Leadership - Positive thinking

When we think about the ‘characteristics of effective learning’, we immediately think of children. Just the words ‘playing and exploring’ conjure up images of children eager to discover and try out their own ideas. Yet how often do we put these fundamental facets of learning in an adult context? How often do we actively apply critical thinking processes to ourselves?

We in the early years sector have a great wealth of knowledge regarding how children learn and develop, yet we don’t always employ them when it comes to adults. Perhaps this is because many of us didn’t come into the early years sector to manage adults. But staff relationships are just as important as the activities we undertake with children. Imagine having an unhappy, disempowered and ineffective team and trying to create an environment for children to flourish, grow, learn and develop. Impossible. How do children learn, grow and develop? Through all of their senses, through trial, error, copying, risk-taking, support, challenge, making mistakes. So why do we offer support to children who are struggling with something, and yet often bemoan adults who struggle?