EXPRESSION

GOALS:

Every child is a capable communicator who expresses himself or herself in many ways.
Parents/guardians feel comfortable expressing their views and communicating with staff.

PROGRAM EXPECTATION:
To foster communication and expression in all forms with children, staff and parents/guardians.

HOW?
Welcome others and be open in communication and interactions:

We engage in authentic and reciprocal communication with children and families.
We practice active listening with children, families and each other.
We communicate with families using a variety of methods e.g. calls, newsletters, communication books, emails, in person.
We encourage parents/guardians to share their perspectives, feedback and viewpoints e.g. Parent Council, parent surveys.

Encourage children to interact and communicate in a positive way and support their ability to self-regulate:

We support and respond to children’s different cues and ways of communicating.
We support individual children of all abilities in expressing themselves and being understood.
We facilitate communication between children by helping them listen to and express themselves to one another.
We support children’s varying abilities to self-regulate and foster new skills and strategies.

Foster children’s creativity:

We provide time, space and materials to encourage expression through creative experiences.
We encourage critical thinking and creative solutions.

Work collaboratively toward common goals:

We recognize and advocate for the rights of Inuit children and families.
We discuss programs and issues at team meetings and make decisions and propose solutions as a group.
We work together to set goals and make plans for the future.
We encourage children to cooperate and work towards a common goal e.g. block building, tidy up.

Respect each other and consider different perspectives when making decisions:

We value and respect the cultural knowledge that educators bring to the children, families and program.
We support parents/guardians in feeling comfortable and safe to share their feelings and experiences.
We show respect for others’ opinions, perspectives, respective work duties and responsibilities.

Find solutions and use our resources effectively:

We reflect on and seek to improve our communication strategies with children, staff and families.
We encourage staff and families to be resourceful and determined in seeking solutions to problems.
We respect and nurture our relationship with the natural environment e.g. taking care of animals, plants and insects.
We teach conservation when all parts of traditional food are used e.g. use of seals.
We teach and model the principles of “reduce, reuse and recycle.”