Everyone needs some alone time. It may seem hard to get that when you spend the day in a busy classroom. This is why each classroom has a space set up for one child to be alone.
Alone spaces come in a variety of types. Some spaces are a desk and a chair. One person activities are set up here for a child to engage in. They may ask for a teacher to help them or work by themselves.
Other spaces may be a soft cushion away from the noise of the classroom. Maybe a friend just needs to rest or take a break away.
Some of our centers are set up for just one friend to play. This allows the child to enjoy that center without cooperative play.
When children ask to play by themselves, teachers protect their play. What this means is, they give children the words to use to tell their friends they are not interested in playing together. We do not force children to play together, but we do teach them to be kind and respectful.
For example, a child might come to a teacher and tell them that another child won’t play with them. The teacher will talk to both children and usually discover one child prefers to play alone. This is okay! It’s important to be allowed to have solitary play!
The teacher will help the child tell their friend that right now they want to play on their own, but will come find them when they are ready to play with friends.
Respect and kindess
It is important for children to learn to respect their friends choices. It is also important for them to learn how to express those choices respectfully and kindly.
At home children usually have their own rooms to go to for alone time. What about a child that might share a room? How can you provide an alone space or can a child create their own alone space? Perhaps have them make a sign that indicates they need to be alone and teach everyone to respect this.
Where do you like to enjoy alone time?