A lovely article

The traditional concept of a time-out, where a child is isolated as a consequence for undesirable behavior, can be more harmful than helpful. A study from the Yale Parenting Center found that time-outs can increase feelings of shame, isolation, and resentment in children, which may worsen behavior rather than improve it.

Time-outs can also trigger a child's fight-or-flight response, causing stress and fear rather than reflection. When a child is forced into isolation, they may interpret it as a withdrawal of love and support, leading them to believe that their parent's affection is conditional based on their behavior. This can create a sense of insecurity, making the parent seem like an unsafe haven for expressing emotions and vulnerability.

In contrast, time-ins offer a more nurturing approach, focusing on connection rather than punishment. During a time-in, a parent or caregiver stays with the child, helping them navigate their emotions and understand their behavior. This method not only validates the child's feelings but also provides them with the tools to manage challenges more effectively, ultimately reducing the likelihood of negative behaviors recurring.

Studies, such as the one by Siegel and Bryson (2014), support this approach, emphasizing that validating emotions does not mean condoning the behavior but rather teaching the child how to cope in a healthier way. By opting for time-ins, parents foster a secure attachment, showing that their love and support are unconditional, and helping the child build resilience and emotional intelligence.

23/07/2024

So true - great advice 👍

07/07/2024

We have a lot of children who love ramp’s trajectory-vehicles on the move!!! That’s what they are supposed to do - in reality!!!!

30/06/2024

Building resilience….

It was a pleasure to contribute to this article by Sheila Wayman in the The Irish Times

The need to let children and teenagers take risks can be a scary message for parents to hear in our safety-obsessed world. But it’s a vital part of youngsters’ development and the summer break from school is a great opportunity to step out of the rut of routines.

Whether it’s risky play for a younger child or adventures for a teenager, these activities push them outside their comfort zone and allow them to experience uncertainty, says Dr Mary O’Kane, a lecturer in psychology and education, and author of Anxious Children in an Anxious World – Facing Fears and Finding Brave. Getting acquainted with the physicality of anxiety is a vital life lesson, as it helps them to recognise and cope with it in the future.

Their heart might be pounding, they have butterflies in their tummy and sweaty palms, “but they’re actually learning, this is what it feels like to feel uncertain. They’re learning how to evaluate risk. They’re learning what happens to their bodies when they feel scared, and that is so important.”

https://www.irishtimes.com/health/your-family/2024/06/05/how-do-we-grow-if-we-dont-take-chances-letting-children-take-risks-is-terrifying-but-beneficial/

29/06/2024

The National Childcare Scheme - all you need to know…

Did you know over 3,800 early learning and childcare services offer the National Childcare Scheme (NCS)? You can use the Childcare Search - https://www.ncs.gov.ie/en/childcare-search/ on our website to discover a list of participating services near you! Plus our FAQs - https://www.ncs.gov.ie/en/faqs/ will tell you all you need to know about using your NCS award.

26/06/2024

A lovely social story explaining what ‘inspectors’ do on a visit to preschools.

26/06/2024

How sweet ❤️

22/06/2024

As my children get older I realise the importance of what Dr Mary O Kane is saying in the caption below ❤️