Nursery World - Tomorrow's leaders are in the making

I agree with the early years experts who questioned the findings of a researcher who claimed it is possible to spot tomorrow's natural-born leaders at a young age (News, 2 October). A child's character can be influenced by the adults and children around them or the surroundings the child is in. At the nursery where I work, we have at least seven children who, on a daily basis, want to be top dog, as we allow them the freedom to explore in activities and play during the sessions. Because of this and the familiarity they feel in being part of a group, their confidence has grown. But taken out of this safe environment to face new experiences, more change and different challenges, I am sure that some of their bravado would soon vanish.

A child's character can be influenced by the adults and children around them or the surroundings the child is in. At the nursery where I work, we have at least seven children who, on a daily basis, want to be top dog, as we allow them the freedom to explore in activities and play during the sessions. Because of this and the familiarity they feel in being part of a group, their confidence has grown. But taken out of this safe environment to face new experiences, more change and different challenges, I am sure that some of their bravado would soon vanish.

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