Friday, May 7, 2010

the small things.

 "You've got to think about big things while you're 
doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction."
~ Alvin Toffler

Encouragement and attention really mean something to our kids. I know that there are times I have stopped and noticed some amazing block building children are doing together or how well everyone is getting along.
I'll mention it.
Little ears are always listening so I will often remark to another teacher in passing, sometimes I make up a song about it willy-nilly on the spot, or I'll share it at circle time when it's my turn to share.
Little things aren't so small when they are shared by big people sometimes.
Then again...to me, these things were never small in the first place.
Sometimes teaching is in the fine details.

4 comments:

Julie Parker, Social Media Executive said...

Good food for thought Barb. I am thinking of all the many lifeskills411 classes I have been to and how they break things down in to small bite-sized-goals. I remember when I was losing weight and it was two pounds, three pounds, four pounds and the small steps eventually added up to 10, 20 30 40 and then 100 lbs. And its the same in life. We walk along this journey and chip away at things that bug us. Weight (for me), health (to eat the right things), relationships, finances and our careers. Just little by slow we grow.

Hugs
Julie

Barbra The Bloggess said...

I remember JuJuBEE. What an accomplishment you have made!
Same with me. I think like a toddler at times. I see something across the room and go running for it...trampling folks and bonking my head.
I am a conceptual thinker. I see the big picture but have no plan how to get there. Life Skills 411 taught me how to use that zeal with a plan.
Sigh.
You use words like bite-size goal...
I use words like baby steps....
I suppose we both can agree on patience and Life Skills 411 definitely is the best!
Love you, JujuBEE!

Paul Swendson said...

It's easy to forget your little lesson here. I have a tendency to take positive things for granted and notice the negative. I work with college students, and I'm sure it wouldn't hurt if I pointed out some of the good stuff that they are doing.

Barbra The Bloggess said...

Hi Paul, One of my favorite teachers was a collage professor of mine! She made a comment similar to what you made. She always made a big impression on me. I could always tell her heart was really with her students. I'll bet yours can, too....
Your right, though.
People need to hear it. Even if we know it....
We need to hear it.