Wednesday 30 October 2013

Using Marte Meo and Circle of Security in everyday practice

KU Kangaroo Preschool have detailed ways in which they implement both Marte Meo principals and Circle of Security within their everyday practice.
Playspaces – as identified by the originators of Circle of Security, *Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper and Bert Powell - are an important part of our preschool curriculum. Playspaces allow educators the  ability to be available to provide the “secure base/safe haven” (detailed in the link below) for children and also for educators to observe children’s connections/attachment needs.  We implement playspaces on arrival.  It gives educators the opportunity to be available for children when they walk through the door, and this enables educators to support the varying separate needs.
Providing a predictable start to the child and family.  Children and their families find comfort in a predictable environment, if they need to see educators quickly they know exactly where they will be. It also gives to family an opportunity to discuss with their child how they would like to separate in the car on the way to preschool. Children are empowered to choose their separation and families can then support this choice.

The circle of security graphic is an easy resource to use as it simply way to find meaning underneath a child’s behaviour. Educators can then use the ‘circle’ to map and identify where children are at; it’s great for a starting point to create discussion with educators in regards to an individual child.
Please click for Circle of Security Outline

Mater Meo uses video to enable the educators to watch and observe very closely what children already have and where the educator can activate development. Educators use Mater Meo elements to build connections.
Firstly the educators Wait for the child’s initiative, then by turning their body or head the educator Follows where the child is concentrating. The educators then gives words (this is referred to as Naming) to the child’s actions, educators are following at this point so educators refrain from asking questions. 
Educators present themselves with a “good face” and use “warm tones” this gives the child the sense that the educator is with them and the child is respected (this is referred to as Confirming).
Developing a connection with children using these Mater Meo strategies and/or using the circle of securities allows educators to deliver relationship based practice. We continue to learn everyday and look forward to more opportunities in the future.  Find out more about Marte Meo at www.martemeo.com.

Information from Cindy King: KU Kangaroo, Wagga Wagga 
 


 

 

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