Poststructuralist Theory and Its Practical Implications for Health and Well-being in Early Childhood Education

This article discusses the practical implications of poststructuralist theory for health and well-being in early childhood education. It highlights the role of early childhood teachers in promoting hygiene practices and encouraging healthy habits in young children. The article suggests creative ways to teach children about hygiene and sanitation, such as using visual arts and educational worksheets. The use of post-structuralist approaches helps early childhood educators explore different approaches towards embedding the practice of promotion of hygiene in children in their early years.

Poststructuralist theory with
health and wellbeing

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................2
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................3

INTRODUCTION
The theory of post structuralism is both, built upon the rejected ideas that were established
by the concept of structuralism. This article highlights a reflection and clear understanding of
perspectives related to health and well-being of children through the perspective of an early
childhood teacher. The discussion also revolves around Poststructuralist theories and their
practical implications.
MAIN BODY
As an early childhood teacher, it is my duty to encourage children in my classroom to learn
about hygiene and pay particular attention to child protection and safety. The management of
body discharges in early childhood settings (0-5 years) is rather difficult however, it is important
for children about the conduct of oneself in relation to hygiene practices and routines like
handwashing, toileting etc. The practical implications of post structuralism theories include the
analysis of the understanding of child development in early childhood education which is directly
linked to various aspects of child development (George & et. al., 2020). Being an early childhood
teacher, it is crucial for me to help kids to stay clean, healthy and germ free. According to
opinion and experience, positive reinforcement goes a long way in building the idea of hygiene
in minds of young individuals. The EYLF suggests different approaches for early development
of children in their initial years. Praising the child verbally or through small rewards can
incentivize them into following proper hygiene and cleanliness measures. These rewards
motivate other children to practice good hygiene behaviour and aids in strengthening the link
between students and teachers. My role as an ECT is vital in encouraging healthy habits as
children spend a lot of time in classrooms. The post-structuralist theory helps early childhood
educators explore different approaches towards embedding the practice of promotion of hygiene
in children in their early years.
Creative ways should be adopted by educators as understanding the concept of germs can be
difficult for early school child to hold. Therefore, I will incorporate the use of drawing,
illustrations and other visual arts for better insight about the concept of good hygiene practices
(Richdale & Schreck, 2019). An effective approach towards health and hygiene education is
through flexibility and patience. There should be implementation of hygiene promotion projects
which must include the participation of early children along with their parents to showcase the
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negative effects of unhealthy practices. Early children have difficulty in paying attention
therefore, in my opinion, the practice of promoting hygiene and sanitation in schools should be
made fun and engaging. The distribution of information about hygiene practices can be through
educational worksheets designed in a creative manner. The use of post- structuralist approaches
helps ECT to focus on the child’s individual identity and further acts as an important tool for
reinvention of early childhood education in a creative way. (Baker, Morawska, & Mitchell,
2019).
CONCLUSION
From the above reflection, it can be concluded the role of an early childhood teacher is
very important in shaping the kids to follow routines of cleanliness and hygiene. Basic
cleanliness practices along with the execution of Post-structuralist theories help prevent
spreading of germs and onset of various diseases such as cholera, typhoid etc. It is necessary to
acknowledge that a healthy lifestyle begins with following proper personal hygiene habits.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Baker, S., Morawska, A., & Mitchell, A. (2019). Promoting children’s healthy habits through
self-regulation via parenting. Clinical child and family psychology review, 22(1), 52-62.
George, A., Kong, A. C., Villarosa, A., Duff, M., Sheehan, A., Burns, E., ... & Dahlen, H. G.
(2020). Implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of an oral health module for the
bachelor of midwifery program at an Australian university. Nurse education today, 90,
104457.
Richdale, A. L., & Schreck, K. A. (2019). Examining sleep hygiene factors and sleep in young
children with and without autism spectrum disorder. Research in Autism Spectrum
Disorders, 57, 154-162.
Online
Biopower and the “civilisation” of children's bodies in a preschool bathroom: An Australian case
study, 2013 [Online] Available through <
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/issj.12005 >
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