Observing Communication

My observation was conducted in a preschool setting. A preschool teacher sat with a little boy as she practiced writing his name with him. She sat in a chair next to him so that their eye level met. She explained that she would be working only with him to assist him in practicing his name. Although in the beginning the boy was very hesitant and seemed nervous to even hold the pencil, the preschool teacher continued to coach him and praise him through the process. The student seemed excited about being able to work one on one with the teacher and you could see his confidence building. The teacher continued to praise him and even illustrate on paper how to write certain letters. When he wrote something correctly she praised him by clapping or giving him a high five. When they were done working she stopped him before he ran to play and explained how proud of him she was. She explained that he had done very well and even pointed out examples on his paper.

I think this teacher communicated great with the student. She sat down and met him at his level. Her tone never changed and she kept true and consistent throughout the whole lesson by supporting him and showing encouragement. I believe her positive attitude and encouraging words made him feel confident enough to complete the task. I can’t think of any thing else she could have done.

When I communicate with children I try to do many of the same things. I get down on each child’s level and I offer encouragement. I will say I don’t offer as much encouragement as this teacher did which makes me wonder if my lack of encouragement stopped a child from progressing in some way. I believe I could definitely improve in this area. I look forward to implementing this change in my communication with young students.

Creating Affirming Environments

This week we were assigned to describe our own family childcare center that reflects that of an anti-bias education environment. I currently own a family childcare center so most of what I discuss is a true representation of what I currently do. There are many aspects of anti-bias education that I am still trying to incorporate into my center.

My environment would boost the feel of a culturally acceptable welcoming place. It would illustrate respect, acceptance and equality. I would make sure that all cultures of the classroom were represented throughout not only our environment but also our curriculum.

Upon walking into the doors of the preschool you would first see the Parent Information area. This area is used as a main portal of communication between the families and I. Posted here is the menu of the week, newsletter, field trip information, calendar and other correspondence. Parents also sign their student’s in-and- out here. In addition, there would be a small table to the side of the parent area for children who are able, to also sign their names in and out daily. This area is very much the welcome area. I greet families and students here. Children have his or her cubby with their names and pictures on the front.

My classroom setting would include many things. The class would be divided into centers. In the dramatic play center I would incorporate dolls from various cultures and pretend food representative of various cultures also. In our block area the pretend people would be inclusive and representative of the various families served in the classroom amongst many others. The reading area would house books of various titles, subjects, family structures and cultural traditions. Also throughout the class would be pictures of each child’s family amongst other families to illustrate the differences our classroom represents.

This description depicts much of what is happening currently in my preschool. However, if I had the space I would add an extra small room near the entrance of the preschool as a quiet area for students reluctantly entering an already active classroom. It seems for some students between the age of 2.5 and 3 they really struggle with leaving their parents sometimes and that extra few minutes with mom, dad, teacher or alone before entering the classroom often makes a world of difference.

This week readings really helped understand how to incorporate the anti-bias education approach in your classroom and why it’s important. However, even more inspiring was this week’s video of Adriana Castillo who provided a tour of her family childcare home. Her warmth, comforting spirit and inviting environment that seemed to foster the growth of each child and their family was great to see.