Supporting Refuge Children

01/04/2007

Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life.
John Muir

Every Child (Vol. 12, No. 4, 2006; www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au), the official magazine of Early Childhood Australia, a World Forum Alliance member, provides the following advice for supporting refuge children in early childhood settings...

Gain a broad understanding of the refuge experience, including settling in a new homeland.
Maintain a safe, predictable environment so children can relax and not feel they have to be on guard.
Consider new activities in light of each child's possible prior experience such as a visit from a police person.
Offer creative ways in which children can process their feelings and anxieties, such as dramatic play or art activities.
Offer relaxing experiences such as water activities, music, or clay.
Find shared activities such as soccer or music.

New Out of the Box Kit Available!

A new Exchange Out of the Box Training Kit: "Play and the Outdoors" is now available for purchase on the Exchange web site.

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.