OUR YOUNG CHILDREN

Valuing Relationships

 

 

 

 

Relationships are key to our well-being whether we are babies or adults. Through relationships we make meaning of our world, our families, our communities, and ourselves. As educators we enter into relationships with infants, toddlers, and their families that are reciprocal with energy and communication flowing back and forth. Staying aware of the layers of relationships is important for providing continuous care.

~Our Youngest Children P. 6

Valuing Friendships

 

 

 

At first glance it may seem as though babies are playing their own games near other babies without any real interaction but when you watch babies carefully you notice that they change what they are doing and watch for responses from each other.

They may:

  • Reach out to touch other babies;
  • Look closely at other babies' faces and gestures;
  • Use these cues for what to do next; and
  • Use their own social signals such as smiling and crying to communicate with the other baby.

As babies reach out to touch each other, they are learning about friendships. It is important when babies play near each other that adults are close by to support them and give help when it is needed.

~Marie Hammer and Pam Linke (2004)

Valuing Environments

The physical setting we create for children reflects our values, beliefs, ethics, and philosophies. An infant and toddler space can offer choices and places for connection, communication, continuity, and stability. Valuing exploration and play, we want to carefully think about how we offer materials and space.

~New Brunswick Curriculum Framework - Our Youngest Children (P. 14)

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