Observing Communication

For this blog assignment, I chose to observe our new kindergarten teacher.  She had taken her class to the restrooms for a quick bathroom break. She had some boys that were not following the procedures for the hallway.  I observed her getting down at their level, asking them to tell her what it was they were suppose to be doing, and explaning to them why it is important to follow procedures.  During this time, she maintained a very calm and pleasant voice, she also was very direct with her responses.   I think this helped the children understand why it was important to do the right thing.  Because she was using a calm voice, the boys did not act fearful of her. 
When I use to work in daycare and kindergarten, I would also get at the child's level.  I think it is important to make eye contact with them when you are talking.  Sometimes though, I would get a little louder than I should and I think that this may have scared some kids. When dealing with young children, we need to make sure we explain why we don't want them to do something instead of just telling them not to do it. I liked how she held the kids accountable by asking them what they were suppose to be doing instead of just telling them.
I think for the most part I am a good communicator with young children.  One area I would like to strengthen on is rushing.  Since there is so much that has to be taught in a day's time, I rush kids to tell me things or I may just give quick, short blurts as answeres.  I need to slow sown and really show the kids that I am interested in what they have to say.

My Childcare Center

If I were to open my open family childcare center I would make it very inviting and warm to all families.  In the video, I liked how Adriana had a whiteboard upon entrance that said good morning in English and Spanish.  This sent a message right away that she is aware of the languages her families speak.  I think that this is very important.  Along side of this I would also include a newsletter that was written  in the different languages of my families.  I am fortunate enough to know students in high school and colleagues that are fluent in various languages.  I also would utilize a website that I have heard about that takes English and translates it into other languages.  This would allow all my families to feel connected to the center and to be up to date on current and future happenings.

 

In my center, I would have bright, warm colors that were soothing and inviting.  Everything would be at child's level, just like Adriana had things low for the kids to reach.  The walls would have portraits made by the kids as well as portraits depicting diverse cultures.  I think it would be fun to have a mural somewhere at the center with different cultures and languages.  I am a person that loves music, therefore I would be softly playing various types of music in the background. 

 

Children would have different centers to explore.  In the  dramatic play area, there would be numerous items for dress up clothes, ethnic foods for pretend cooking/eating, babies of various races. 

In the library, I would include books that had main characters of different races and genders.  I was recently thrilled to find a Red Riding Hood book for my class in which the main character was an African American girl.  The kids were very surprised to see it.  I also encountered a Three Little Pigs book that portrays the pigs as 2 boys and 1 girl…can you guess which one built their house of bricks?  I love picture books because young children can read the pictures and make their own stories.  This is a great way to have conversation with them about what they are thinking.

 

To help children feel safe, I would have a room set aside for those not feeling well.  This would allow them to rest comfortably until a parent could come and take them home.  This room would have stuff animals for the child to cuddle with on cots. 

 

Parent involvement would be encouraged.  I understand that parents are working, but I would try to encourage them to come in for a short time to help in the center.  Even if a parent could only spare 30 minutes, that is enough time to sit and read a book to a group of children.  Parent involvement is crucial to build a positive relationship between daycare and home.

 

Upon check-in, I would have notebooks available.  These would be used by parents to ask questions or make comments.  I know from my previous experience that as a director, you are not always available to talk to parents when they arrive.  This allows them to leave me a brief message so that I can ensure I make time available to meet with them or contact them throughout the day.  Open communication is very important and I find this to be a valuable tool.