When You Thought I Wasn't Looking, Teacher

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you displayed my first report, and I wanted to do another.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you fed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you gave me a sticker, and I knew that little things were special things.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you put your arm around me, and I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt--but that it’s all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you smiled, and it made me want to look that pretty too.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you cared, and I wanted to be everything I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking--I looked...and wanted to say thanks for all those things you did when you thought I wasn’t looking. 

By Mary Rita Schilke Korzan,"WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN’T LOOKING"

I Like Your Hairs!

Awwwwwe.
Thanks.

Creating an Environment for Kindness with Kids

"No one has yet realized the wealth of sympathy, the kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure."
~Emma Goldman

I had once began to get a bit overwhelmed with teaching when I first started. There was a lot to do with little or no time to do it. But as I began working with the kids I realized they we capable of much more than I was giving them credit for. As I began to show them how to do simple tasks and give them responsibilities as a group or as individuals I noticed the children began to take initiative on their own. They gained confidence in solving their own problems, cleaning up messes, and seeking out help from their peers. I encouraged it, commended them for it, and cheered them on. It almost was like I wasn't necessary at times until I realized that wasn't really it. Creating an environment for preschoolers to work in such ways was part of my job. I believe whenever kids are given the opportunity to work together they will rise to the task. The patience, encouragement, and good examples I give them are always up to me....well, perhaps up to all of us.

Friendship

"A true friend reaches for your 

hand and touches your heart."

~Attributed to Heather Pryor

I really appreciate the friendships I have formed though out the years. They has taught me to be a better wife, sister, friend and teacher. I'm don't know what I would do if I didn't have good friends to lean on...
I know that's why I enourage forming friendships with the children.
The best time to make a good trusted friend is well before you need them.

Encouraging Friendships in Early Childhood Education

“A true friend never gets in your way unless 

you happen to be going down.”

~Arnold Glasow

Kathleen was standing against the wall.
She is a very happy go lucky child so I kept an eye on her….she didn’t move so I approached her.
“Well, Hi Kathleen.”
“Well, Hi Ms. Bah-Bah.”
“You look mighty comfy just standing there. What are you thinking about?”
“Well. I just lookin’ for a f-wend to p-way with.” She replied.
“A friend to play with? Oh! I actually thought you were sad.”
“Me?” Kathleen looked shocked.
“You.”
“Nope.”
“What’s goin’ on people’s?” Jack wondered over.
“I’m standing here lookin’ for a f-end, I’m not sad, either.”
“Oh.” Jack smiled. “I’ll look with you just in case you get sad.”
“Tanks, Jack.”
“Welcome Kathleen.”
“See you later kids.” I said.

T-A-N-K-S!

“A loyal friend laughs at your jokes when they're not so good, and sympathizes with your problems when they're not so bad.”
~Arnold H. Glasgow

During class time I noticed Marko holding a book and walking around with it- making children laugh…..hmmm-m? Not so unusual. Since I was with another child- I would check on him in a minute. Before I could get to him a child entered to room crying with his mother. Off I went to assist and I saw Marko coming out of the corner of my eye- this time he had a whole group of children behind him.
“Tell him, Marko..tell him the joke!” The children coaxed.
Marko handed the book to the crying boy who stopped for a moment to look at it.
“Excuse me, my dear man…take this book.” Marko said in some kind of fake deep English accent.
Curious by now, he stopped crying and took the book.
“We’ll, what does it say, my dear man?”
“Um,” he sniffed; he read the bold word on the front cover. T-A-N-K-S, “it says, tanks.” He whispered.
“Say that a little louder, dear man.” Marko smiled, puffing his chest out.
“Tanks.” He said rubbing his eyes.
“Can’t heaaaar yoooou.” Marko giggled with the rest of the children.
“TANKS!” He shouted and laughed.
“Well, you’re welcome-but you don’t have to yell!”

You've Got a Friend in Me

“A friend comes in when the whole world has gone out.”

~Grace Pulpit

If you're alone, I'll hold your hand. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I'll be your arms. If you need joy, I'll be your smile. But anytime you need a friend, I'll be there.

Thought for the Day- What do you wish to inspire today?

"One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested."
~ E. M. Forster

I had a color mixing given to me to do with the children. It called for lots of teacher direction...not my style...ahem. I revised it. The children did it on their own- mixing fabulous colors in ice cube trays with eyes droppers,small brushes and cups. They loved it...
"Let's do it again!"
I asked them how we could continue it. They decided to continue it outside, in the water table in the ice cube trays.
They learned so much more on their own and from one another.
The sense of community it created, the friendships....not to mention the 'colors' that came out in their own personalities.

Gift Ideas For Everyone

"I am not the boss of my house. I don't know when I lost it. I don't know if I ever had it. But I have seen the boss's job and I do not want it."
-Bill Cosby

We all like feeling appreciated. I enjoy making gifts with kids because it really adds a special touch to any gift idea. We found one that could be for anyone anywhere by simply decorating a jar lid box or small bag you and the kids can really make someones day!

What's inside the Jar:
1 rope-In case you have reached the end of yours.
1 penny for your thoughts
1 roll of Lifesavers-to remind you that your are one.
1 shiny jewel-because your worth a million.
1 bag of rubberbands-to keep you flexible in so many ways.
1 apple-because you're the apple of our eye!

We put this small poem on the inside of a handmade card. It's bound to bring a smile!

Conflict Resolution Techniques in Early Childhood Education

Sticks and stones are hard on bones

Aimed with angry art,

Words can sting like anything

But silence breaks the heart.

~Phyllis McGinley, "Ballade of Lost Objects," 1954

From the time infants begin to make sounds, they learn different ways to communicate and express themselves. Toddlers and preschoolers look to us as parents, preschool teachers, family caregivers etc. to be the good examples and role models for effective communication. "STONES", (I made up this acronym) as in; Sticks and stones will brake my bones...but words will never hurt me...as a child I thought if you said it enough it would come true. It never did, words DO hurt just like sticks and stones. However, conflict resolution works, and these STONES promote peace.

Conflict Resolution Techniques
in Early Childhood Education:
S-T-O-N-E-S
1. Stop any hurtful actions & approach calmly
*Place yourself between the children, at their level
*Use a calm voice & a gentle touch, staying connected to each child
*Always remain neutral rather than take side, do not interrupt or argue.

2.Talk to each child about their feelings.

*"Your face looks sad/angry"
*Tell the children you will hold 'object in question' for now

3.Offer help by gathering information.
*"Tell me your side first, Keisha"
Tell the children you will listen to each of their sides completely.
Demonstrate to them how to listen with respect and courtesy by 'showing them.'

4.Neutralize the problem by restating it.
*"Now, From what I hear...it sounds like the problem is..."

5.Everyone shares their ideas and let the children decide on a solution.
*"What should we do to solve this problem?"
*"How does____feel right now?"
*"What will make____feel better again?"
*Continue to keep encouraging the children to think of solutions and support them to decide on one together.
*Accept the solution the children agree on.

6.Support and follow up with the children.
*"Congratulations! you solved the problem!"
*"Great job! You both worked it out!"


Conflict Resolution is an integrated part of preschool curriculum and will be used over and over again through out a preschool teacher's day. Always follow children through to Step 6. They both must feel a sense of completion...even if they decide they no longer want the toy/object in question...a decision was still made, and that is still to be commended that the situation was worked out.