Stop, Pause, and Reflect - The Early Years Academy

Stop, Pause, And Reflect: Taking A Moment To Look Back On The Year

Time To Reflect

December is here—the month where you realise Christmas is around the corner and the toy you've been meaning to buy is already out of stock. Between the festive chaos and end-of-year to-do lists, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind. But December also offers a valuable opportunity to stop, pause, and reflect on the year we’ve had—both for us as parents and for our little ones.

At The Early Years Academy, we believe that taking time to reflect on the year helps both children and parents recognise growth, celebrate achievements, and set new goals. It’s also a great way to gather feedback from you—our parents—so we can continue to create the best environment for your child’s development. So, as we wrap up the year, let’s explore how we can make the most of this month of reflection.

Why Reflection Matters for Both Parents and Children

We all know how quickly the year can fly by. One minute, you’re watching your little one take their first steps, and the next, they’re running circles around you in the park. Taking time to reflect allows us to recognise just how much growth and progress our children have made over the year.

Reflection isn’t just about looking back, though—it’s also a way to appreciate the small moments. Those bedtime stories, the messy baking attempts, the wobbly scooter rides. For parents, reflection helps us realise how much we’ve learned too, from new parenting hacks to embracing patience (or trying to, anyway!).

What We Do at The Early Years Academy During Stop, Pause, and Reflect Month

At The Early Years Academy, December is our Stop, Pause, and Reflect Month. This special time allows us to reflect on the year, focusing on the progress of the children in our care and the dedication of our staff.

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting each child’s development, we complete summative assessments every six months. These assessments provide a clear overview of the progress children have made, areas where they may need additional support, and their unique accomplishments. December is one of the times when we review these assessments to ensure every child’s needs are being met.

For instance, we may highlight how a child’s language skills have advanced, their confidence in social settings, or their engagement in creative activities. This process also includes connecting with parents to gather feedback, which is invaluable in shaping how we tailor our approach to supporting your child.

Stop, Pause, and Reflect Month is about celebrating growth and planning for continued success in the months ahead.

How You Can Reflect at Home with Your Child

Taking time to reflect doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. In fact, it’s often the small, quiet moments that matter most. Here are some simple ways to reflect at home with your little one:

Talk about their favourite memories: Ask your child what their favourite part of the year was. This could be a fun trip to the zoo, making a new friend, or even learning something new at nursery.
Create a “memory jar”: Throughout December, encourage your child to write down (or draw) their favourite memories from the year and place them in a jar. On New Year’s Eve, you can go through the jar together and relive those special moments.
Look at photos or artwork: Sit down with your child and go through photos or artwork from the year. It’s a lovely way to spark conversations about their experiences and accomplishments.

These activities not only create lasting memories but also encourage children to think about their growth and achievements.

Gathering Feedback: What We’d Love to Hear from You

As much as we love supporting your children, we also want to make sure we’re meeting your needs as parents. December is a great time to gather your feedback on what we’ve been doing well and where we can improve.

We’ll be sending out questionnaires this month, and we’d love for you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts. Whether it’s about communication, activities your child enjoys, or areas you think we could expand on, your feedback helps us fine-tune our approach. After all, it’s a partnership between home and nursery that ensures your child gets the best possible start in life.

Setting New Goals for the Year Ahead

While reflection is about looking back, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to look forward. Once you’ve had a chance to reflect on the year, you can start setting new goals for your child—and for yourself—as you move into the new year.

Encourage small, achievable goals: Whether it’s learning to tie shoelaces or making new friends at nursery, small goals can build confidence in children.
Model goal-setting yourself: Share some of your own goals with your child, even if they’re as simple as getting out for a family walk more often or learning to cook a new dish together.
Celebrate progress: As your child achieves their goals (big or small), take time to celebrate with them. This reinforces the idea that effort and perseverance pay off.

How Reflection Benefits Your Child’s Development

Children, even at a very young age, benefit from moments of reflection. It helps them build self-awareness, boosts their confidence, and teaches them the value of learning from experiences. Taking time to reflect can also foster gratitude, as they think about the things they’ve enjoyed and the people they appreciate.

At home, reflection can be as simple as chatting about what went well today or discussing what they’re looking forward to tomorrow. These small conversations can have a big impact on helping children feel valued and heard.

How Will You Stop, Pause, and Reflect This Year?

As we look back on the past year, December gives us the perfect opportunity to stop, pause, and reflect—not just on what our children have achieved, but on the journey we’ve all been on as parents. The ups, the downs, and everything in between.

At The Early Years Academy, we’re here to support both you and your child as you reflect on the year. Whether it’s sharing feedback through our upcoming questionnaires or celebrating the little milestones along the way, we look forward to continuing to work with you in the year ahead to support your child’s development.

What will you be reflecting on this year?

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