Remember the Book- The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman?
This book was shows you five different ways people receive and feel love based on their own personality. Using these examples, we can put this principle into action in the classrooms. If each teach understand that each child has their own unique way of feeling special, this can reduce unwanted behavior and create positive self-esteem.
Overview of the 5 Love Languages:
1. Words of Affirmation- We can use positive words, words of encourage, appreciation, and much more to show a child how much we care about them. Word or phrases like “Great Job”, “You are amazing” “You are smart” “You are wonderful”- These simple things can be one way of touching a child’s heart that they may not be feeling or getting at home.
2. Acts of Service- Some people feel like others helping out or doing something for them is a way to feel loved. A great was you can do this is electing a person to be the classroom helper for the day. So the person elected can feel good about themselves and the children getting the help can feel appreciated as well. Simple acts a teacher can do in the classroom include tying a shoe, asking a child if they need help, and other related services.
3. Receiving Gifts- Some people feel loved when they receive gifts. You can give your children something on a special occasion or holiday. You can just bring in a great movie for the class as a surprise. You can bring them a special snack or item they would enjoy. The can be done both as a group gift or you can tailor each child with their own special gift.
4. Quality Time- For some, just spending time with them is all they need to feel loved. You can make sure to spend some time one on one with each child in your classroom throughout the week. Maybe you sit beside one when they are coloring, or you invite one at a time to come play a short game with you. Play with them outside.
5. Physical Tough- The last one is physical touch. This is very true in the infant and toddler years. Being held and touched are very important milestones in their development. As we grow older, this need for touch can stay with you. Even older kids, we can give them a high five or hug when they did something good or accomplished a task.
No matter what age the children you are working with, you can make sure to add each of the love languages into the classroom to make sure each child feels loved and appreciated. These positive interactions build their personalities, their self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-image. As childcare professionals, you have the power to shape a young child and help them to achieve greatness! You are building the future!
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