All research (and I’m not going to quote any of it – it all says the same thing) agrees that there is a correlation between self-esteem and success in learning.  In terms of the importance of emotional safety. it is not ‘success of the fittest, but ‘success of the safest’.

Children who feel good about themselves learn with more quality than children with poor self-images.  A good early childhood program is a place where children are treated with warmth, humor, acceptance, and respect; where there are firm, fair, and developmentally appropriate limits on harmful behavior; and where there are strong connections with the families of each child. 

The skills of self-awareness are separation, self-concept, self-esteem, and self-regulation, and one I like to add, the development of a sense of humor. Here are some more specific examples of using DAP to build these skills.    

Separation – The Ability to Leave the Nest

• Create and maintain a system for parent-child separation that is warm, relaxed, and positive and ask parents to pick children up in a timely way every day.
• Let the parent be the guide unless the separation process disrupts the learning process.

 

Self-Concept – the Ability to Know Yourself

• Say and spell each child’s name correctly
• Offer experiences that give each child opportunities to use his body in positive ways that promote health, strength, and stamina
• Allow each child to role play in costumes and clothing of his choice without making stereotypical judgements on gender. They will figure it all out.
• Display positive non-stereotypical photos and pictures of persons of all gender, ethnicity, ability, and age
• Give daily opportunities for children to see themselves in mirrors
• Talk about gender, ethnicity, ability, age, and family composition in terms of fact
• Help your children understand the realities of their limits ONLY in terms of SAFETY

 

Next Blog: DAP for the Spirit – Self-Awareness #2: Self-Esteem and Self-Regulation