Cleaning Up Spilled Milk

An accident holds lessons about responsibility and problem solving.

NAEYC

Areas of Development: Social-Emotional

2.B.01— Kyler has varied opportunities to engage throughout the day with teaching staff who are attentive and responsive to him, and facilitate… his ability to learn through interacting with others.

When Kyler spills milk on the table at breakfast, Ms. Schaffer encourages him to help clean up the spill. She hands him a towel and encourages him to “take care of it.”  Ms. Schaffer helps Kyler think about where he can find another napkin when he discovers his has been soaked with milk.

Creating Caring Communities for Learning

3.B.05—Ms. Schaffer helps Kyler learn socially appropriate behavior by providing guidance that is consistent with his level of development.

When Kyler spills milk on the table, Ms. Schaffer hands him a towel and encourages him to “take care of it.” She reassures Kyler that the accident is “okay.” When Kyler realizes his napkin is wet from the milk, Ms. Schaffer asks him to think about where he could get another one.

Using Instruction to Deepen Children’s Understanding and Build Their Skills and Knowledge

3.G.13— Ms. Schaffer promotes Kyler’s…learning by guiding him in acquiring specific skills and by explicitly teaching those skills.

Ms. Schaffer hands Kyler a towel so he can begin cleaning up some milk that he spilled. He brings the towel to the edge of the table and Ms. Schaffer encourages him to bring the towel up and over the edge of the table. Kyler is concerned that his napkin has been soaked with milk. Ms. Schaffer asks him to think about how he could get another napkin and encourages him to do what he needs to in order to get one.

 

IELS

8.3—Problem Solving

Children demonstrate strategies for reasoning and problem solving.

Kyler solves problems…through interactions and discussions with…caregivers.

During breakfast, Kyler spills milk on the table. When he begins to apologize, Ms. Schaffer assures him that “it’s okay.” She hands Kyler a towel and encourages him to “take care of it.” Kyler notices that his napkin is soaked and asks Ms. Schaffer what he can do about it. She encourages Kyler to think about where he could get a clean napkin and Kyler goes to get another one.

9.3—Relationships with Caregivers

Children relate positively to caregivers who work with them.

Kyler interacts comfortably with a range of familiar caregivers…accepts guidance, comfort, and directions from a range of familiar caregivers…shows trust in familiar caregivers…and…seeks help as needed from familiar caregivers.

Kyler is comfortable talking with Ms. Schaffer. He tells her that he is going to put the foil that was covering the plate of pancakes on the floor to get it out of the way. When he spills milk on the table, he is apologetic, but Ms. Schaffer simply helps Kyler clean up the spill. She hands him a towel and encourages him to “take care of it.” Ms. Schaffer also helps Kyler figure out where he can get another napkin when he discovers his is soaked with milk.

 

IQPPS

Areas of Development: Social-Emotional

2.12— Kyler has varied opportunities to engage throughout the day with teaching staff who are attentive and responsive to him, and facilitate… his ability to learn through interacting with others.

When Kyler spills milk on the table at breakfast, Ms. Schaffer encourages him to help clean up the spill. She hands him a towel and encourages him to “take care of it.”  Ms. Schaffer helps Kyler think about where he can find another napkin when he discovers his has been soaked with milk.

Creating Caring Communities for Learning

3.5—Ms. Schaffer helps Kyler learn socially appropriate behavior by providing guidance that is consistent with his level of development.

When Kyler spills milk on the table, Ms. Schaffer hands him a towel and encourages him to “take care of it.” She reassures Kyler that the accident is “okay.” When Kyler realizes his napkin is wet from the milk, Ms. Schaffer asks him to think about where he could get another one.

Using Instruction to Deepen Children’s Understanding and Build Their Skills and Knowledge

3.20— Ms. Schaffer promotes Kyler’s…learning by guiding him in acquiring specific skills and by explicitly teaching those skills.

Ms. Schaffer hands Kyler a towel so he can begin cleaning up some milk that he spilled. He brings the towel to the edge of the table and Ms. Schaffer encourages him to bring the towel up and over the edge of the table. Kyler is concerned that his napkin has been soaked with milk. Ms. Schaffer asks him to think about how he could get another napkin and encourages him to do what he needs to in order to get one.

 

HSPS

1304.21 (a)(3)(i)(B) – Ms. Schaefer fosters independence by encouraging self-help skills.

When Kyler spills milk on the table at breakfast, Ms. Schaefer encourages him to help clean up the spill. She hands him a towel and encourages him to “take care of it.”  Ms. Schaefer helps Kyler think about where he can find another napkin when he discovers his has been soaked with milk.

1304.23 (c)(4) – Adults and children in Ms. Schaefer’s class eat together family style and share the same menu to the extent possible.

Ms. Schaefer sits with the children at breakfast and facilitates passing food and drink around the table so that everyone can serve themselves.