Testing, Testing, 123...

"No matter how one may think himself accomplished, when he sets out to learn a new language, science, or the bicycle, he has entered a new realm as truly as if he were a child newly born into the world." ~Frances Willard, How I Learned to Ride the Bicycle

I took a lot of classes in early childhood education. I read lots of books on children, too. But nothing could prepare me for the feeling I had when I was given my first group of five-year-olds. I wish I could have said I radiated confidence, but quite frankly it really believe kids can smell fear.
"The kids are going to test you." My college professor warned. I had not clue what she actually meant by that until I saw certain behaviors in the kids.
I remember in the movie Kindergarten Cop where the fed up Kindergarten Teacher  (Arnold Schwarzenegger) said, "There is no bathroom!"
What is it about going to the bathroom anyway?
The class and I eventually knew what to expect of each other until the next batch of children entered my classroom. Here we go again...
Testing. I suppose we all test one another to a certain degree, don't we? To see where one anothers limits, boundaries and integrity lie. I find out so much about myself and the children during these times.

What are some areas you have found the kids like to test in? How do you or the kids tend to react during testing?

How did you test adults as a child?

Lost In The Translation

Thank goodness I speak 'Preschooler'. Sometimes what little ones do and say don't quite match. Getting to truly know each child is the main goal of mine whenever they are with me.
Of course yelling and throwing slobbery fits is not an effective way of communication. But being angry or sad because you miss a parent is understandable.
I do a lot of dictation with little ones. When emotions get lost in the translation I'll ask them when they are calm if we can write a story or a letter about what they are feeling. In every case the children prefer to hold their special letter throughout the day. They play, laugh, join circle times and then happily deliver the letter to the family member.
I guess sometimes having someone to listen to your feelings really does validate them. Sometimes all we need is to know someone cares.

Understanding Preschoolers and Sharing

"The greatest oak was once a

little nut who held its ground."

I love to have The Toddlers Creed poem up on the preschool room door. A sense of humor and go a long way when a parent is concerned about a child not sharing right away in preschool. The words, developmentally approprate and milestone in development just don't have the same effect when a parent simply wants their child to be everyone's friend and pal.  I actually do like the fact that the preschoolers begin to assert themselves. After all, it is a critical time in their development while they experiment with language. The key for me is to be available to them through the process.
I always tell families, "It's all just fine. Besides, we are all highly trained professionals here."

The Toddlers Creed

If I want it,

it's mine.

If I give it to you and change my mind later,

it's mine

If I can take it away from you,

it's mine.

If I had it a little while ago,

it's mine.

If it's mine,

it will never belong to anybody else,

no matter what.

If we are building something together,

all the pieces are mine.

If it looks just like mine,

it is mine.

Time Outs in Early Childhood Education

Okay, I don't understand this time out thing. Maybe because I'm not very good at it. You see, I have been guilty of sending a child to the time out chair forgetting what the child did all together. 
Sigh.....
Since then I have changed the way I do things. I'll never forget the conversation I had with a child the day I realized time outs simply weren't for me. Here's how it went....

"Do you know why you have been sitting here in a time out, Tony?" I asked Tony as he squirmed in his.
"No, I forget."
(Uh-oh, now what was it....what was it....oh yes, I remember!)
"You hit Shannon." I reminded myself.
"No I didn't."
"Tony, we all saw you."
"I didn't hit him, he hitted me back."
"I see, so now that you've been sitting here for five minutes, did you think of something you could have done?"
"Yes."
"Tell me, please."
"If I hitted him sooner I would be out of time out by now."
(Okay, I clearly left this child waa-a-aay too long-sigh)

So, What works for you-please let us know...

Getting Found

“The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself
in the service of others."

~ Ghandi

I am not too fond of whining. My mother claims I was whined as a child…..sorry, Mom-I feel you.
My mother gave me things to do. She kept me busy….I, in turn, keep a busy classroom.
It has been my experience that kids that whine either want attention from adults or may feel ill at ease with their own peers. Whatever the case, I work very hard on bonding and engaging them to focus and feel comfortable within the classroom. Usually, by making them a ‘helper’ within the classroom setting-they begin to feel empowered and build confidence while I work more closely with them. It’s amazing to see that as the school year progresses, so do they.
I have found that kids that were my ‘helpers’ in the beginning are more apt to take initiative helping others that seem a bit ‘lost’ within the classroom….it’s a beautiful situation.

teacher's tips to helping the new kid in class

"Come to the edge, He said.
They said: We are afraid.
Come to the edge, He said.
They came. He pushed them,
And they flew . . ."
-Guillaume Apollinaire-French poet

Okay…no one likes to see a child cry. I breaks my heart, I never just get ‘used to it’. But I do understand separation anxiety and have been through the process enough to know the outcome of consistency, love and understanding. Children and have different temperaments, comfort levels and paces at which they learn and grow. It would be silly to expect all preschool children to be pleased as punch; happily starting a new preschool without a fuss. Starting a whole now routine is a very big deal for a child; for some, it would be the equivalence of an adult waking up one morning and starting a whole new job without interviewing for the position-you are just expected to learn as you go. When I had new children we make sure they were shown a proper welcome. This is a list of what we did as a class.

Teachers Tips to Helping the New Kid In Class:
*The children made a welcome banner with the child’s name
*We had the cubby ready and a signed card
*As a class we showed him/her all the areas of the room including the bathroom
*We played name games and “get to know you games” over and over again
*The teachers make sure we find out what the child likes and dislikes-We want him/her to be comfortable!

The resilience of children amazes me. As a child I loved daycare. I loved kindergarten, too. I remember the teachers I liked and the ones I didn’t. It was the same through high school and college. I looked for the teachers that encouraged me and gave me a small push-just like the poem. Perhaps, that’s why in my dreams I can always fly.

Helping Kids Resolve Conflicts

"Teacher! She keeps touchin' me!" We have heard it all haven't we? "Ew! Stop coughin' your amoeba’s on me!" or "She hit me in my man-boob!"..uh, okay-some of they might be pretty original. But to young preschoolers it's serious business and through the ear piercing screams they really are asking me for help. Would I prefer them to ask nicely-of course, however-they are trusting me as their teacher that I will be consistent with them in guiding them through the process of problem solving every time. It's my desire for the children to gain the confidence to work out conflict resolution techniques and problem solving skills themselves. There are some cases where things don't always come up roses. Keeping friendly lines of communication open with parents and supervisors is best. I always keep in mind to remember that young children are still growing and have so much to learn.
Keeping a sense of humor, responding to situations casually yet with focus and concern has really helped in when dealing with a dilemma.
Let's be patient and love them through the process.