
-
Providing Positive Guidance
Sue Davies | March 11, 2010 | Comment
In my daily interactions with the children in my care I often refer to the class as a “team”. The children respond to this in such a positive way.
We are a little family in our preschool classroom. A community of three, four and five year old boys and girls, learning through socialization how to be a friend, appreciate each other’s differences and similarities and respect the people and the world around us.
A child’s sense of self comes from the support of the adults in his or her life.
As a teacher, I know I play an important role in helping children deal with every day feelings in their world. I know that each child is an individual. I speak to each child with respect and interest, always addressing them by name and asking them to do the same for me. I happily greet each child as they walk into the room each day and follow up with friendly conversation with their parents too. While these gestures come naturally, I know too that I am modeling for the children the basics of socialization and communication each and every day.
I support the children in their efforts to communicate, helping with words and accepting their feelings as they develop the ability to grow and make sense of the world. The use of positive language, so crucial when speaking to children, builds a trusting relationship with each child.
In the preschool classroom, children learn to develop social skills to help them work and play, take the initiative and cooperate with those around them. Sharing, taking turns, respect for others and friendship is modeled by the adults in our school.
There are very simple and direct rules to follow in my preschool classroom…be kind, be safe and be the best friend you can be.
I assist the children in verbalizing their needs in a socially acceptable way. I encourage the children to be kind, caring and show empathy to all and thus find a room full of multi-tasking, problem solving children with a real sense of pride and accomplishment in who they are and what they can do.
For me, it is truly rewarding to see the mastering of skills in each and every child as they blossom and grow into bright and independent thinkers at The Grove School and beyond.
Comments
What do you think?






