Curriculum isn’t about what we’re teaching the children, it’s about what they’re naturally learning, from how they feel in their environment and by observing and listening to us. This is why creating a Calm environment, Care, Connection, and Consistency come first. Tending to their needs, meeting them where they’re at, Co-regulating and playfully Connecting with them, and being Consistent will help them thrive.
(I had the opportunity to present for my first time ever at the FLAEYC Conference this past October and this was the topic. One that I’m truly passionate about, while also advocating for PLAY.)
Let’s start with C.A.L.M – Caring, Attentive, Loving, Mindful
The first thing with Calm is that begins with us, heart, mind, body, and soul. We have to be able to take of ourselves before we begin to take care of others, especially children. Making that time for self-care & reflection is important. Whether it’s a cup of tea with a good book, doodling, journaling, getting outside in nature, meditating, or any other form, make that time for yourself to create that Calm within.
Creating the Calm environment starts with reflecting on what works best for yourself and the children in your care. From the lighting, aesthetics, and music, down to the materials and schedule.
Walls that are too brightly colored or full of posters and decor, or shelves that are overcrowded can be overstimulating for children, especially the highly sensitive. One key to look for is, if you’re overstimulated it’s highly likely many of the children will be. Tone things down, less is best. I’m a beleiver in Color Psychology, it definitely helps. Lighting can play a role, as well. Bright overhead fluorescent lights have been known to be overstimulating also. If you have enough windows and natural sunlight coming through, turn off the lights, add a lamp or twinkle lights in areas that could use it. Add some color pop with the learning materials you display on the shelves and play invitations. Creating that warm, welcoming environment for the children is about having what Montessori states a prepared environment, or in Reggio, The Environment as the 3rd teacher. Have a schedule, but not too strict. Let it flow smoothly. Children do need some structure and routine, but let the day and them guide you. Less transitions as possible. In Waldorf it’s your daily rhythm. Music is important, too. Ambient music welcoming them in the morning, singing throughout the day and during transitions.
Now there’s C.A.R.E. – Connecting, Aware, Responsive, Empathetic
Care is Involment, Care Is Education: It’s not just about us caring for the children, but what we do throughout the day with those routines. From clean up time, tending to wounds, wiping noses, and washing hands to diaper changes and potty training. While we’re there helping and guiding them, they’re also learning to take care of themselves, and of others, as they develop and grow. They’re also learning the science of care, ex. body parts and senses, emotional regulation, language and social skills, even early math skills! Routines are pattern recognition.
Next is Connection: C.O.N.N.E.C.T.I.N.G
When we’re Connecting with children we’re Consciously Observing and Noticing their Nature through Empathy, Compassion, Thoughtfulness with our Intuition, Nurturing, and Guidance. And what I mean by this is when we’re in that moment of Connection we’re being Mindful, we’re Aware of their behaviors, habits, emotions, and truly meeting them where they’re at in their journey of development. We’re Thoughtful and use our Intuition to help Nurture and Guide them in their learning, as well as Co-traveling with them in wonder and curiosity. We’re also Co-regulating with them through our Calm and Care practices. And the best way to connect is to PLAY!
Then there’s Consistency.
Children need just as much as we try to keep it in our daily lives, from the daily rhythms and routines to showing up every day. Consistent Caregivers provide all of the above and more! They know they feel safe and cared for where they’re at. Now I know we have appointments, a sickness, and other things we may need to take care of, like our own families, and we may need take time off, even a mental health day, that’s all understandable. But when we’re Consistent when we are working with the children things can go a lot more smoothly.
Last, but not least. The most important of all!
The Child. The true Concentration of Curriculum. When we’re Child-Centered what’s on the lesson plan doesn’t always matter, we’re focused on what they’re truly learning from us and through their play. We’re honoring and valuing them, really seeing them, meeting them where they’re at, and Co-traveling with them through their self-active curiosity, discovery, and wonder.
There were many more C’s that were added to this. The Crucial C’s, the essence and foundation of Curriculum.
The Owl’s Nest 