Chat Transcripts

Topic

Chat Session 3

Date

2025-12-10

Group ID

0

Course ID

308116

User List

Athey, LisaDougan, PeterJirele, AnnKelly, LoriKlatt-Simpson, DeborahKronebusch, MichelleMottram, NicholeNeuman, JenniferSimpson, Steven{Hafner, Nancy}
User Timestamp Message
{Hafner, Nancy}06:52:48 pmWelcome to chat, tonight! I was so impressed with the engagement on the discussion board this week!
{Hafner, Nancy}06:58:01 pmHi Lori and Michelle!
Kelly, Lori06:58:10 pmHello!
Kronebusch, Michelle06:58:14 pmGood evening
Klatt-Simpson, Deborah07:00:04 pmGood evening
{Hafner, Nancy}07:00:17 pmI see Deborah and Peter have joined us, welcome!
Dougan, Peter07:00:22 pmHi
Jirele, Ann07:00:47 pmGood evening!
{Hafner, Nancy}07:00:58 pmHi Ann
{Hafner, Nancy}07:02:20 pmAnd Lisa and Steven are here! I want to pose a starting question before we move into the chat questions *
Kronebusch, Michelle07:02:25 pm*
Jirele, Ann07:02:27 pm*
Kelly, Lori07:02:29 pm*
Mottram, Nichole07:02:31 pm*
Athey, Lisa07:02:43 pm*
{Hafner, Nancy}07:02:52 pmWhat is something you "wondered" about this week, as you observed the children in your program?
Kronebusch, Michelle07:03:29 pmThis weeks discussion really had me thinking if I put too much of my own beleifs or opinions into my assessments of children
Kelly, Lori07:03:50 pmI wonder about who my daycare kids are at home as opposed to at daycare
{Hafner, Nancy}07:05:19 pmBoth of those 'wonderings' are valid
Jirele, Ann07:05:20 pm I wonder what my kids say at home about some of their classmates
Klatt-Simpson, Deborah07:05:38 pmI wondered if my observations are unbiased
Athey, Lisa07:05:44 pmI wondered about what sorts of things the kids like to share and I tried to add more of those items to my environment
Kelly, Lori07:05:42 pmI wonder that too, Ann!
Mottram, Nichole07:06:06 pmI wondered what holiday customs and family traditions my children were experiencing/soon to experience.
Neuman, Jennifer07:06:14 pmSame Lori, I wondered how different their home environment is and how that effects their behavior.
Dougan, Peter07:06:14 pmI wondered what they environment is with their family
{Hafner, Nancy}07:07:50 pmWe might know something about a child's home life from information shared on intake forms, but the day-to-day goings on, how children are spoken to, what they play with or do at home, these things tend to be more private.
{Hafner, Nancy}07:07:53 pm*
Kelly, Lori07:07:55 pm*
Kronebusch, Michelle07:08:00 pm*
Jirele, Ann07:08:06 pm*
Neuman, Jennifer07:08:11 pm*
Athey, Lisa07:08:20 pm*
Mottram, Nichole07:08:23 pm*
Klatt-Simpson, Deborah07:08:38 pm*
{Hafner, Nancy}07:08:43 pmThe lecture notes talked about "I wonder" questions this week; Why is this is a good way to approach observation and documentation?
Simpson, Steven07:08:45 pm*
Kronebusch, Michelle07:09:33 pmMay make you do more research into why they behave the way they do
Klatt-Simpson, Deborah07:10:08 pmI think it’s about wondering why there’s a certain behavior that isn’t normal for a child like something going on at home, hungry, tired, feeling ok, etc.
Athey, Lisa07:10:17 pmbecause it takes our preconceived notions out and makes it child focused
Mottram, Nichole07:10:29 pmIts a great way of coming to the table with an open-mind and objective, nonjudgemental perspective.
{Hafner, Nancy}07:11:06 pm" a good way to ask without appearing judgmental" Would "I wonder " questions work with families? Why or why not?
Simpson, Steven07:11:08 pmThey simply make me wonder if they feel ok, had a good weekend,
Neuman, Jennifer07:11:54 pmIt makes me wonder what was different for them outside of daycare.
Mottram, Nichole07:11:54 pmYes! They certainly do! It leads to great conversation and some of the best action plans. Asking to understand, never judge.
Kelly, Lori07:12:19 pmDefinitely! Nothing ever good comes from jumping to conclusions
Jirele, Ann07:12:34 pmI guess it would depend on the way the question was framed. But I think that generally speaking it would work well. It gives the family the notion that you are really paying attention to their child
{Hafner, Nancy}07:14:22 pmthank you for starting us off with the "I wonder" discussion. Let's look now at the logistics and purpose of observation and documentation *
