Pinvin Community Preschool
Supporting Resilience in children
Supporting Resilience in children
Covid-19 has affected every single family in the world. Children and families having to adapt to new 'normal' requiring more resilience than ever before. At Pinvin Community Preschool we are committed to supporting children so they are ready to face the challenges that life throws at them.
Our Approach
Our Approach
What is resilience?
What is resilience?
Resilience is the ability to adapt, overcome and recover from tough or challenging situations. Having the ability to 'bounce back' from challenges helps us to learn, and builds our self esteem and well-being. Recognising how we have overcome challenges gives us confidence to try new things and live life to the fullest.
Acknowledging our feelings
Acknowledging our feelings
Some emotions can feel uncomfortable, a child experiencing jealousy or nervousness for the first time may not understand what is happening to them. These uncomfortable feelings can affect our body and actions, so learning how to cope with this can help to build our resilience.
At Pinvin Community Pre-school we talk about our feelings as part of our daily practice, including the adults. It is good for children to know they are not the only ones who can be affected by emotions, by openly talking about this we are promoting a safe space to explore and truly know ourselves and others.

Independence
Independence
By supporting children to be independent we are giving them the opportunity to build resilience. Independence can be described as the mastery of oneself and the environment and this does not happen by chance. As children explore the world and attempt new things there will be bumps and bruises along the way, they may be faced with fear or frustration. It is our role as adults to sensitively support, but still provide these unique learning experiences.
Its all in the language
Its all in the language
How often as adults do we speak the words, 'be careful, slow down, your too high?' This language although coming from a good place can discourage children to take risk, it can instil feelings of 'I can't do it', making children dependent on the adult. But let me tell you, they can do it! Thinking about the words we use and how we use them can have very positive effects on children's resilience.
Trust
Trust
Children are more capable than you may think and by allowing them the freedom to manage their own risks, they learn to take note of the environment and others around them. The adult role is to support them in identifying risk themselves, 'what might happen if you run in front of the zip wire?'. This language really opens up conversation and generates deep thinking about their experiences, it gives them some control over themselves building resilience and self confidence.
Sustained shared thinking
Sustained shared thinking
Sustained shared thinking is when two or more people come together to problem solve, with all individuals deeply invested in exploring solutions together. It encourages children to be curious, motivated, and interested in furthering their own learning. The role of the adult is to truly listen and observe, to understand the thought processes of the child, giving them the words to describe what is happening but to also be present to extend learning.