My Shy Came to Kindy
Sometimes finding the courage to join in takes a little time.
A gentle story about feeling shy, finding reassurance and discovering that belonging doesn't mean having to be the loudest person in the room.
Every child finds their own way into a new experience. Some jump straight in, while others prefer to watch, listen and take their time. Both ways of being deserve to be understood and respected.
Watch the Story
Beyond the Story
Belonging Doesn't Have to Be Loud
Some children arrive at kindy ready to run, explore and join in. Others prefer to stay close, observe from a distance or quietly take in everything happening around them.
It's easy to think that a child who isn't joining in needs encouragement to become more confident. But perhaps confidence doesn't always look like speaking up, joining a group or making friends straight away.
Sometimes confidence begins with a familiar face, a reassuring smile or simply knowing that someone is nearby.
Shy's story reminds us that belonging isn't measured by how quickly a child participates. It's about feeling safe, accepted and valued exactly as they are.
When we give children time to observe, listen and choose when they're ready, we're showing them that their feelings matter and that there's no rush to become someone they're not.
What might we notice when we stop encouraging a quiet child to join in and begin recognising the learning already happening through their observations?
Let's Learn From One Another
Every educator brings different experiences, perspectives and ideas.
Inside our Inspired By Children Skool community, we're exploring the learning behind these stories, sharing observations and discovering new ways of supporting children.
Join our Beyond the Story conversations and share your experiences with other educators.
How do you support children who prefer to watch, listen and take their time before joining in? What helps them feel a sense of belonging without pressure to participate?
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