Settling

May 2013

A number of new children have came from centre 2 over the recent weeks. The new children needed some time to settle into the centre and the routines. The following are some our reflections on those instances and how we worked with them individually to support this new transition.

Meal Times
Children who are at the settling in stage sometimes are not comfortable having meals together with the other children at the table as possibly groups, even 6 around a table could be a little overwhelming coming from a parent and child home environment. We respect how they may be feeling and provide them more time to have meals the way they feel comfortable with comfort, support, and quiet interaction, until they become accustomed to the environment and develop confidence.

. Before After

Morning and afternoon teas are offered as a rolling snack time. Children are not expected to come. Play does not have to be interrupted. The kai tables or picnic settings are set and available for children to participate for morning snack if they so wish. Teachers walk around speaking to children individually and in small groups and offer children the choice to come and eat. Typically children will follow this taki (lead) and invite their friends to join them for something to eat.

Sleep Time
At the early stage of settling in, some new children were not too confident in aspects of the sleeping routine. entering the sleep room.