Developing Your Image of the Child and Reciprocal Relationships in Early Childhood Education

Considering Your Image of the Child

Consider: Thinking About Your Image of the Child Think about how there are many images of the child interacting within early childhood programs. Families have their own image of the child, and so do educators. In your writing, think about your professional image of the child and what helped you to develop this image of the child for your practice. Choose one of the following questions as you consider your image of the child. How does your image of the child influence your reflection and planning processes? Consider how your image of the child affects the way you make decisions about children’s learning. How does your image of the child shape your interactions with children and their families? Consider how your image of the child affects the way you make “in the moment” decisions with children and families. How does your image of the child influence how you talk about children with colleagues and other professionals and program staff (e.g., cook, janitor, office staff)? Topic Two – consider: Reciprocity of Relationships Think about reciprocity as a “social rule” that each member of the relationship should give back (reciprocate), the kind of treatment they receive from another. In this way, reciprocity creates an interdependent relationship—people feel supported as they support others. Choose one set of the following questions: How does your image of the child inform your practice? How do you think children experience your curriculum decisions? How does your image of the child influence your planning processes? How do you think children experience being seen within the planned curriculum? How does your image of the child shape your interactions with children and families? How might you nurture a trusting relationship with them? How does your image of the child influence how you talk about children with colleagues and other professionals? How do you think other educators view you as a professional?