Whether you’re brand new to working with the toddler set, or a 20 year veteran, sometimes you need a fresh idea. Here are a few quick tools to pull out of your toolbox to make any gathering a little calmer, a little more focused, and a lot more fun. And if you need captivating preschool curriculum, check out our BigKidz materials.
Sing Everything
When it’s time to clean up, or line up, or anytime you want to get their attention, sing what you want them to hear. The words don’t even have to rhyme. Just sing what you want them to know to a simple tune like “Old MacDonald had a Farm.”
Sensory Play Doh
Any time you observe someone becoming anxious or aggressive, Play Doh does the trick. It is helpful to have out during arrival or to have on hand for anyone who may need to redirect their aggression. Busy hands calm minds. Studies have shown fine motor activity reduces anxiety. It is also a wonderful social interaction tool. Sit with the child and ask him or her to surprise you. Have kids create their favorite food and you guess what it is. Have fun with it!
See Them
Talk at eye level. Wear your comfy pants when working with littles. You want to be able to comfortably get on their level. Any time you are talking one on one or wanting to communicate something important, get low. Squat to their eye level. You may even use the phrase, “Listen to me with your eyes.” “Show me the white on your eyeball.” We all listen better when we look eye to eye. Speaking of listening well, another fun tip is to have a pair of silly sunglasses with you or use your hands to make a funny upside down pair of sunglasses and say “I’m putting on my spectacles to see what I can see. OH WAIT! I see (Sally) looking at me. I see (Hudson) looking at me.” Kids all guaranteed to stop and look right at you. Now you have their attention.
Stomp, Tip Toe, Hop
While traveling from one place to another, try getting there in unusual ways. “Stomp like a dinosaur!” (This helps get a little aggression out.) “Tiptoe like a quiet mouse,” is great fun when you need your group to walk quietly. “Hop like a kangaroo!” is another great way to spend a bit of energy. Use creative ways of walking when traveling down the hall or gathering everyone together to transition to the table for snack or circling up for a story.
Speak Life
Look for ways to encourage. “I love your shoes!” or “I saw how you gave Lily a turn with that baby doll,” or “I love listening to the way you and Eli pretend together.” “I see you trying so hard to listen today. I am really proud of you. I know it can be hard.” When you speak life, incredible things happen to the atmosphere of your group. Some days it’s harder to find the good. Look for it. It is there. Ask God to give you His eyes for the children in your care. He will give you the words.
Smile
A cheerful heart is good medicine. - Proverbs 17:22
Your smile is your greatest communicator of the love of Jesus! This simple expression reaches across languages, cultures and age. A smile communicates acceptance and delight. What is your face saying? Go ahead. Smile!