Survival!

Here's to you my fellow teachers for surviving the first week of school!  Congrats!  You made it!

And if you experienced staggered entry this week, get ready for the real fun that's about to happen as of tomorrow morning (this is definitely me)! Everyone's all together now...!

I have to admit, staggered this year was very different than previous.  However, I also changed my tune in regards to some rules and expressed the necessity of them all in great detail at our parent orientation we had over a week ago.  So, that might have contributed.. Who am I kidding?  Of course it did!  Here's why:

Reason One:
Typically, I have allowed parents the opportunity to draw on the "goodbye" ritual if the student was having a difficult time.  Although I would stress the importance of a quick goodbye and go scenario, I very rarely had any takers as "they know their child best" and I apparently had no idea what I was talking about.  Well, due to that, in one of our classes we had a total of eight-three year olds crying for their parents and all of those parents lingering in the classroom till they stopped.  Needless to say, it was extremely crowded, extremely loud, and just overall a chaotic scene that no human being wants to be a part of however refusing to fix it at the same time.

Well, this year I promised myself that I may lose my hearing over such a large volume of crying but I was not going to be disrespected nor my classroom again. This year I stressed immensely the importance of "short, sweet, and simple" goodbye. 
Short: "It's time for you to go to preschool and time for me to say goodbye to you"
Sweet: "I love you very much"
Simple: "I will come back to get you when it's time to go home again.  Now, go inside and I will see you when you're done!"

The importance of this goodbye-time is simply showing the child that the parent is going to hold their ground in making sure they stay, even if everything is scary at first.  Providing reassurance to them in stating how much you love them, tells them that even though that child and parent are going to be separated, it doesn't mean the love is gone too.  By ending the goodbye through a simple matter-of-fact of the new experience eventually ending with a reunification does tell the child that they won't be there for long. 

I also stressed of making sure that parents stayed out of the classroom and keeping the goodbye at the doorway as we want to keep the classroom a positive environment where no traumatic goodbyes are taking place.  Students are calm, engaged in activities and conversation, and simply enjoying the moment. 

Don't get me wrong, I know it's easier said than done sometimes.  I may not be a parent but after working with children for 10 years now, I've observed enough to know what works, and what doesn't.  My job isn't to parent the child, it's to teach.  And if a child is entering my classroom, then my ultimate goal is teaching them how to be independent as we all need to eventually. In order for that life lesson to begin, you have to follow the instructions and gain the ability to succeed.

So, did it work?  You bet.  In fact, I had parents saying the exact same thing I just reference up above.  Did any kids cry?  Of course, but very few and it only lasted less than five minutes. 

Reason Two:
Aside from the transitioning portion, I also told parents not to feel guilty on the first day.  It's surprising how many parents start doubting themselves if they made the right decision.  That usually happen if the child gets upset about coming to preschool or doesn't interact with anyone.  I reassured our new parents this year that they placed them into preschool for a reason and that reason was for them to watch their preschooler grow in an academic (but playful!) environment. 

After I mentioned that, you saw a lot of mothers' nodding their head in agreement and the fathers' holding their hand. 

So, did any parents show doubt?  A couple.  But I told them if the transition is still a struggle after a month, let's talk because it's too early to make conclusions now.

Reason Three:
I lowered unrealistic expectations.  I already admitted that I can't get a three year old to read by June.  I already admitted that I can't get a four year old doing simple addition and subtraction.  And I admitted that I don't believe in stressing the early years out on the academics.  I did promise however that their child will grow over the next 10months and it'll be more than just physically.  And while that growth occurs, their preschooler will be having fun.

As long as we're having fun while learning, I think that's all that really matters.  Not how it was taught!


I felt these were valid, fair points to share with parents and remind them the point of preschool and I feel it was received the way it should have been.  It truly showed as I can't remember when was the last time I had a great staggered entry week and could honestly say "Parents weren't an issue."
Good on them!  It's a tough job and I commend them for keeping it together.


Now, let's see how this week goes.  Staggered entry is now over and all students (18 per class) meet and greet as a whole.

..Deep breath..deep breath..deep breath..

Let's move onto year #3

Between now and the last time I posted on preschool teacher stories, both personally and professionally, alot happened.  To make a long story short, year #2 end quite well and approvingly fast enough for me.  By the end of June, I was thoroughly exhausted as so many events happen (parties, Graduations, more parties).  You really do get burnt out quicker than you think.  And when it hits you, you then realize why you get two months off during the year. 

Now that it's September again, here I am.  Ready to report to my fellow readers - all about year number three!  More importantly, not only will my entries pertain to the little people and the teaching moments I will remember for life, but also new developments on an opportunity I onced mentioned about joining.

First Days
This week for many preschools is the start of the school year and will typically mean "Staggered Entry" week.  Classes are split up into smaller groups during class time and scheduled to come only once during this specific week.  A parent asked me today what's the point of it; one word: transition.  As it may a child who is returning to preschool, may not find this difficult it at all.  But believe it or not, even returners can get shy and unsure about why they're back and being left behind after two whole months of 24/7 constant care under their mother's eye.  For the Newbie, so those who are just starting their preschool/educational journey, this is a very important week to have happen.  Firstly, it's a new environment FULL of NEW people, NEW surroundings, and NEW rules.  I can only imagine what their (the kid) thought process is like: What do you mean I have to share?, What is SHARE?!, Why do I have to listen?  WHY ON EARTH IS MY MOTHER LEAVING?!  With so much to adapt too, starting in small groups is the best way to conquer the fears as they get to know their teachers, less intimidated by their new peers, and.. they can relax.

The transition week is also good for the parents too, although I swear September is definately one of those months that they really appreciate you.  For returning parents, it sets in a good routine again.  Hell, I'm glad to be back at work because its giving me routine again.  For the Newbies', they become introduced to a new routine that can be benefical for themselves and not just their children.  A break from the family can lead to positive things - more 'calm and collected', tackling errands child-free, taking care of the self whether it's hitting the gym or even taking a nap.  By embracing such opportunities and using them to the advantage, Mom starts to feel better about life in general and it creates a rippling effect.

And crying..?  Yes, it happens to everyone, including Moms' and Dads'.  I highly recommend the Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.  I have read it for three years straight now on the first day of school as it reflects exactly on how a child may feel about going to school for the first time.  A young raccoon sharing his fears about school to his mother, and his mother responding with a sweet solution with a teary-choked up ending.  This book came out in 2003 and has branched into a small series on other topics such as bullying and death.  Check it out.

 

 

 

Accreditation

So last time I wrote here, I mentioned the situation between preschools and accreditation - a specialized funding program the Government of Alberta has created for daycares, out of school care, and day homes.  I had also mentioned that a Calgary Preschool Teacher's Association I became a part of, was looking for people to advocate and lobby the idea that preschools should be entitled to accred. as well. 

 

Since then, not only have I signed on with a group of Preschool-based professionals but are now in the midsts of creating templates, mission statements for our group, and our chair is making waves with names that are must to have us get started on this journey.  Our next group meeting isn't till the end of the month.  But how quick that all came together! I don't expect miracles to happen within the next six months because there is just no way of it.  However, I do plan on working towards the expectation and the ability to say, "Preschools and their teachers receive accreditation too."