I was able to volunteer at the Orlando Day Nursery (ODN) for the first time on Friday, March 30th. I was welcomed by the staff, executive director and program director. The directors were kind enough to take time out of their busy schedule to give me a tour and explain their facility before I began my volunteer experience.
Once the tour was complete and I had the opportunity to view all the classrooms, I was shown to a three year-old classroom. I was embraced at the door with loud cries of, "Come play with me!" Next, my hands/arms were pulled in various directions as the three year-olds vied for my attention. I did my best to use a Concious Discipline approach by Becky Bailey, along with a responsive classroom to meet all of their needs - playing in the dramatic play area, reading books, playing instruments, just being with the children.
I will continue to work with the ODN over the next couple of months as a volunteer on Fridays. I'm looking forward to seeing the Early Head Start classroom in place as this will be a new practice at ODN.
Hi Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI look forward to hearing about your experiences at the Orlando Day Nursery. What strategies do you use for classroom management with three year olds? I know that acknowledging their feelings and setting boundaries is important. I know there are appropriate ways to talk to different students depending upon age. I am just curious for my own professional growth how a classrooom is generally set up for children of this age. Is a safe place still appropriate at age 3? What else do you recommend? I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Isn't it awesome to see such little ones full of life and innocence? It makes you wonder what experiences they will be have that will transform them into the adult that they will become. I worked with 3 year olds before and it is tough, so I praise you for that! How did Becky Bailey work for you? I like the Love and Logic form of discipline myself.
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