HomeTeeter Totter ~ Finding a Balance Between Me-Hood and Motherhood
Gender: female Date of Birth: January 01, 1973 Member Since: September 11, 2007 Last Signed In: November 19, 2008 Blog Views: 8406 Send To A Friend Sign Guestbook Add as a Friend
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Take the Time to Listen
Something interesting happened at the preschool I work at today that I would like to share. It went something like this… I’m in the bathroom changing diapers, we also keep some special toys in cabinets there. A little boy comes in (2 years old) and wants a tub of space toys. On top of this tub is a HUGE tub of blocks. He can’t get the one he wants out. He asks me for help. Of course, I have my hands full (of poop) and can’t. There are two other teachers in the room chatting right outside the door. I tell him “I see you need help getting that out, go tell teacher Amy* that you need help." Sadly I find this happens all the time. These aren’t bad teachers, they just weren’t taking the time to listen. I see it with parents, teachers and adults all the time; not listening to what the kids are trying to say. Kids pick up on that kind of thing. If you don’t listen to them, why should they listen to you? It does no favors to turn your brain on “auto pilot” and service their needs. They need interaction and example. Ask yourself “What are they learning from my actions right now?” How to be a good friend? How to clean up after themselves? How to treat other people nicely and with respect? Most importantly, we all must take the time to listen. (*Not her real name) 7 comments from 4 users
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posted by
teacheroftwos
on Sep 12, 2008 at 05:32 PM
As a preschool teacher I too have seen this and unfortantely probably done it! You are right we need to be more aware of ourselves and what we are putting out to these children and our own children too!
posted by
creatress
on Sep 12, 2008 at 07:55 PM
teacheroftwos , I totally agree. It's easy to do, hard to be watchful and an example, but worth it! Somehow I don't picture you doing that though.
posted by
hmoeckli
on Sep 12, 2008 at 08:05 PM
And that young man was the most well-spoken two-year old ever! My own two-year is a constant reminder for me on how to listen better. In fact, I didn't realize how much I don't listen to people until I had my daughter and she started communicating her needs to me. Quite the eye opener. posted by
wifemotherdaughtersister
on Sep 13, 2008 at 05:41 PM
ugh, i've been there! i used to work at an elementary school after school program and actually we weren't allowed to "cluster". at the time i kind of thought it was annoying because i had so much important stuff to talk about, but now i totally get it! good for you for speaking up! posted by
creatress
on Sep 13, 2008 at 07:01 PM
hmoeckli , I would agree with you there! I think I have my son to thank that I'm such a good listener with kids. wifemotherdaughtersister , I think it's hard to find a good medium. I love talking with my co-workers and learning from them is a big reason why I took the job in the first place. But you have to know the right time. For sure the kids are the #1 reason were there, so they need to stop talking and address their needs. I usually talk quietly to the other teachers at nap time, or with my eyes peeled on the playground. NOT during lesson time in class. That just bugs me. I came to the realization last night that I'm there for different reasons than a lot of them. I'm there for experience, to learn and to work with kids in a different capacity than I have in the past. I think a lot of them are there to pay their bills and well, work! With that kind of mind-set a lot of them are willing to put in just what they are $getting out$ (which isn't much.) It all comes down to why you're there as far as your attitude and just how much you're willing to do during the day. I'm also getting better at just backing off and letting the other teachers step up more if I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. Every day I learn something new! posted by
hmoeckli
on Sep 14, 2008 at 08:31 AM
When I started teaching at 22, it was a rough realization for me that not all teachers (at any level) get into education because they love kids. It took me awhile to learn A) not to judge other's motivations, B) not to worry about it. Now, I don't always love kids, and I'm not always totally on-point, but it can be really frustrating.
posted by
creatress
on Sep 14, 2008 at 12:07 PM
hmoeckli , I guess I just never understand why people are in education if not for the kids (surely it CAN'T be for the money!) You made a good point though that maybe they started off great and burnt out. Or maybe they thought they would love it, got their degree and credential, then didn't like it? Whatever the reason, it makes me sad.
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