Eyes on the Prize
What does 'scan and count' mean in active supervision?
Continuously looking around the environment and counting children to ensure everyone is accounted for.
What does 'effective positioning' mean in a classroom?
Placing yourself where all children and areas can be seen and reached quickly.
What is the main goal of anticipating children’s behavior?
To prevent unsafe situations before they happen.
Why is it important to interact with children while supervising?
It keeps them engaged, builds relationships, and helps monitor their play.
Why is classroom setup important for supervision?
It ensures teachers can see and reach all children at all times.
How often should you count children during activities?
Frequently—especially during transitions, outdoor play, and whenever the group changes location.
Name one good spot to stand during outdoor play.
Near climbing structures or where you can see the whole playground.
Give one example of predicting a potential safety risk.
- Noticing a child climbing on furniture and redirecting before they fall.
- Lining up for outside time kids may run outside the classroom so the teacher stands at the door and guides the line outside.
Give one way to engage during outdoor play.
Join a game, ask questions, or encourage safe risk-taking like climbing with guidance.
Name one way to arrange furniture for better sightlines.
Keep shelves low and avoid tall barriers that block views.
Why is scanning important even during calm activities?
Because children can move quickly, and accidents can happen at any time.
Why should teachers avoid sitting with their backs to children?
Because it blocks their view and breaks supervision.
Why is knowing each child’s personality helpful in preventing incidents?
It helps predict which children may need extra guidance or redirection.
How can asking open-ended questions keep kids safe?
It keeps them engaged in conversation and less likely to engage in unsafe behavior.
What should always be removed from children’s reach to keep them safe?
Choking hazards, cleaning supplies, and unsafe objects.
Give one way technology (phones/tablets) can interfere with scanning.
They distract staff and take eyes off the children.
How can co-teachers split zones to maximize supervision?
By dividing the space into clear areas so each teacher monitors part of the group.
How can routines help prevent unsafe situations?
They provide structure, which reduces chaos and risky behavior.
What does engagement prevent besides boredom?
It prevents unsafe or disruptive behavior.
Why are clear pathways important in the classroom?
They reduce tripping hazards and allow teachers to move quickly if needed.
In a group of 12 children, you only see 11. What’s your first step?
Immediately stop, scan the environment, and locate the missing child right away.
You notice a blind spot in the classroom. What can you do to fix it?
Rearrange furniture or change your position to see all areas.
A child is running toward the block area carrying a toy—what do you do?
Redirect them and remind them that running with toys can be unsafe.
You’re leading an art activity while supervising the group. What’s one strategy to balance both?
Position yourself so you can see the group and check in often while still helping with the activity.
How can labeling and organization help with supervision?
It helps children find materials easily and reduces chaos that distracts from supervision.