Activity 1.3 | Mindset

As an educator in a toddler centre at a community college, I recall a time when a child from another country arrived at our centre. The child did not speak English yet. Another child at the centre also spoke the same language as the newly arrived child. The children did not have a relationship with one another. I believed that the children should be in the same primary group or in playtime together. One educator believed that it was important that the children be exposed to hearing English more and therefore be in separate groups. There may be times when you will notice a difference in mindsets from other educators. I shared my belief that children entering our program need to feel a sense of welcome. Often as educators, we may feel tension with another educator's views. Listening to one another's ideas supports both beliefs. The children were able to speak a language together that brought a sense of safety in an otherwise new situation. By balancing both educators' beliefs the children have the opportunity to be familiar with a new situation while learning from another culture.

How do you support a newly immigrated child? Is it important that this child be immersed into Canadian culture and be connected to a child that speaks English or for the child to feel safe and connected to their culture? What kind of relationships do you want to foster for newly immigrated families? How might we help them to feel welcomed and safe in an unknown and unfamiliar place? Can you think of a time when you went to another community or country and you could not express your needs? 

What are your thoughts when an educator speaks the same language as the child? How would you support this relationship to be inclusive of the child’s need to understand the new world around them? We want to make our programs feel safe and welcoming. Having a familiar language or cultural expressions can provide a touch point for children or families.

Consider

What mindset do you need to include children, families, and your staff?

A mindset is a mental attitude or perspective that determines how you respond to situations. We can have a mindset that says “this is possible” or “how can we make this happen?”. We can say ‘yes’ to children and families and our staff rather than "no, you can’t, we can’t….it’s not possible”. Instead, we can say “yes, let’s try that” or “yes, you can swing that stick if you go over to that open area” or “yes, you can come in for the afternoon if you have the morning off. Just come quietly if it is after one o’clock as many children will be asleep.” Check in with what you are feeling…your mindset can shift…how do you feel about doing this course? Does part of you say “this is boring” or “I am tired”?  How can you find a positive approach?

• Consider whether there are children and/or families you might exclude. Try articulating the reason and digging deeper by capturing your reflections in your journal.