Of all the things that I despise most in this world, the phrase, "you're just a teacher" is near the top of my list. I have attempted to fathom the logic in this statement for several years, and I firmly believe I will never discover it. It is not a disgraceful thing to be a teacher. In fact, it is quite beautiful! One of the first adults that a child interacts with outside of his/her immediate family is his/her early childhood educator. Children look to him/her for guidance in regards to behavior, manners and patience. Educators of early, middle, secondary and even higher education are responsible for assisting children with becoming their own person, as well as decent human beings. This process can be compared to constructing a house.
The act of providing children with a quality education is much like building a house.
Step 1: Establish the foundation and footing, as it bears the weight of the house.
Early childhood education is the substructure of instruction.Without a solid base, students will likely struggle throughout their academic careers and could crumble under the pressure. As an early childhood educator, it is up to me to build a sturdy foundation for my students. I will do so by continually observing and assessing my students to determine their educational, physical, mental, social and emotional needs, as well as their interests and strengths. I will utilize this information to craft lessons and units, activities and field trips that encompass their various desideratum. My classroom management style will play a key role as well. While I want my students to feel safe and welcome in my classroom, unruly or disrespectful behaviors will not be tolerated. My gentle, yet firm approach will allow my free-spirited students to thrive within a structured environment.
Step 2: Add bearing beams, as they reinforce the anticipated load over a long period of time.
Families play a crucial role in supporting their children throughout their education. It is rather difficult to stand tall and not break under pressure without them. Considering that they play a large role in my students’ lives, it is important to me to include families in my classroom. I will communicate with parents/guardians on a regular basis through conferences, phone calls and communication logs. My students do not have to necessarily execute a poor behavior or a good deed for me to do so. Rather, I will update their families on progress they are making and goals they are striving towards, as well as check in on their home-lives.
With the permission of my principal, I will offer monthly opportunities for families (e.g. parents/guardians, grandparents, older siblings, etc.) to observe and interact with their child in the classroom. Activities may include reading to one another, making a craft or executing a science experiment. For family members who would like to partake in their child’s education, but are unable to attend special events will still have plenty of opportunities to be involved in their child’s education. Adult-child activities will be sent home with the student on Friday to be completed over the weekend. The students will have the opportunity to work with a family member of their choice on a variety of activities, such as nature walks, scavenger hunts, and educational games.
Step 3: Construct the frame, as it ultimately shapes the house.
Students play a sizable role in their education. They must maintain interest and motivation in order to successfully establish a basic structure. However, both qualities derive back to the students’ foundation (early childhood education/educator) and bearing beams (support system). Students who are not immersed in a quality education at an early age, or who lack family and friends who support them, are more likely to lack interest and motivation in their education. As previously mentioned, I must capture their attention with lessons that interest them and meet their needs.
Step 4: To be functional, the house will require plumbing, electricity, HVAC; insulation; and an interior and exterior.
Elementary, middle school and high school instruction (or equivalent) bring the education cycle full circle. Students will find that many opportunities are available to them when they have a diploma in their possession. Once again, to see their education through, students must be interested in their education and motivated to learn. This is ultimately decided upon by their early childhood experiences and support system. I would like to encourage my students to strive to be hardworking students and to successfully complete each level of schooling.
Step 5: Over a period of time, additions may be added to the house.
Students may choose to further their education by pursing a college degree or attending a vocational school. They may choose to dive into the world of greater education immediately after high school, or wait many years to do so. Regardless, their motivation to continue their academic career stems from their early experiences in education. I would like to inspire my students to believe they can achieve anything, including continuing their education many years after they leave my classroom.
