As part of the health and wellbeing inputs I have watched some videos surrounding early years development and relationship building. The first video discussed how babies brains are very flexible in the fist stage of their life and the experiences they have here shape what kind of pathways are made in their brain for their future development and life. The video also discusses how children react to the environments we surround them with and the affects these environments have on their development. The second video focused more on the importance of these early years experiences and how they can affect the decisions that child makes in adulthood.

It is important as teachers to understand how the brain develops, in order to help every child have the best start in life. It is only through an understanding of a child’s need for a constant, supportive environment that they can produce not only their best work but  also develop the key skills they will need for later life. It is important for us as teachers to create an environment for the children in our class which allows them to build resilience and ability to take positive risks. As a teacher it is also important to understand each of your children as an individual and be able to know what their needs are and how you can help support them to achieve in all areas of the curriculum. It is important for children to build strong positive relationships with their family, friends and teachers in order to have a network that supports them in their learning and life.

As a professional I aim to support every child as an individual, allowing their needs to be met. To do this I will strive to create a welcoming and nurturing environment that the children can feel safe and supported in. I will also aim to have open lines of communication between myself the children, their families and colleagues to allow every individual child to gain the support they need in order to develop holistically. The videos have made me realise and think about the affect the environment a child grows up in has on their development and needs within a school environment. As well as the impact I have on that child as a teacher, not only for their curriculum development but their ability to develop the skills they need to create positive relationships within all aspects of their life.