Toilet training
At Fareacres it is well understood that children develop at different rates to each other. They also develop in different rates holistically, for example, a child that has very capable physical: moving and handling skills, may be less capable in communication and language: speaking. This is something that is a typical characteristic of early years. Thus said, being able to use the toilet is one of those skills that is individual to each child.
The most common age a child begins to show readiness for toilet training is 2 years old. A child will begin to show and express their understanding of their toileting needs. They may say that they are wet, or soiled and show discomfort. Some children begin to recognise the need for toileting. However this readiness is shown, it is important that the child is supported throughout. Fareacres makes every effort to work closely with parents to ensure the child’s toileting experiences are consistent at both home and nursery. Working together will only encourage the child positively and promote success in achieving this new skill.
At Fareacres, a variety of strategies are used to assist children in acquiring the skill of toileting. An example of these include:
- Communicating with parents regarding toileting needs
- Seeking information for progress at home
- Using nappy changing times to gently encourage children to use the toilet (even if it means only to experience sitting on the toilet)
- Making an arrangement with parents for when the nappies will be taken away at both home and nursery
- Gently reminding children during the day of using the toilet
- Using circle time to talk to children about toileting, reading stories to prompt conversations
- Offering lots of positivity, praise and encouragement to children
- Sing the toileting song
It is inevitable that accidents will happen, however they must be managed sensitively. A child cannot be made to feel a failure because they have had an accident, as just like any skill, they need practice in order to master it. Accidents may be frustrating, but a child must never feel the frustration. It is also very common for a child to show good progress with toilet training and then regress and start to have accidents once more.
Please see below for a song that is sung to help children that are toilet training:
(Sung to the tune of ‘If you’re happy and you know it’)
Adult - If you need to do a wee wee, where do you go?
Children - To the toilet
Adult - If you need to do a wee wee, where do you go?
Children - To the toilet
Adult – If you need to do a wee wee, need to do a wee wee, if you need to do a wee wee where do you go?
Children – To the toilet
Second verse is self-explanatory!
If there are any questions you have regarding toilet training, please do speak to your child’s key person and they will be happy to help.
Below is an article regarding toilet training that you may find useful:
https://www.teachearlyyears.com/under-2s/view/toilet-training
Toilet training is a process that requires the three P’s, Perseverance, Patience and Praise in order for it to be successful!
Weekly Experiences
The children in Rainbow fish in South Woodford have been using their fingers to make marks. The children made marks using a range of big and small movements to help develop both the children’s fine and gross motor skills. All children were engaged which enhances the possibility of effective learning and development.
In Gants Hill children have been exploring playdough. This is a sensory activity where children manipulate the dough and use different tools to mould their dough. Through these manipulations, children develop eye-hand coordination, the ability to match hand movement with eye movement. They also gain strength and improve dexterity in their hands and fingers, critical areas of physical development for writing, drawing, and other purposes.
Playdough GH
Playdough GH
Playdough GH
The children in Stingrays in South Woodford have been painting their own butterflies and ladybirds for their new display board. Painting is a sensory experience for all. The children were all encouraged to explore the colours used, listen to instructions and develop their fine motor skills.
Here are some comments from the children:
"Bird" - Julia
"Butter" - Alex
“Ahh" - Rodrigo
Creative activity SW
Creative activity SW
In Gants Hill the children have been using the book doctor; the ‘Book Doctor’ initiative is used by children at both nurseries. The book doctor was devised in order to give the children the responsibility of caring for the books in a familiar and fun manner. In providing children with this responsibility, the children have more awareness of caring for the contents of the book corner. There is a doctor’s case full of resources to fix any damaged books; children are able to book appointments with the book doctor, who changes each time, so that all children have the opportunity to take the lead.
Book Doctor GH
Book Doctor GH
Book Doctor GH
The children in Sharks in South Woodford have had afternoon tea in the garden. The children picked their own sandwiches and poured their own water. This is a nice time for the children to build on their own independence and build their relationships with peers.
Here are some comments from the children:
"I have egg sandwich" - Saanvi
"More orange please" - Micale
"Water more water" - Zach
"Eating outside" – Xavi
Afternoon Tea SW
Afternoon Tea SW
Afternoon Tea SW
In Gants Hill the children have been using paint to make marks. The children enjoyed using the brushes to paint onto the paper and also to make marks by dragging the brush across the paper. The children enjoyed this so much; they even began to paint their hands and print them. The children were all encouraged to explore the colours used, listen to instructions and develop their fine motor skills.
Painting activity GH
Painting activity GH
Painting activity GH
The children in Starfish in South Woodford have been investigating what happens when we mix food colouring with milk, this is to extend the children’s knowledge on mixing colours.
Here are some of the comments made from the children:
"The milk has turned blue" - Mae
"A spider web" - Rosie
"It looks like a bike" - Jessica
"Its turning red like lava" - Andreas
"Its turning scrambled" - Olly
Mixing Colours
Mixing colours SW
Mixing colours SW
Mixing colours SW
In Gants Hill children have been exploring the tyres by building a tyre mountain, this is to enhance the children’s risky play. Risky play supports children in testing their limits and exploring their boundaries. When the children are involved in risky play it gives children the opportunity to access any risks and manage the situation. There are many learning opportunities for the children through risky play; problem solving, language opportunities and many more.
For more information on risky play please click the link below:
https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/digital_assets/291/LDAllaboutRisk.pdf
Tyre Mountain GH
Tyre Mountain GH
Top 5 Children’s Quotes of the week:
- · "I'm going to start school soon" – Olly
- · “I went on an aeroplane in sky with mummy” – Henry
- · "I'm 4 now it’s my birthday I got superhero toys" – Luca
- · “I had a dream about Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Belle” - Maliha
- · "I'm a good girl aren't I" - Kassie
Quote of the Week:
'It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop'
- Confucious (Chinese teacher and philosopher)
Thank you for taking a glimpse into our Fareacres Learning Community
Until next time...
