RELATIONSHIPS:

One of the strong “foundations” in early childhood is developing “relationships” with children, teachers and parents. I will focus briefly on teacher -> child relationships and how this is seen in our everyday interactions. I will make this brief as my presentation will be more detailed but here are some thoughts….

1. Attitude is important for all teachers to help establish a positive relationships each day.
2. Building brain development through positive interactions helps create brain growth and esteem.
3. Consistent and responsive caregiving help children develop self-regulation and strengthen bonds.
4. Developmentally appropriate practices build security within each child.
5. Emotional development comes from listening, responding, and understanding.
6. Fun times with children 1:1 or in groups help build community of learners.
7. Gratitude for each child’s uniqueness establishes connections of purpose for children.
8. Happy children and happy adults help form bonds of adventures in learning.
9. Imagination and play create an environment that is safe and secure.
10. Joy is found in the eyes of children as they play with materials, interact, and problem solve.
11. Kindness is taught by example and gentleness by experience.
12. Love is understanding that all children are not the same and appreciate when you give support in care.
13. Music and singing gives children and teachers togetherness that makes the heart smile.
14. Nothing is better that a teacher understanding what children need at any moment in time.
15. Open your world as a teacher and explore new ways of forming positive connections daily.
16. Please make every moment count with children and give them time to make choices.
17. Question yourself in the “role as a teacher” and ask yourself, “are you doing your best”?
18. Respect children’s choices and make the environment safe.
19. Success is built into daily routines.
20. Talk with children, listen, respond, and show compassion throughout the day.
21. Uniqueness of each child can be appreciated as you foster independence and differences.
22. Visual cues in children’s behaviors can be a teachable moment to savor.
23. Wait and see while playing with children to see how they problem solve and support when needed.
24. “Examine” ways you can foster and create play experiences to include all children.
25. Yes, to practice new skills for children and teachers.
26. Zero comes before 1 and that’s where we begin with relationship building with children.

Questions:

• How can you start to form, continue to form, or establish times throughout the day to form positive relationships that are “meaningful” to children?
• What is the important of establishing a classroom climate of consistency, predictability, respectful, and joyful play that enhances each child and yourself in a caring community of learners?
• How can you share with “parents” and other teachers the joys of the children you work with?
• How can you balance the care of children with routines, schedules and general child care tasks to include children in the process without “rushing” them?
• How can you as a teacher establish relationships with children so you find joy, happiness, and a purpose in your work?
• Why is building relationships important for the children, yourself, teachers, and with parents?