This week: Share a problem - using a toy to discuss problems and promote self-awareness and identity
Aspect: A Strong Child Components: Me, myself,I; A sense of belonging; Walkers,talkers and pretenders
What you need: n a soft toy dog or rabbit or a doll dressed in contemporary clothes (this activity is suitable for small groups) What you do:
1 Sit with the children in a circle.
2 Introduce the doll or toy, give it a name and tell the children a bit about it. 'This is Eddie, he has just come to school and he is...' This is your chance to include a problem currently worrying the children or you.
3 You might say, 'Eddie is sad when he comes to school. He misses his mum and his baby sister. It sometimes makes him cry. What can you do to help Eddie?'
4 Ask for suggestions of what Eddie could do and how they can help him to feel better. Give the children time, and accept all suggestions.
5 Let the children take Eddie with them at the end of the discussion, to help him with his problem.
Another idea: Leave persona toys in the home corner.
Ready for more?
* Use the toy to explore all sorts of difficulties and solve the problems children have.
* Encourage children to use the toy to talk to you and the group about problems.
Individual needs
* Use dolls or puppets to explore feelings with children who have difficulties relating to the group.
* Encourage children to use puppets and toys to explore and experiment with language.
Tiny tip The toy could arrive with a note, label or letter about the problem.
Watch, listen, reflect
* Watch their responses to problem solving.
* Note how each child contributes to the session.
* Praise and note children's efforts in solving problems and suggesting solutions.
Working together
Parents could:
* remember to discuss problems with their children, using non-judgemental language
* come and watch a problem-solving session in your setting.
Practitioners could:
* use non-judgemental approaches to problems in their setting
* talk about problems openly, sharing strategies for them.
What are they learning?
Are they * contributing? * empathising? * suggesting? * thinking?
responding? * listening?
This leads to * self-assurance * confidence
Taken from I like you... you like me (Little Baby Books, series 1, Featherstone Education, 17.99 per series). The four series, each with four books, cover the four aspects and 16 components of Birth To Three Matters. To order copies, tel: 0185 888 1212 or visit www.featherstone.uk.com.