Kelly, Lori07:14:32 pm*
Klatt-Simpson, Deborah07:14:32 pmI ,Ike the idea of asking a parent a I wonder question when discussing their Hilda behavior with them? Like I wonder if x is feeling ok, or getting enough sleep
Jirele, Ann07:14:37 pm*
Klatt-Simpson, Deborah07:14:38 pm*
Neuman, Jennifer07:14:42 pm*
Kronebusch, Michelle07:14:48 pm*
Athey, Lisa07:15:01 pm*
Mottram, Nichole07:15:03 pm*
Simpson, Steven07:15:14 pmWith the families we have now, an “I wonder” question would be well received. And even
{Hafner, Nancy}07:15:22 pmDiscuss the observation and documentation tips on pages 1-2 of the lecture. o Which ones do you do successfully now? o What do you find challenging? o How do you meet the challenges of observation?
Jirele, Ann07:17:41 pmThe one I'm most successful with is recording what I see and hear and observing on different days. I mentioned its hard to not include biases. I find that very hard to not try to problem solve to the outcome I would want.
{Hafner, Nancy}07:17:50 pmYou can also share your strategies for tracking your observations; what do you do with the information once you have it?
Klatt-Simpson, Deborah07:18:42 pmI appreciated the tips and think they would be quite useful if we were documenting our observations. We only have 3 children, all of whom have grown up here since birth so they’re like our own children in a way. Anything out of the ordinary is discussed with parents.
Mottram, Nichole07:18:51 pmMy biggest challenge is writing things down in the moment. Writing things down later was never as effective as in the moment. I now have notepads everywhere, (I wish i was great at having my phone near me but its never there when i need it). And iI have dedicated time 3 times per week for authentic observations.
Kelly, Lori07:18:56 pmI typically share my observations at pick up or via text right away if important
Jirele, Ann07:19:09 pmI suppose that's two 🙂 All observations roll up to the Guide in our room to discuss with parents and/or to observe more herself based on the situation.
Simpson, Steven07:19:27 pmWe have three families, none of are infants so we don’t document we discuss.
Kronebusch, Michelle07:19:31 pmI make sure i do my assessments over a wide variety of time. Kids are very different on different days. Its amazing what they can do some days and not on others. I share my information with families. Im not sure many of them care or even review the information but I find it helpful just for myself to make sure that I am doing and teaching as a provider
Neuman, Jennifer07:19:40 pmI share observations with parents daily via text or in person
Athey, Lisa07:20:04 pmI observe during free play, (because I am alone), and I focus on one child, maybe one with a challenging behavior and I just record everything that happens with no interpretation.
Athey, Lisa07:20:38 pmI do mine on sticky notes and attach to the child folder.
{Hafner, Nancy}07:21:31 pmHmmm, If observations are shared immediately with families, it poses the question (see p 3). "Once we take time to document our observations, it is helpful to pause and reflect on what we observed and make meaning of the information we have."
Kronebusch, Michelle07:22:21 pmI think its helpful to sit and reflect a couple of weeks later and wonder what was going on with the child that day if they had an different assessment than on a different day
{Hafner, Nancy}07:22:31 pmMany of you have mentioned using observations for your assessments, which is such an important strategy! Try to frame your thinking about this topic around children's behavior
{Hafner, Nancy}07:23:19 pmLisa, what comes next?
Kelly, Lori07:24:03 pmI get that! For me when I text right away about something it’s more so if they got hurt, or if I notice something that’s I feel is important. I had a boy who used to pull out his hair and it created a bald spot. He stopped for a long time and then just the other week I saw him touching his hair like he used to. So in that case I texted right away just as a heads up
{Hafner, Nancy}07:24:06 pmSteve, I appreciate your use of words, "we don't document we discuss"
