Thinking differently about everyday practice with babies and toddlers and their families

Caroline Fewster

Thinking differently about everyday practice has become a reflection concept, and is often described as a creative, innovative approach to utilising our imagination and creativity for discovering new ideas. (Galindo, 2009). There are many possibilities to think differently to begin and maintain real connections with children and their families as they join a children’s service.

When families first enrol in a children’s service, we can begin with meaningful connections during the orientation time by introducing family stories. Families are invited to record stories, songs or messages for their children so that each child can listen to the voices of their families during the day in their first language.

It is estimated that more than 60% of babies and toddlers have an attachment to an object such as a blanket or a soft toy, often described as a transitional object. Recent findings suggest that transitional objects can support younger children to manage new experiences. T hey can be companions that children hold on to, carry around, sleep alongside, and share experiences with each day.

Australia’s celebrated children’s health expert, Professor Frank Oberklaid, explains that “transitional objects provide predictability that younger children require as they separate from their families and begin to gain independence ” (Oberklaid, F, 2020).

A special shelf perhaps shaped like a house can become a safe house. Introducing a safe house may encourage children to see their belongings in a safe place while they play.

At Grandma’s Place Kindergarten and Child Care Centre in Sarina, the babies’ rooms educators have particular routines, a collaborative record for each child’s learning and development at home and in the centre during routine and transition times of the day.

It is likely up to 80% of the day is dedicated to routine and transition times of the day with babies and toddlers. (Malenfant, 2016).

Families and educators collaborate to create meaningful documentation throughout the year

Welcome, this is a place for children. A Llama stands at the front door of Bauer Street Community Children’s Centre. Children’s first words are often the names of objects that they can see and touch in their everyday learning experiences.

Inspired by the words of Ed Sheeran in his wonderful song Photograph, “So you can keep me inside the pocket of your ripped jeans ” Pocket people for children to choose who they would like to carry in their pockets today is a popular start to the day.

Thinking differently about everyday practice with babies and toddlers informed by evidence-based practice can be a process that is informed by the best available research, new knowledge from professional leaders and the voices of children and their families, to identify and influence practices that are designed to achieve positive outcomes for young children and their families.

Thank you to Grandma’s Place and Bauer Street Community Children’s Centre for thinking differently about everyday practices!

Caroline Fewster Early Childhood Education Consultant Adjunct Professor Bond University