A few parent have commented that their child frequently tells them they did 'nothing' at kindergarten or 'just played'. This scenario represents an age old frustration which continues into school.
Sometimes it might leave you wondering "what DO they do?"
Posing that question in a different way can make all the difference to opening up communication. Try one or two of the suggestions below as a way to gain insight and answer that question "what did you do today?"
What was the most fun thing about your day?
What was something that made your teacher laugh?
What book did you read today?
Tell me something different you did today?
What did you do today that was new?
How were your friends today?
Who did you play with?
Did you play with anyone new today? Who?
How did you go on the monkey bars / bikes / climbing tower?
What is your favourite puzzle? Did you do that one today?
Were the chickens behaving themselves today?
Give children time to process their day and reflect. The most difficult time to ask about a child's day is at pick up. Instead, try asking about their day during dinner or after your night time story.
I did nothing today...
A P O E M A B O U T 3 , 4 A N D 5 Y E A R O L D S
When children come home at the end of the day,
The question they’re asked as they run out to play
Is “Tell me what did you do today?”
And the answer they give makes you sigh with dismay
“Nothing, I did nothing today!”
Perhaps “Nothing” means that I read a book,
Or …. with a Teacher I got to cook.
Maybe I painted a picture of Blue,
Or heard a story of a mouse that flew.
Maybe I wrote in my journal myself,
Or found a great book on the library shelf.
Maybe I helped a friend today,
Or went to my favourite area to play,
Maybe today was the very first time
That my scissors followed a very straight line,
Maybe I sang a song right to the end
Or worked with a special brand new friend.
When you’re three, four or five your heart has wings
And “Nothing” can mean so many things!