Athey, Lisa07:24:13 pmI reflect on where the child is at and what sorts of things i need to add into our time together.
{Hafner, Nancy}07:25:08 pmI want to keep us moving, so we are going to turn our focus to parents - this seems to be occurring naturally in our discussion *
Kelly, Lori07:25:18 pm*
Kronebusch, Michelle07:25:20 pm*
Simpson, Steven07:25:33 pm*
Athey, Lisa07:25:43 pm*
Mottram, Nichole07:25:45 pm*
Jirele, Ann07:25:56 pmWe are observing all activity in the classroom but we're only documenting on things that seem to be out of the norm. It takes more than one observation for us to bring something to parent's attention
Jirele, Ann07:26:01 pm*
Klatt-Simpson, Deborah07:26:06 pm*
Neuman, Jennifer07:26:09 pmFor me I am making mental notes of observations daily and talking with parents as needed. When I had problems with a child "at meal times" or "transitions" I would use my observation to adjust things and see what brings better outcomes.
{Hafner, Nancy}07:26:15 pmWhat are some effective ways you collaborate with parents? If you can, try to share an example of when your strategy has been successful
Neuman, Jennifer07:26:17 pm*
Kronebusch, Michelle07:27:29 pmI communicate generally through my app we use or text. I feel like if they want to see the information they will take the time to look. I also hand out assessments quarterly to show them how much they have learned. But again, I am not sure if many of them care or just tell me that they can do all these things at home
{Hafner, Nancy}07:27:37 pmYes, Ann, that is when documenting the behaviors that are concerning or challenging you can be helpful. You are not just sharing your opinions about what is occurring
Mottram, Nichole07:27:41 pmUsing a childcare app! It has been an amazing way to elevate the connection between care and home. It helps us feel connected throughout the day and allows families to experience their day.
Dougan, Peter07:28:17 pmI use a Printed paper layout sheet of the day to help the kid with more behavioral problems and then compare the sheet with the next weeks and see if there’s been any progress and communicate then with the parent, but also show the kid his/her progress.
Simpson, Steven07:29:04 pmWe’ve been collaborating with our parents about potty training (as usual) a lot lately. Two of our three kiddos are of the age so we talk about this daily.
Klatt-Simpson, Deborah07:29:38 pmI have found found that the best time to communicate with parents is not at drop off or pick up times. I simply ask if there was a few minutes we could talk about x the most effective way for me to discuss anything with parents where we can both give one another undivided attention. That or a PP conference.
{Hafner, Nancy}07:30:05 pmThat is a great example of the need for collaboration, Steve! A child can't learn to use the toilet if the support is inconsistent between home and 'school'
Neuman, Jennifer07:30:16 pmI collaborate with parents via text and in person. When I've had ongoing behavior issues we talk about whats working at home and daycare and make sure the child know that all the adults know the plan. It helps when we are all using the same language with the child.
Mottram, Nichole07:30:15 pmI have quarterly check-ins to set goals and celebrate milestones. Each family picks an evening for last pick-up and we chat for up to an hour. I have folders with handouts, a recap of our goal setting, and assessment updates. Its a great way to reconnect when pick ups can feel rushed,
Kelly, Lori07:30:35 pmSame here with potty training. I have a daycare kid who pretty much only goes on the toilet at daycare and not at home. Mom is frustrated but knows to give it time. She even bought the same toilet seat I have since the kid said they like mine better haha
Athey, Lisa07:31:04 pmI have a small group and I talk to parents daily and tell them anything I notice. I recently shared how some children seemed to be read y to potty train.
Jirele, Ann07:31:20 pmA lot of notes and texts are exchanged throughout the day. Check ins are set up with parents at a regular cadence and via phone call and we also have two conference days during the school year.
