Holistic Development and Dispositions

Holistic development and dispositions

I was keen on the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical child development. I helped a child to deal with frustration during a group puzzle work and I realized persistence as an important learning disposition. I had them in writing to prove resilience and self regulation. I am becoming well versed in the way in which even the smallest moments can aid holistic growth.

Cultivating Positive Dispositions

Inquisitiveness is a critical element of learning and development of the children. Curiosity is encouraged, hence the active participation and affection of learning takes place.

Exploration Stations:

Activity

The goal: To offer children the possibility of engaging in new materials and new concepts.

The Way I Nurture Curiosity: I have various exploration activities at different exploration centers that have various manipulative materials such as puzzles, nature materials, and sensory bins. I allow children to question and exercise freedom when using the materials (Vygotsky, 1978). Reflection: I observe that children become inquisitive of what they got in the stations. One child may be innovative in observing a bin of sand and other in puzzle. I also interact with them asking some questions such as, what do you feel this would be like? or How shall we get this jig-saw puzzle fitted together? This encourages them to be critical, and develop curiosity in them.

Learning Through Play and Exploration

Play and Exploratory Learning is an effective means of early child development. It enables children to develop themselves as the natural, pleasurable and meaningful learning (which helps improve cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development of children) (Vygotsky, 1978). This is how I will apply this approach on my placement:

Developing an Engaging Setting

The rich environment will lead children into exploring, experimenting and being involved in various forms of play. How I do this:

I make sure that there are numerous activities in learning spaces including sensory bins, blocks, art materials, books, and outside equipment. The materials are not only safe but they create curiosity and imagination.
As an illustration, I created a science corner using magnifying glasses, leaves, rocks, and insects, to make children learn about nature. This practical experience triggers their interest and enables them to undertake discovery oriented learning.

Reflection: The materials excite the children as they touch, see, hear and smell.Some of their questions are, what would happen to these colors of paint when mixed or what does this bug do? I see them building problem solving skills as they solve how-does-this-work puzzles.

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