#51 Shine as an educator – How resourceful are YOU?

Shine As An Educator

Last week I spoke about mindset, I threw out the challenge to take action on something

you had been putting off, to look at your mindset as an early childhood educator.

Well I reflected a little myself and the last thing on the list that I spoke about was – Had

you been putting off purchasing some new resources – My answer was Yes

Yes I had been putting off buying new resources, I knew exactly what I wanted, I didn’t

really need them but I definitely wanted them. So after I put up the podcast I took a

little of my own advice. I ordered some beautiful new cards and puzzles form Yindi Arts

and Global kids.

I have wanted some new genuine Aboriginal resources for some time. And they arrived

super quick on Saturday. I shared them in a live fb stream and I will put the link in the

notes for you to check them out HERE.

They are just awesome, thick rubber puzzle pieces with felt tops and cards with

clear beautiful symbols.

Now this challenged my thinking a lot and I will explain why…

I have focused so much lately on Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – I even teach a live course on

being resourceful in my Family Day Care and well buying new resources – let’s just say – I

had become a little hung up on trying to NOT buy anything new.

With a little more reflecting, I have come to the conclusion that I am actually quite

effective at finding, sourcing, encouraging free resources to come my way and it makes

a huge difference in the amount I need to spend on resources.

My Critical Reflection Question for you today

ARE YOU BALANCING THE NEED TO REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE WITH THE

WANT TO PURCHASE NEW RESOURCES.

Only a few weeks ago I chatted about struggling to sort, contain and manage the

resources I have. I have a lot.

I have purchased a consistent amount of good quality resources, they definitely

accumulate over the years. But I also love the challenge and adventure of finding

2nd hand resources such as collecting baskets and wooden bowls from Vinnies.

I can also share with you how awesome some of my families are – they will donate the

most amazing often almost brand new books, duplo, cars and trucks, toys both wooden

and plastic – I have been super lucky but also very clear that I will keep what I need and

donate the rest to new educators, friends or re-homing.

Now there is a balance that needs to be shared as I encourage you to speak with your

families about what you need in your care setting.

I am sure we have spoken before about placing a basket in your sign in area, with a list

of any items you need this term attached. Make sure you document your attempts to

reduce, reuse or recycle and how the children are involved.

Which leads us to…

Your challenge

HOW CAN YOU INCREASE YOUR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILIES INVOLVEMENT

WITH NEW AND USED RESOURCES?

This could be as simple as our above basket idea.

Or asking your families how they could contribute? I can absolutely bet – You will be with

out a doubt, gobsmacked at the generosity of your families and surrounding community

once you get to know your families and how they could contribute to your service.

No matter what service you are in – families want their child in a quality service that

benefits their child or children. If they know that an item – they normally throw out – are

needed by your service all of a sudden you will be inundated.

It’s a matter of getting the word out!!

Check out Simple Reflect – The latest documenting tool for Educators

These are a tiny snippet of the parents, grandparents or connections my families have

shared with myself and the children in care…

Do you have a plumber that would supply off cut pipes?

Curtain installer that would have material rolls?

Wallpaper retailer that would share out of stock booklets?

Electrician for wire rolls?

Nursery owner for surplus seedlings?

Police officer for unused uniform hats?

The bridge club for off cut paper?

Printer for rolls of canvas?

Wine bottler for corks?

I hope you can see that the possibilities are absolutely endless.

Top Tip Time

If you focus on reduce, reuse and recycle for a large part of your disposable resources

then you will have more money to spend on high quality, valuable resources that you will

be able to use with the children for many years to come.

This is my tip and my ah ha moment that I had after last weeks mindset podcast.

Put a little extra time and thought, into what resources you will spend money on.

I still see educators spending up big on cheap plastic stuff and I will be truthful it makes

me cringe. Really why? They are not going to last? They are generally not going to be a

resource that is a good investment for the future of your service.

Does this help you, motivating you to survey your parents?

Get to know how they can help you!!

If you are looking for more help as an early childhood educator the EYPMastermind is

growing into a wonderful network of Educators and I will leave the link in the notes this is

your invite to join us.HERE.

I would love to hear from you

Links for this Podcast:

simpereflect.com.au
shineasaneducator.com

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