Simpson, Steven07:31:22 pmLori, that’s funny
Kelly, Lori07:31:46 pmI have a magic toilet I guess!
Simpson, Steven07:31:59 pmLucky you
Neuman, Jennifer07:32:06 pmLori my kids do that to their parents with food:)
Athey, Lisa07:32:08 pmOh do my parents text!
{Hafner, Nancy}07:32:08 pmIt sounds like most of you have great relationships with your family - kudos to you! This establishes a strong foundation when we have to share those hard conversations!
Kelly, Lori07:32:19 pmAlways with the food!
{Hafner, Nancy}07:32:53 pmWe touched on the topic of temperament a bit last week, but let's go a bit deeper *
Kelly, Lori07:32:58 pm*
Jirele, Ann07:32:59 pm*
Kronebusch, Michelle07:33:00 pm*
Neuman, Jennifer07:33:01 pm*
Simpson, Steven07:33:05 pm*
Klatt-Simpson, Deborah07:33:06 pm*
Athey, Lisa07:33:09 pm*
Mottram, Nichole07:33:07 pm*
Dougan, Peter07:34:12 pm*
{Hafner, Nancy}07:34:23 pmAre you Fearful, Feisty, or Flexible? What temperament traits have you found challenging to work with? How have you accommodated those challenges? o How does temperament impact behavior?
{Hafner, Nancy}07:35:44 pmSometimes forming relationships with a young child can be easier or more difficult depending on a variety of factors including the childʼs and caregiverʼs personality or temperament. Is it easier if you have similar temperament traits?
Kelly, Lori07:36:46 pmI get overstimulated with the noisy chaos at times. A lot of it had to do with certain noisy toys that the kids seemed to be obsessed with. Honestly, I donated all the toys that I couldn’t stand! We still have sooo many toys and the kids never even noticed. It helped me!
Kronebusch, Michelle07:36:47 pmI tend to gravitate towards the fiesty ones. It's the ones that disreguard any type of direction or choose conflict for interaction. Also I seem to struggle with some that struggle to commincate when they have the skills. For example, the ones that lay on the floor and scream and cry instead of simply asking for help.
Athey, Lisa07:36:54 pmFearful is tough. I kind of expect kids to be feisty. A fearful kid takes more of my time and I never feel like I am giving them what they need.
Kelly, Lori07:37:12 pmI thought you meant of ourselves haha
Jirele, Ann07:37:17 pmI have a hard time with fearful. When a child is withdrawn or doesn't communicate I put more work/effort into trying to figure them out
Mottram, Nichole07:37:36 pmI agree Lisa, I have had difficulties anticipating the needs of Fearful temperaments in the past.
{Hafner, Nancy}07:38:09 pmi did want you to think about your own temperament, too, Lori!
Neuman, Jennifer07:38:42 pmI think I am mostly flexible. I have been told that my super power is patients. This is not to say that I don't get frustrated with a more feisty temperament. It defiantly makes it easier to get along with the many personalities of my children and their parents:)
Athey, Lisa07:39:09 pmI was very shy as a kid so I always have a special place in my heart for the quiet ones that want our attention but so often don't get it.
Klatt-Simpson, Deborah07:39:08 pmI’m flexible and feel I need to be most of the time. Most challenging trait to deal with is head strong people, people trying to control me which leads to conflict " I’m try to avoid people including potential parents like that. Now childhood behavior is a bit different. Probably the rowdy, Iwill do what I want when I want etc. is the most difficult for me to handle.
Simpson, Steven07:39:30 pmWe have a child, the middle child hehe… feisty is the word. He likes to hit at times. I’ve given him a time, now he threatens me with a time out. So that didn’t work. What has worked is getting down eye level with him and talking to him about how it hurts, how to use our words
{Hafner, Nancy}07:39:43 pmFearful can be emotionally difficult; when children are naturally more withdrawn or quiet, they seem to go about their day not asking for much. The Feisty ones demand our attention!
Mottram, Nichole07:40:09 pmSo accurate!
Simpson, Steven07:40:09 pmYes they do Nancy
Jirele, Ann07:40:30 pmI find myself with a preference for the flexible kids but I'm probably more feisty myself.
