SMILES CHILDMINDING GROUP

TOP TIPS FOR SUCCESS WORKING WITH THE UNDER FIVES & PARENTS/CARERS

• Encourage a sense of shared ownership by encouraging everyone to input ideas and views (adults and children) and ensure these are valued. 
• Don’t plan too far ahead.
• You don’t know what works until you try it.
• Don’t worry too much about mess whilst the children are creating.
• Listen to and observe the children and find out what they are really interested in/ fascinated by.
• Trust in the children’s processes of exploration. Children learn best by finding out for themselves.
• Create an environment that enables all ages of children to participate and explore a wide variety of resources.
• Keep some resources constant so that children are able to build on their ideas over time.

Top Tips from Laura Barrett, Smiles

Storycatch supported by City of York Council (Inclusive Arts, Arts & Culture) - July 2010