Jacque, I love your perspective on quiet and your rituals around rest. This is such a good discussion and brings to question how we hold values for silence, solitute, regulation in full day programs. The conversation also shows how care is a pedagogy -one that we all give such careful thought and intention. We do a similar transition and do not give out the solitary play items until about 40 minutes into the rest period. Perhaps we haven't been solid enough in our goals to help each child settle into complete stillness - I wonder about this piece - but I do think there is value in playing alone and i do believe quiet activties like a clilp board or magnadoodle can be meditative and not overstimulating. We have also had discussions about music or not music. We've actually had some children complain about music and found that afternoons of silence can be preferred. I've also found that the meditative recorded stories can be overstimulating to some children while relaxing to others. I can relate to this as I am not a person who likes background recorded music due to my own sensory style. Some programs use white noise - I've heard that is controversial too. In NYState it was made clear in the new regulations that alternative activities should be provided for non nappers because it had been brought to light that many programs were inforcing strict and stern rest periods that were deemed too long and developmentally inappropriate for the children who had outgrown naps. Also, parents in some programs were complaining that the rest period was too long and too late in the day causing difficulty with evening bedtime rituals. There is so much to consider when designing a program that meets so many different needs and I have found that some years we have children with such limited self regulation skills that nap time requires extra adults to model calm and stillness - which is also a challenge given a full days program need to schedule lunch breaks and prep time for teachers in the afternoon. This discussion around rest and nap practice is dynamic and ever changing in our program. Integrating sound pedagogy and practice around rest, meals, dressing, toileting requries such careful intentions and plans and individualization. Child care is not something "just anyone" can do - it requires us to know many things and I respect and appreciate everyone who is doing this amazing work in human development.
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Carol Murray
Bard Nursery School
Red Hook NY
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-20-2020 09:23 AM
From: Gina James
Subject: Nap time quiet activities
Good Point Jacqueline. Definitely something to think about! Gina James
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Gina James
Teacher
NYCDOE
Williston Pk NY
Original Message:
Sent: 02-20-2020 07:48 AM
From: Jacqueline Crocker
Subject: Nap time quiet activities
I believe the concept of "quiet time" has been missed in many programs. It should be a time when children are given the opportunity to rest not only their bodies, but their minds too. Giving them activities to do during quiet time does not help them rest, calm their minds and self-regulate.
I teach 3-5 year old kiddos in my program and we adhere to a very strict quiet time. Each child is required to prepare their mat with their bedding, book and whatever cuddle friend they choose to have. They start by laying flat on their backs and covered if they choose. We listen to meditative stories through a variety of streaming services. After about 15 minutes of stories, we play meditative music throughout the remaining quiet time. Inevitably, every child goes to sleep or is so quiet and calm you can hear a pin drop.
Granted, many children this age are outgrowing their naps and this is expected. However, it is our responsibility to help them learn how to self-calm, slow their little Ever Ready Bunny minds down and enjoy the time to themselves. Giving them stimulating activities to do when they should be resting does not a rested child make. (Calm offers some great sleep stories for all ages and Bedtime Explorers can be found on Spotify).
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Jacqueline Crocker
Owner/Director
The New School Studio
Overland Park KS
Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2020 05:40 PM
From: Melanie Angle
Subject: Nap time quiet activities
I work in a 3's and 4's class and I have a lot of non-nappers, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays when we have kids that only attend 2x per week. Because of ratios and break times, the children cannot leave their beds during nap time. After a mandatory "rest time" I give the non-sleepers books but they flip through them quickly and then start getting up to get new ones or play w whatever is near them. I am looking for quiet activities that will keep them busy but can be done on their mats. Any ideas? Thank you!
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Melanie Angle
Preschool Teacher
YMCA
San Diego CA
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