Chapter 2: Caregiving Routines: one-to-one with full attentionDiscussion Quote: "The natural time to be wholeheartedly with your child is the time you do spend together anyway- while you care for your baby. Think of these 'taking-care-of routines as very special, the refueling time for both of you - time for intimate togetherness" p. 5 Chapter 3: On Teaching and LearningDiscussion Quote: "When you teach a child something, you take away forever his chance of discovering it for himself" -Jean Piaget p. 12 Chapter Takeaway: Magda believes in trusting infants to take the lead on their own learning. Parents should not interfere because the parents do not know when it is the best time for a child to learn something. Therefore, Magda encourages parents to observe their infants exploring a safe environment. She writes, "When infants have enough space, safe space, they will do exactly the movements that they are ready for -because they have the opportunity" (p. 13). By allowing repeated exposure to the same toys and by allowing kids to repeatedly perform the same task (even if the parent feels bored or like the child should be doing something else), children will learn more and gain more confidence in their abilities. She believes the parent's role is teach the child about every day life. Every day life includes the child's feelings (thirst, sadness, etc), about his belongings (clothing), or about your concerns (the street is not safe). (p. 14) Chapter 4: Time Apart: A Space for your BabyDiscussion Quote: "Children who have learned to rely on being stimulated, manipulated and entertained by adults may lose their capacities to be absorbed in independent, exploratory activities" (p. 18) Chapter Takeaway: Magda believes babies should have a peaceful, safe place to explore freely and independently. A safe space is one that does not require parents to monitor the child (so furniture is secured, toys are not too small, and a gate to keep baby in, etc.), and the space should be free of over stimulation from television, beeping toys, or constant people. She believes independent play should be encouraged because parents cannot be fully attentive parents if they are constantly with their child (parents need time to refuel) and children do not need constant attention (p.18) Additional InformationBased on the topics that came up during our discussion, I have curated some additional resources from reputable sites for your continuing education.
-Attachment Parenting -Janet Lansbury (Magda Gerber's present day representative. She has a heavily followed blog and podcast) -Media & Young Minds publication: Screen time recommendations based on the american academy of pediatrics -Holidays and gift giving podcast about living a more intentional holiday season
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During our time together, we will be using Magda Gerber's book Dear Parent: Caring for Infants with Respect to explore common topics in infancy. Remember that this book will not be used to advocate for a specific philosophy, but rather to challenge common concepts in parenting young children. By reading, critical reflection, and dialogue, we will aim to strengthen your understanding of the infant period and prepare you for the next steps of toddlerhood and onward. While our classes are always subject to change as the group needs, here is a rough outline of how we will be dedicating our conversation time. The topic of each class discussion and the associated pages are listed below. If you choose to read along, plan to have the pages read before each class. As a final note, Richfield ECFE will reuse these books in future classes so please take any notes, comments, thoughts, or questions in the journal that will be provided to you. I look forward to learning with you all! Reading Plan10. 31. 19 - Welcome, introductions, get books
Kid's activity: Pumpkins 11. 7. 19- Discuss The Parent's Role p. 5-23 Kid's activity: Leaves and buckets 11.14.19 - No Class (Emily at FLT) 11.21.19 - Discuss Diapering, Feeding, and Sleeping p. 79-96 Kid's Activity: Woodland animals 11.28.19- No Class (Thanksgiving) 12.5.19- Discuss Play p. 63-70 & 97-106 Kid's Activity: Magnifying glasses & Natural elements 12. 12.19- Discuss Discipline p. 107-119 Kid's Activity: Musical instruments 12.19.19 - Discuss As They Grow p. 123-139 Kid's Activity: Pine 1.09.19 - Review of Semester Kid's Activity: Scarves 1.16.19- Final Class Potluck |
Emily BarstadParent Educator Archives
March 2020
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