“I Can Do That!” Fostering Resiliency in Young Children

I pulled out a couple of graphics from the publication, "I Can Do That!" Fostering Resilience in Young Children by Vicki S. Collet on naeyc.org.

They demonstrate that WORDS MATTER and positive psychology is everything!! The following graphic demonstrates HOW the actions of the teacher or parent can AFFECT the thoughts and behaviors of a child.

Allowing children to assess their own performance has many benefits:

1. They are given an opportunity to self-reflect on their actions.

2. They are presented with the concept of truth-telling.

3. Encourages resiliency by improving oneself.

4. Builds self-confidence.

Introducing children to these personal development milestones early in life can improve outcomes by developing healthily at the appropriate time so that more advanced skills can develop not only age-appropriately but perhaps earlier that previous generations.

How to Set It Up:

Inform children that you want them to think about HOW they are working and playing today.

Something like this, "Children (Sally, Joe, etc.) let's do something new today! I want you to work and play and eat like normal. We are going to do everything like we do every day. What I want you to do different is pretend you are watching yourself like a movie camera. Think about what it looks like when you are playing, thinking or even eating your sandwich!"

Use as a Cue:

During the day you can use this 'perspective' as a cue or redirection opportunity for children. For example, " Jose, what does my camera see right now?" or "I see with my camera, a line, who do I see in my line? Jesus, Peter, Amie. Awesome, job! Waive to the camera from the line."

Use as a Self-Assessment:

Ask child in a one-on-one conversation if they remember a specific activity today. "Do you remember working on the balancing activity with Peter today? Bring up your camera and re-play it in your head. How did it feel working?"

Give them time to reflect while laying out these self-assessment cards or make your own based on your activity.

"I am going to read what each of these cards say on them. I want you to pick the one that your camera would match. What did Jack working today look like?"

Allow them to pick a description and phrase their efforts for what they are and their ability to be honest with their own performance. Encourage a new goal based on their personal development.

"What will Jack's camera show us next time?"

Source: naeyc.org