Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life.
-John Muir
Every Child (Vol. 12, No. 4, 2006;
www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au), the official magazine of Early Childhood Australia, a World Forum Alliance member, provides the following advice for supporting refuge children in early childhood settings...
- Gain a broad understanding of the refuge experience, including settling in a new homeland.
- Maintain a safe, predictable environment so children can relax and not feel they have to be on guard.
- Consider new activities in light of each child's possible prior experience such as a visit from a police person.
- Offer creative ways in which children can process their feelings and anxieties, such as dramatic play or art activities.
- Offer relaxing experiences such as water activities, music, or clay.
- Find shared activities such as soccer or music.
Comments (2)
Displaying All 2 CommentsWarwick, R.I., United States
I think we also need to think about the needs of the refugee parent. After all, their children are "watching" them and need to feel that they are also secure and becoming more acclimatized to their new environment. Perhaps special activities for these parents and their children can be offered. Perhaps one parent can be appointed as liaison...and other parents can be invited to facilitate dinners or gatherings that would help the adults to feel more included. Happy parents can contribute to the security of their children.
Dupree Daycare, Inc.
Faith, South Dakota, United States
AFter having raised 4 children from Romania in my home daycare that were brought to the states in order to be adopted by U.S. parents, I would say you missed more than one important thought. They need to be included as children are by other children. They also need to be shown love and acceptance. One of the boys did not even speak english when he came but we did not make fun, we tried to communicate and include him in all things we did. These made him feel a part of something great!
I still receive correspondence and phone calls from him from California as a college student. When he comes home for vacation, he comes to see us. They all do still visit and we are so excited to be a part of their after-childcare lives!!!
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