Role of the Educator The role of the educator is the most important factor in high quality programming.

Educators prepare the environment and ensure safety concerns are addressed.

Educators provide interesting materials and present them in an attractive way.

Educators may provide additional materials after observing the children and reflecting on how the play can be extended.

Educators observe the children closely and facilitate play by asking questions, guiding children through conflict, and encouraging language development.

Educators may step back and let children explore independently but stay nearby and supervise while watching, listening and recording observations.

Educators need to be on the same level as the children to encourage relationship and language development. This often means getting on the floor with infants.

Educators bring items to the children and are responsive to their cues to avoid over stimulating young children.

Educators model caring for living things.

Educators listen to children and expand their language by adding new vocabulary.

Educators provide comfort, safety and security. Educators cherish the children they care for.

Supporting Independence Educators can support exploration as children gain confidence and slowly move farther away but know that the educator is nearby if needed.

Relationships with adults “Children are able to flourish when they are respected by adults and are engaged in making choices about what their play activities.” Play and Exploration p50

Educators can model the potential of materials. These flashlights went unnoticed by the children until the educator showed them how to turn one on.

What next? An invitation is not the end After observing the children interact with the materials consider other opportunities you could provide based on the children’s interests Consider documenting the children’s interactions with the materials and with each other

The children are building their self identity while intently looking at pictures of themselves and their peers. How could this interest be expanded upon? Some possibilities may include…adding a mirror, or displaying family pictures or photo books.

These children enjoyed experimenting with flashlights in the tent. What other opportunities to experiment with light could be provided for the children to explore?

How do the children react to invitations for learning? “What a difference it makes in the toddlers’ behaviour when these types of things are set out for them. Normally we experience some running around and throwing stuff, but these have kept their interest for so long, the day goes by so quickly!!!!” Quote from a Saskatchewan educator

Have fun

Reclaiming the Delight “We have as much fun setting up the invitations as the children do playing with them.” A quote from a Saskatchewan educator