The Community Unity

COMMUNITY UNITY TIME TO BE A COMMUNITY TOGETHER

BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF “TOPP KIDS”

Program Coordinators (or the designated supervisor) need to be loud enough to address the entire room while other educators help keep children quite and pay attention. THIS IS NOT YELLING, but a FUN daily occurrence that needs to be fast, to the point and engaging.

The entire point of Community Unity is not only to explain what activities we are doing during that day but to create an environment of Social Emotional Literacy. Which aids in the teaching of self-awareness, respect, responsibility and helps build an overall community between all TOPP KIDS and the educators.

Children do NOT need to be in a circle for Community Unity, this also works well at carpets or tables after the cleanup transition with multiple groups that are child led or the Program Coordinator facilitating the entire group.

Community Unity consists of 4 parts:

1. Program Coordinator will ask educators to connect with children and engage them in a brief activity
   at each carpet or circle
2. Heys & Praise – Led By Program Coordinator
3. Community Unity Discussion– A group conversation focusing on teaching children LIFE SKILLS– Led By Program Coordinator
4. The Program Coordinator will ask each educator to explain the planned activities for the day and
   announce misc. updates.

Children are then able to go and choose which planned activities, clubs, community involvement programs or projects they would like to participate in. At this time, Active Play Coordinators will be leading activities and Room Leads acting as support.

How it works:
“Hey Braden, can I give you some praise?” “Yes…” “I think you’re really good at Hockey. It shows you
practice a lot!” “Thanks” Everyone supports the children and educators for Praise by clapping and cheering at appropriate times.

COMMUNITY UNITY DISCUSSION

This is when educators and children share a short conversation around TOPP KIDS LIFE SKILLS. By adding structured conversations to our Community Unity discussions, we create an environment where children can explore vital life skills through group conversations. These discussions can take place as large group sessions or within smaller breakout groups, allowing every child’s voice to be heard.

Engaging in these important conversations helps foster critical thinking, empathy, and resilience among our participants. We aim to equip children with the tools they need to navigate their emotions, interact positively with peers, and develop a strong sense of self-awareness.
By embracing the power of community discussions, we prepare our youth for successful futures, enabling them to become empathetic leaders who contribute positively to the world around them. Together, we are building a foundation for a brighter tomorrow.

PLANNED ACTIVITY ANNOUNCEMENTS- FRIENDLY COMPETITION
This is when educators and child leaders get to announce their daily planned activities. The purpose here is to have educators show off their activity and entice as many children to their activity as possible! Friendly competition if you will. After announcements are made, time for planned activities.

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENTS: PRAISE / KINDNESS JAR
Hey’s and Praise is something that is highlighted each day during community unity but, sometimes not everyone has the opportunity to express their praise, or they are not necessarily comfortable with saying it in a group setting. A praise / kindness jar can be introduced as a motivator. Both children and educators are able to add names of those they wish to ‘nominate’ to the jar for special privileges or in some cases prizes. A name is eligible for entry if that person is caught doing an act of kindness that goes above and beyond the basic rules of being kind. Such as standing up for others or yourself, being inclusive, showing positive problem solving, being a good role model / leader etc. There is no limit to how many times someone’s name can go into the jar. The jar is emptied each month and the draws take place each Friday. The behaviour of the group as a whole determines the number of names drawn. Names can be drawn for various things such as getting to pick the group game played, getting to be at the front of the line, assisting with calling transitions … the possibilities are endless and you can determine the rewards based on your group of children. It is important to celebrate and acknowledge each and every name that gets put into the jar to continue encouraging kindness throughout your center.