The Heart of Play

Research Question 1

Since being in the field this term, one thing I have noticed is the importance of helping children manage their emotions and navigate interactions among peers. So much time, effort and energy is spent into redirecting and managing behaviour with varying techniques and approaches that don’t always garner optimal results. I want to explore the research in this area and see which strategies and techniques are effective and which ones are counter intuitive. Keeping this in mind, my first question is:

 How can early childhood educators foster emotional regulation and the development of healthy peer relationships in young children, and what strategies can address the challenges they face in achieving these goals?

Research Question 2

Another aspect of the early childhood education (ECE) that has come to light this term is how little time there is for educators to implement theory into practice. With much of the day spent transitioning from one activity to the next and sticking to rigid routines, I feel meaningful moments of wonder and slow pedagogical practices are hard to implement. This question then arises:

What challenges do early childhood educators face in fostering optimal development, including their professional development, well-being, and resource access, and how can tailored support systems empower them to overcome these barriers effectively?

Research Question 3

As a student, still struggling to find a balance between school, family commitments, work and maintaining my own mental health is something that still eludes me, especially when work starts piling up. I want to be able to give my best to all aspects of my life without compromising my own personal needs to rest, relax and do what I need to in order to be healthy. I know that it’s only when I am at my best that I can give my best to those around me, especially the children in my care. This is the impetus for my third question:

What strategies can early childhood education students implement to manage their time effectively and achieve balance across academic responsibilities, family obligations, work demands, and personal mental and physical health, while minimizing stress and avoiding burnout?