Kelly, Lori07:40:55 pmI have a feisty, very sassy, 2.5 girl with an older sister at home. She’s working on using her kind words and that can be challenging
{Hafner, Nancy}07:41:28 pmLori shared that she took out the "noisy toys" that seemed to add to the chaos of the environment at times. *
Jirele, Ann07:41:36 pm*
Mottram, Nichole07:41:39 pm*
Kelly, Lori07:41:40 pm*
Kronebusch, Michelle07:41:41 pm*
Athey, Lisa07:41:50 pm*
Neuman, Jennifer07:41:50 pm*
Dougan, Peter07:41:54 pm*
Klatt-Simpson, Deborah07:41:57 pm*
{Hafner, Nancy}07:42:12 pmWhat other strategies have you used to support temperament through your environment or interactions? Last question of the night!
Kelly, Lori07:43:00 pmHaving a calm down corner with pillows, books, and some sensory toys
Mottram, Nichole07:43:38 pmI have a calm corner with various activities in a smaller area of space with sensory comforts.
Athey, Lisa07:43:48 pmProvide climbing toys for the movers and a book corner and table top toys for the ones who need time alone.
Kronebusch, Michelle07:43:46 pmI feel like how I respond depends on the child, the tempermant, the situation. I try to be creative but there are some times I need to be stern, especially when it comes to dangerous situations.
{Hafner, Nancy}07:45:03 pmYes, Nichole and Lisa, providing quiet spaces where children can go to be alone is so important for the quieter children who may get overwhelmed with the energy of the room at times
{Hafner, Nancy}07:45:20 pmI am guessing you would all like a few minutes in the quiet corner during the day 🙂
Kronebusch, Michelle07:45:31 pmor a nice nap that they all like to fight
Klatt-Simpson, Deborah07:45:35 pmWhat has helped us for years is routine, routine routine routines….why cause kids know what is coming next, what to expect, what is required of them and there’s usually something exciting about to happen next. This has helped me survive literally for years. Not boring , just routine.
Neuman, Jennifer07:45:37 pmI have a lot of younger one right now, I have had to restructure parts of our day and environment to help meet everyone's needs. I purchased and indoor climber,slide and trampoline because we don't wont get outside as much this winter.
Simpson, Steven07:45:37 pmI’m with Michelle on this one, and many others ;). I get stern when they’re doing something that is not safe.
Jirele, Ann07:45:43 pmWe have pretty much taken the batteries out of all noisy toys. There is a cozy cube the kids can sit in. On the flip side, we know its not always about calming down so we offer equipment for big movement. There's been times where I've taken a kid to the hall and let them throw balls all over just to get it out of their system
{Hafner, Nancy}07:46:11 pmAbsolutely, Deborah! Children tend to thrive on routine
Klatt-Simpson, Deborah07:46:29 pmTotally they do!
Mottram, Nichole07:46:43 pmTo enourage independence and building self confidence through self reliance, I have tried to create child-friendly areas for every day tasks. A little sink to rinse their dishes. Equipment like plates, cups, labels, etc easily accessible. For those fiesty temperaments, "helping" becomes a huge tool in curbing challenging behaviors.
Kronebusch, Michelle07:46:45 pmI thrive on routine also 🙂
Neuman, Jennifer07:46:55 pmI did get rid of my walking/push toy because my walkers were just running everyone over and fighting over it.
Simpson, Steven07:47:03 pmI’m with my lovely wife on this one too
{Hafner, Nancy}07:47:27 pmOK, are time is at an end! During this final week of the course, I would like you to email me if there is a specific topic or need you have on this topic of challenging behavior that we have not yet addressed.
Jirele, Ann07:47:36 pmYes Nichole! Being a helper is such a treat. Most of our kids thrive on that!
Kelly, Lori07:47:55 pmSounds great, thanks!
{Hafner, Nancy}07:48:05 pmDon't forget the discussion board posting by Monday! Have a great week
Klatt-Simpson, Deborah07:48:11 pm*
Kronebusch, Michelle07:48:15 pmHave a great week everyone!
Kelly, Lori07:48:14 pmYou too!
Simpson, Steven07:48:23 pmThank you Nancy *
Jirele, Ann07:48:30 pmGoodnight!
Dougan, Peter07:48:32 pmSounds good thanks!
Neuman, Jennifer07:48:35 pmthanks!
Mottram, Nichole07:48:39 pmThank you!