In this post I have combined my both passion for early learning and 100% pure essential oils and how you can use them to nurture your children’s learning. I can see the huge potential that incorporating essential oils into early learning centres has; from using the natural properties of the oils in your cleaning and eliminating all chemicals, to bringing nature indoors, purifying the air after nappy changes and even to help calm the children for relaxation.
Below are some of the ways I can see that doTERRA essential oils tie in with the Early Years Learning Framework:
Firstly, using essential oils to purify the air creates a “welcoming space” (EYLF, P.15). We all know that what we smell can really change our moods and effect our emotions and that walking in to the smell of fresh air is much nicer than the smell just after a nappy change.
Educating the children on where the oils actually come from in the world also links to cultural competency (EYLF, P16). The really nice thing about doTERRA oils is that they are sourced from all around the world in their natural habitat. This helps the local economies and also ensures that the oils potential is maximised. I can see huge learning potential using all the children’s senses to learn about how the Tea Tree oil is sourced from Australia or the Lemon from Italy. This also allows the children to feel connected to their world (outcome 2: Children are connected to and contribute to their world). What a great way for them to feel connected by inhaling the aromas from different cultures all around the world!
Of course educating parents on the wonderful benefits of essential oils and encouraging them to incorporate them into their daily lives will also help the children feel that sense of belonging. If they are using the oils at home and in their learning environment it creates really nice continuity as they breathe in that homely smell and feel themselves surrounded by comfort.
Essential oils have excellent qualities to balance emotions. This can be especially helpful in assisting with children who have separation anxiety, trouble concentrating or even having a hard time calming down. It can also help with transitions especially for children who find this an especially challenging time. Breathing in the subtle smell of lavender before relaxation might just be enough to alert the children to the fact there is a change in the routine and help this predicted transition (Outcome 1: children have a strong sense of identity) run more smoothly.
Using oils to encourage the children to take control of their own wellbeing and use their autonomy is possibly the best use of essential oils in an Early Childhood environment that I can think of. There is a great intentional teaching opportunity in helping the children learn about the uses of the oils. They may be able to identify which oil they might need to help them self-regulate and manage their emotions at difficult times (Outcome3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing).
Apart from all the above benefits these amazing essential oils have for the children and their learning, there are many others that we have not even discussed yet, such as helping eliminate all chemicals in the centre and helping to become more environmentally sustainable.
If you agree with me and feel that doTERRA could be a beautiful fit with your centre please feel free to contact us.
If you are local to Sydney or the Central Coast, NSW, Emma and I would be happy to come and run an essential oil workshop for your parents and staff and educate you on how to get the most from your oils. For more information or if you have any more questions please do not hesitate to ask.
You can contact us here or via our Facebook page.
Christie xx