Reception teacher Poppy LeMar responds to Bridget Phillipson’s claim that “half can’t sit still” at age four, explaining that while children can sit briefly, their self-regulation is still developing. She highlights what sitting still actually looks like in a reception classroom, challenges misconceptions, and encourages better understanding between families and educators. She also advocates for inclusion and realistic expectations.

 

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/should-4-year-olds-really-be-expected-to-sit-still-?/

This episode is sponsored by Funding Loop

Funding Loop automates the process for nurseries of collecting funding forms from parents and typing that information into council portals. Funding Loop is used by over 2000 nurseries including over 80% of the top 25 nursery chains in the UK including Busy Bees.

 

To find out more visit: https://www.fundingloop.co.uk/home

 

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You might also like…

·       Proactively promoting positive mental health by Matt Bawler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/

·       Self-regulation, co-regulation & mental health by Dr Mine Conkbayir – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/self-regulation-co-regulation-and-mental-health/

·       ‘It’s not time out, it’s time in’ for both of us: Co- and self-regulation by Julia Robinson & Charlotte Hannah – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/its-not-time-out-its-time-in-for-both-of-us/

·       Understanding neuroscience in early childhood by Mandy Worsley – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/understanding-neuroscience-in-early-childhood/

 

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Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome! 01:50 – Should 4-year-olds really be expected to sit still? 04:00 – Expectations on starting school 06:30 – Safety requirements 08:00 – From sitting still to sitting safely 11:00 – Sitting still is outdated 12:30 – ‘Fidget toys’ and sensory resources 16:00 – Putting children at the back of the carpet 18:00 – Negative spaces in the classroom 21:45 – ‘Marketing’ & reframing as a teacher… 24:00 – Freedom to sit how children want 27:00 – Expectations for learning 28:00 – Engaging in deep play 30:00 – Children struggling to play 34:00 – What is your understanding of school readiness? 38:30 – Preparing your child for school 40:00 – Communication & trust is number 1

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com