Naptime

Toddlers

What We Saw: The teacher was struggling to get all of the children washed up for lunch and at the same time get their cots out for nap. She usually has help during this transition time, but she was alone on this day. She knew that the children were going to get restless so she said, "Well kids, you are going to have to help me today. Lets get your cots." The teacher told each child to take out his/her cot, and then place it onto the floor. Most of the children were thrilled to help out. One child grabbed his cot, and worked so hard at bringing it out of the closet. After he dragged it along the floor and placed it down, he had a big smile on his face. He was very proud of his accomplishment.

What It Means: Children love to help because it makes them feel an essential part of the group. This creates independence in a child that boosts self-esteem. When this is done daily children will begin to accept it as part of the day and it will eventually become routine. This will also give the children a sense of what is about to happen next, which helps to create smoother transitions in the room. These children will know that naptime is approaching because they were actively involved in taking out their cots. If the cots are placed in the same spot everyday, the children will soon learn that they each have a special place for sleeping, and they will begin to place that cot in the same spot everyday independently. Routines help children feel secure in their environment, because they can predict what is going to happen next.

Infants

What We Saw: An infant is napping in a crib. He begins to adjust his position and the sound of a soft cry is heard coming from the crib. The teacher immediately walks over to see why he is fussing. She said to him, It's okay, you are just getting used to this crib." Then she notices that the pacifier has fallen from his mouth. She says, "Here is your pacifier back." The baby immediately starts to suck on it and he drifts back off to sleep. She gently rubs his head and says, "There you go, now you can go back to sleep."

What It Means: It is important for the emotional development of children when teachers respond to infants immediately whenever possible. Infants are learning to trust the world and the people that they come into contact with on a regular basis. The short language interaction, and the two gestures (putting the pacifier back into his mouth and gently stroking his head) sent a message to this baby that his caregiver can be trusted, and that he can depend on her. Routines are such a large part of a young child's day. How adults respond during these routines sets the stage for positive satisfying relationships.

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