As a preschool owner or manager, your mission is to provide a nurturing and high-quality educational environment that fosters the holistic development of every child while growing admissions and parent satisfaction. How can these goals be combined practically?

The Importance of Parental Involvement

Parental involvement is vital for a successful preschool. In Finland, children learn through play and aren't scored, yet parents are confident in the quality of education. However, daily face-to-face meetings between teachers and parents can be hectic, and using paper notes is unreliable. A better approach is needed.

Cooperating with a child's family is crucial. Parents know their children best and want to engage in their learning, see evidence of progress, and handle daily practicalities smoothly. Teachers and families are in the same boat, working for the child's best interest.

Studies show that active parental involvement leads to better academic performance, improved social skills, and a positive attitude toward learning. For preschool owners and managers, fostering strong parent-teacher relationships increases trust and satisfaction, which is crucial for building a reputable and successful preschool.

How to Engage Parents?

Circle time is often a time when children as well as educators come together and have a joined start for the day. Circle time is much more than a shared moment with the group. Circle time is full of educational aspects as well as the promotion of social development and the group's team spirit. Circle time is a great venue to learn to share your ideas, thoughts, and emotions in a safe environment.

How to prepare circle time?

First of all, prepare a big enough floor space to sit on. It is nice if you have a specific circle time area that you gather on each time. When the circle time area is familiar to children, it is easier for them to concentrate and they know what is ahead when they gather for circle time.

Same, repeated routines are recommendable. For example, start circle time at the same time (for example after breakfast). Have the same starting and ending songs for circle time, but other activities during circle time can vary depending on your current learning theme or season. Also keep track of time, make sure circle time is no more than 20-30 minutes long.

If you have a specific learning theme, attach Circle Time to go together with the theme. For example, if the theme is emotions, read a book connected to emotional skills, sing a song that contains names of emotions, and let each child show from a picture card how they are feeling today! The same circle time activities can be done on many days, especially if the attending children are little. The smaller the children, the more repetition.

'All About Me' Lesson Plan Sample

Visual environment

The visual environment is very important for circle time. It is good if it helps children to focus during circle time and creates a feeling of curiosity. Here are some examples of Circle Time activities and pictures that support the activities. Build your own Circle Time wall with these examples:

• WHO IS HERE - Have a laminated photo of all the children + educators and see who is present at the kindergarten today and who is staying home/off sick.
• WHAT IS THE WEATHER - See what the weather is like today outside by using a weather wheel.
• WEEKLY SCHEDULE - Have a weekly schedule with pictures and explain what is today's activity.
• EMOTION OF THE DAY - Let the children share their daily feelings with the help of pictures.

Get your own TODAY I FEEL emotion board, continue reading!

Embracing Change in Early Education

As a preschool owner, you have a unique opportunity to shape the early educational experiences of the next generation. With the implementation of new education policies, there’s a significant push towards innovative educational methods, including integrating playful learning models inspired by systems like those in Finland. To align with these changes effectively, focusing on four crucial areas can dramatically enhance your learning environment: curriculum renewal, teacher professional development, the introduction of new learning materials, and the adoption of advanced digital tools.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing Your Preschool Environment

Step 1: Curriculum Enhancement

Mental health issues in young children are often overlooked, despite the critical role early emotional and psychological development plays in overall well-being. Factors like family dynamics, socio-economic status, and exposure to stressors contribute to these challenges, which can manifest as excessive fearfulness, temper tantrums, difficulty forming attachments, and developmental delays.

Emotional well-being is crucial for a child's development, affecting their ability to explore, form relationships, and develop cognitive and social skills. Early mental health challenges can lead to ongoing issues in adolescence and adulthood, making early intervention essential.

How to Support Young Children's Mental Health

Creating a Safe and Nurturing Environment

• Stable Relationships: Consistent, caring relationships provide a secure base for children to explore and develop confidence.
• Predictable Routines: Consistent routines reduce anxiety and promote emotional stability.

Promoting Emotional Literacy

• Teaching Emotional Vocabulary: Help children identify and express their feelings through storytelling and open discussions.
• Modeling Emotional Regulation: Demonstrate healthy ways to manage emotions.

Encouraging Play and Physical Activity

• Play-Based Learning: Play supports emotional and cognitive development and helps children express themselves.
• Physical Activity: Regular physical activity reduces stress and improves mood.

Building Strong Social Connections

• Fostering Peer Relationships: Encourage children to form friendships and interact with peers to develop empathy and cooperation skills.
• Involvement in Group Activities: Group activities boost self-esteem and a sense of belonging.

Supporting Parents and Caregivers

• Parental Education: Provide resources and strategies to support children's emotional well-being.
• Parent-Child Interaction: Encourage quality bonding activities.

Early Identification and Intervention

• Regular Screenings: Conduct screenings to identify concerns early.
• Access to Professional Help: Ensure children can access mental health professionals when needed.

The Role of Preschools in Supporting Holistic Development and Mental Health

Preschools play a vital role in supporting children's mental health by providing holistic learning, structured social skill development, and emotional regulation environments. 

Click to Watch Video about the Workshops

Kindiedays interactive online workshops support the teacher's professional development and create a high-quality learning environment for children's holistic development.

Conclusion: A Collective Effort for Lifelong Well-being

Supporting young children's holistic development and mental health requires a collective effort from parents, caregivers, teachers, and the community. By creating nurturing environments, promoting emotional literacy, encouraging play, and providing early intervention, we can build a strong foundation for children's lifelong well-being. Together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. Sign up for a free consultative call to explore your needs and goals. 

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Happy learning,

Team Kindiedays

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Circle time is when children and educators come together and have a joined start for the day. Circle time is much more than a shared moment with the group. Circle time is full of educational aspects as well as the promotion of social development.

According to the Little Book of Circle Time all the learning areas can be covered through circle time activities. Circle time can be used for promoting speaking and listening skills, mathematical thinking, a sense of teamwork, and sharing/taking turns.

How to prepare for circle time?

First of all, prepare a big enough floor space to sit on. It is nice if you have a specific circle time area that you gather on each time. When the circle time area is familiar to children, it is easier for them to concentrate and they know what is ahead when they gather for circle time.

Same, repeated routines are recommendable. For example, start circle time at the same time (for example after breakfast). Have the same starting and ending songs for circle time, but other activities during circle time can vary depending on your current learning theme or season. Also keep track of time, make sure circle time is no more than 20-30 minutes long.

If you have a specific learning theme, attach Circle Time to go together with the theme. For example, if the theme is animals, read a book about animals, sing a song that contains animals (5 little ducks), and let each child show from picture cards which one is their favorite animal! The same circle time activities can be done on many days, especially if the attending children are little. The smaller the children, the more repetition.

Seasons and Weather Lesson Plan Sample

How to involve toddlers in circle time?