The best environments for children are those in which each child can SEE himself, his interests, his identity, and BE himself to express those interests, concerns, thoughts and emotions. For children from military families, that includes reflections of the military-connected knowledge and experiences that they bring to child care. Explore why and how early childhood professionals can intentionally and effectively respect and reflect children’s military-connectedness in their programs. (2 hours)
Lesson Objectives
- Recognize evidence of children's military-connected knowledge and experience in their behavior and conversation.
- Explain the benefits to children of respecting and reflecting their military-connectedness in the child care setting as well as the negative consequences of not doing so.
- Identify proactive strategies for supporting children's military culture and experiences.
- Identify responsive strategies for supporting children's military culture and experiences.
