Here at Fairmont, we believe our teachers are superheroes! And when it comes to super powers, our early
childhood educators have some of the coolest skills. Our ECE teachers can predict meltdowns and
stop temper tantrums with a single bound. They seem to bring
out the best in children without yelling or resorting to bad behavior
themselves. Just how do they do it? Here are a few of their
secrets for handling some of parents’ toughest challenges:
- Solving separation anxiety--Begin each day with a positive outlook. Take time to talk about the day before you
leave for school. Try asking your child simple questions about their daily
routine. “When you are at recess what is
your favorite thing to do?” “I noticed
your classroom has some great toys. What
will you play with today?” Children develop
confidence and security by following a routine. When it is time to leave your child, always
say good bye. Give them a hug and send them on their way. Do not linger or keep
coming back--this sends the message that something is wrong. Don’t panic if your child starts to cry. Have confidence in your child's teacher. Once a youngster has mastered a daily routine
they will be confident and content at school.
- Positive parenting--I have seen time and time again that children respond better to praise
than punishment. When parents and teachers keep things positive, they see
better results. Children want to feel that pat on the back even more than
a reward. Keep everything positive!
- Using age to your advantage--"Age Advantage" is using a child's age as a motivation.
For example, "When you are four you will be able to do X.” “When you are five you can do X." Also,
it can work the other way around, for example: "Now that you are four you
no longer need X,” or "Five year-olds don't do X."
- Mood matters--We have learned through teaching, as well as through parenting, that
children will feed off your mood. If you are calm, they are more apt to be calm
as well.
- You're in charge--Being a parent is wonderful, but it comes with responsibility. Parents are responsible for making decisions for their children. Children need guidance on what is in their best interest. Children are not capable of making those choices. Parents need to teach that there are consequences for good and bad behavior. Acknowledge when a child makes the right choice and have appropriate consequences when poor choices are consistently made. One hundred percent consistency is imperative and possible. This is where “mean what you say and say what you mean” comes into effect.
To see Fairmont's ECE teachers in action, check out this new video.
Image from photobucket
Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools
