Responsive Inclusive Plans
During my second placement, I designed and implemented a hands-on activity called “Friendship Bracelets” to promote social-emotional development and engage families in learning. Inspired by the Stick and Stone storytelling session, this activity encouraged children to create personalized bracelets for their peers, fostering kindness, empathy, and collaboration. I guided the children in selecting thoughtful decorations and facilitated discussions about the importance of friendship and supporting one another. To involve families, I created a visually appealing infographic highlighting the activity’s purpose, children's skills, and practical tips for promoting friendship and kindness at home. This plan strengthened the connections between the classroom and families, creating a supportive environment for children to grow socially and emotionally.
During my third placement, I organized a meaningful community-based experience for the children and their families, centred around a lantern-making activity followed by an evening lantern walk. The lantern-making session allowed the children to explore cultural traditions related to light and creativity. They used various materials to design their own lanterns, adding personal significance to their creations. This activity encouraged self-expression, cultural awareness, and social interaction as the children shared their stories and experiences with their peers. To extend this learning experience, I arranged a lantern walk in the evening, inviting families to join in and celebrate the children's creations. Each child carried a lantern, illuminated by a battery-operated tea light, as they walked together with their families along a path in the center’s playground. The event created a calm and inviting atmosphere for families to connect, learn about light-related cultural traditions, and celebrate the children’s creativity. This experience fostered a strong sense of community, promoted family involvement, and highlighted the value of cultural diversity in the early childhood setting.
