It can be linked to behavioural and impulse control problems. As teachers, we can help combat and avoid decision fatigue in children. Below are some strategies: 1. DEVELOP ROUTINES TO REDUCE DECISIONS Time and time again, studies of high performing individuals show that much of their success relates to successful routines. Routines create consistency and consistency builds healthy habits. When children can move to ‘auto-pilot’ because they know what to do, it frees up the brain for more creative and imaginative thinking. An example of a clear routine is, “After lunch we play for a bit and then we go inside to sit on our own mats for quiet time”. 2. USE VISUALS TO HELP WITH DECISIONS Visuals increase engagement and independence with daily routines and skills and reduces the number of decisions required throughout the day. When using a visual plan your children don’t need to actively decide which order to complete the steps of the routine. Visual reminders of where things belong can help reduce decisions related to cleaning and caring. 3. GO MINIMALIST By definition minimalists live only with the things they need. They attempt to reduce the amount and frequency of things and experiences purchased. A bi-product of this minimalist lifestyle is that it can protect against decision fatigue. Within the preschool environment too many toys can reduce the ability for children to play constructively and creatively. However, too few toys can initiate ‘resource guarding’ and behavioural problems. There is a fine balance to be had here. As teachers, we are often tempted to ask for more toys to stimulate our children and keep them engaged for longer. Having more toys in a room leads toddlers to spend less time engaging with any one toy in a meaningful way. This is because they are too distracted by all the toys available to them and are left constantly deciding which toy they should pay attention to and play with. Being more selective and thoughtful with the toys available is a good start to help with decision fatigue. An example from within a home environment is when parents ask themselves, “Does my child need 8-10 different outfits to choose from, or does a selection of 2 choices help them be more independent with the morning routine?” As teachers, we can do the same sort of ‘stock-take’ within the room environment. 4. TRY A SNACK OR A WALK To help children switch from decision fatigue and ‘reset’ try a small snack or a walk. If glucose levels are low, it can be particularly tricky for children to make the right choice. Think of the 5pm tricky time before dinner is served. Physical activity has also been shown to alter and improve decision making abilities. 5. REDUCE THE AVAILABLE OPTIONS This means that you limit the questions and choices you are giving the child. In other words you are not all day asking them… “Would you like to do this or that?” “Would you like to eat this now or later?” “Which toy will you give to your friend?” “Would you like to come with me to the nappy changing area?” I come back to the story that I started this article with. Maybe as teachers we need to take some pressure off children and say, August 2023 { 25 }
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=