My hope
for the children and families that I serve is that they will not only feel
welcomed and comfortable in my classroom but also continue to have the same
experiences throughout their school aged life.
I know that is a big order to expect that all of the children and
families I serve have positive educational experiences as they go on in their
education but I believe that the education world needs to re-examine how we
teach children and treat families (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards,
2010). There is really no reason for
children to be ignored, talked to in a negative way, and mistreated in the
classroom or anywhere for that matter.
There is also no reason for families to feel ignored, disrespected, and
detached from their children. I realize that
teaching is not an easy profession but if you have the passion to teach, then
you have a responsibility to care and nurture children’s minds and
spirits. You also have a responsibility
to create positive and respectful relationships with the families to ensure the
success and well-being of their children but also to continue those connections
and relationships. One of the favorite
things about being an early childhood educator for me is creating those
relationships with families and their children and then continuing them as they
leave our classroom. I see my children
and families out in the community and at school and it is rewarding to me when
they take the time to come over and talk to me to tell me their latest
happenings. I feel as though I am an
important part of their life and development.
Teaching is not just about the ABC’s and 123’s. Teaching is about the children and their
families and how we can help them get from to wherever they are to wherever
they need to be in a nurturing and caring environment.
Thank you
Dr.Pickens for all of your encouragement and positivity throughout the two
classes I have been fortunate to take with you.
You have inspired me to become an even bigger advocate for young
children and their families.
Thank you
to my colleagues for your positive, intelligent, and encouraging feedback throughout
the course and other courses we have taken together. I am so happy that I decided to pursue my
Master’s in Early Childhood Education because not only is it my passion but it
is a pleasure and a privilege to be with other dedicated early childhood
professionals. My hope for all of you is
to continue pursuing your passion for early childhood education and continue
becoming beacons of light and hope for all children and their families.
Nicolette
References
Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen
Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.
It has been wonderful having you in class as well. I have learned so much from everyone that I will carry with me forever throughout my career. I love your comment, "Teaching is about the children and their families and how we can help them get from to wherever they are to wherever they need to be in a nurturing and caring environment". You are so right, that teaching is not just about what is taught in the classroom, but how we can help the children and families improve their life as a whole. Great blog.
ReplyDeleteLindsey,
DeleteThank you always for your supportive comments and insights!
Nicolette
Nicolette,
ReplyDeleteI understand the importance of what you mentioned --- you hoped your students would continue to have good connections with educators - this is imperative for growth to take place. A teacher can either make of break a child. We have all experienced it, working on our degrees. If it is a miserable class we just get through because we need the credits; yet, children need more than the credits don't they? They need to be nurtured, accepted, and guided. They are placed with us as treasures to take care of, not to get them in and out of our classroom. Teaching is about the children and families; they are a ministry, one family at a time. Working with them, guiding them, following up on them and helping them do life in their educational processes and helping them better themselves.
Thank-you for sharing your knowledge and experience.
Kimberly
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your outstanding insights about my blog entry because that is exactly what I meant! I wish more educators had the passion to understand that the families are part of their child's educational success and bring families in more.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights! Much success through the rest of your program:).
Nicolette
Nicolette,
ReplyDeleteI wish you nothing but success throughout your professional and personal journeys! You truly inspire me to be a better person. I am thankful that I have had the privilege to learn from your experiences. Best of luck!
Amber
Amber
Thanks Amber!
ReplyDeletePlease keep in touch and I hope we get to meet in person some day!
Nicolette