A book published this month by Olympia Publishers is a firm favourite at The Childcare Academy. The book helps with anxiety in children and is a great success.
Anxiety is a normal part of growing up. Just like adults, children can feel anxious for all sorts of reasons. For example, from 6 months to 3 years, it is common for young children to experience separation anxiety. They may become clingy and panic when they are not near their parents or carers. Author Emily Wells found that her daughter Poppy, who has Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), struggled with anxiety, particularly at night. Emily wrote Little Crab Self Soothes as a way of helping Poppy. Emily found that regular repetition of the story has helped calm Poppy and now hopes other children can benefit.
What’s the Story?
Little Crab Self Soothes is the story of Little Crab, who wakes to find that he is alone. He is anxious because he cannot find his Mummy and Daddy. Little Crab then tries to remember what his parents have taught him and begins to self soothe to get back to sleep. Readers can use the story in two ways. Firstly, the reader can go all the way through to teach basic self soothe skills. It can remind children that their special people will be waiting for them when they wake. Alternatively, the reader can read up to where Little Crab falls asleep and repeat the breathing exercise until the child is fully relaxed or asleep.
Happiness and Wellbeing
At The Childcare Academy, our values start with happiness and wellbeing. Overall, we strive to engage children, so they look forward to coming in every day. Moreover, we recognise the importance of a safe and nurturing environment. Therefore, Little Crab Self Soothes was the perfect addition to our library. Our staff use it to help children with anxiety and generally make them feel safe in their environment.
The Importance of Reading
The library is an integral part of The Childcare Academy. Staff regularly read to the children. Reading to young children improves cognitive skills and cognitive development. The University of Chicago recently published a report on new insights into early development and remarked that;
“A childcare provider reads to a toddler. And in a matter of seconds, thousands of cells in these children’s growing brains respond. Some brain cells are ‘turned on,’ triggered by this particular experience. Many existing connections among brain cells are strengthened. At the same time, new brain cells are formed, adding a bit more definition and complexity to the intricate circuitry that will remain largely in place for the rest of these children’s lives.”
The Childcare Academy recognises lots of other benefits of reading. It can develop creativity and imagination. Additionally, it can help with language skills, develop speech, and introduce literacy skills. What’s more, it can help children develop a broader understanding of the world. Just like with Little Crab Self Soothes, it can help to build their confidence and self-awareness. Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that students exposed to reading before preschool are more likely to do well when they reach their period of formal education. Reading together can also improve bonds, help with concentration, and discipline and cultivate a lifelong love of reading and learning.
Finding Out More
Little Crab Self Soothes is available now from Olympia Publishers. You can visit their website to order the book and learn more about the author.
If you want to learn more about the services of The Childcare Academy, please visit our website.