Fostering Independence
A primary goal of early childhood education is helping each child to become independent (Copple & Bredekamp, 2009). The concept of independence is obviously relative to a child’s age, environmental awareness, language facility, and physical strength. We wouldn’t assume that a 3-year-old can cross a street, bake cookies, or operate mechanical equipment safely without assistance. But there are many things we can do to guide the development of self-help skills and involve children in classroom routines that foster a sense of responsibility and an “I can do it” attitude. Furthermore, the teacher who wants to create a supportive classroom or home-care community understands that independence happens more surely and quickly with careful planning.
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Limiting choices and storing one material per space helps children know where each item belongs.