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11:00 – Sitting still is outdated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