Connection: 

Connection within early learning has such an important value and intersects with many learning and behavior domains and strategies. Connection is not just about being connected to the educator but through many connections that intertwine all important aspects in a child's life. These aspects can include family, home, beliefs, values, educators, the learning environment, community and friends. All these connections become a social context in which the child lives and learns. If one or more of these connections are broken an interference can occur in a child's learning or behavior. Just like wires that interconnect in a machine, if one wire gets cut it then affects the performance of the machine. Humans on the other hand are able to adapt to broken connections with the proper relationships and support to reconnect with what is working in the childs and family's interconnections. Three Core Concepts in Early Development

This is why understanding the gravity of connection and why it should come first and foremost in a child's learning experience. Understanding the whole child (which includes their family, culture, community, beliefs and values) strengthens connection, inviting a more holistic way of being (meaning being in a direct relationship with the family, child and program). This way of being is connected to the Indigenous value of being and knowing. Looking at the ways in which Indigenous and Western views of knowing and being is important.Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being 

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Belonging:

Belonging is a connection to self and relationships. The importance of feeling and being a part of something, yet still having the ability to belong to yourself is an important factor in children's learning. Very young children first belong to their primary caregiver, they rely on all aspects of care and attachment needs having a loving responsive caregiver, food, nutrition, warmth, safety, understanding and empathy. As children grow and although they still rely on their primary attachment to meet their needs they become and grow as a separate person who has personality, temperament, emotions, thoughts, ideas, curiosity and autonomy. If all goes according to plan the child learns that you belong to your family that cares for you, you belong to yourself, you belong to your community and the world around you. The educational environment is one of those important areas in which belonging serves as a connection to a sense of wholeness. Belonging to your place of education cultivates learning. We all need to belong.

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Autonomy:

The importance of autonomy and learning are another interconnection to the child’s learning experience. Autonomy was not always supported in educational institutions or childcare programs. In this framework autonomy is defined as children who have control over the choices they make (play, activities, eating, interaction with peers, sharing, being creative). 

 

Having autonomy in play is vital, which is why having play that supports curiosity, and has invitations for children to freely explore is important. This gives children the opportunity to take risks, try new things, work out schemas, gain abilities, act out desires and remain confident. 

 

Being Autonomous does not mean that there are no boundaries or routines. Boundaries are important for safety and for respect of others and the environment. Routines are important for children to feel a sense of safety, establish predictability and create a sense of structure. Although boundaries and routines have their importance they should also have some flexibility so children learn to have adaptability as well as have a voice when something in their lives is not working or in their best interest. 

Choosing how to play is also important. Children have play drives or what is called schemas that may look like behaviors instead of looking at it as a development of play. This could look like throwing toys, pushing people, coloring on walls, dumping bins, bringing toys from one room to another. These are all part of play schemas and if you create the right conditions in the environment these play schemas can be brought to life and built upon creating wonderful learning opportunities. When children are in charge of their play the learning becomes more meaningful and gives the child more opportunity to build on their learning. It provides a spark that can become an internal fire within themselves that pushes them to move forward to discover what's next. This is something many adults strive for but lose somewhere along the line, therefore this can be a great learning opportunity for both educators and parents. To look at what inspires and excites you and to take that lead and build on it without hesitation and move forward with the spirit of play. Autonomous Development