A new respect for early childhood teachers

Those interested in children must face the reality that good childcare is expensive, because good care requires people of ability and training who must also be paid adequately if they are to be attracted into this field of work. The quality of childcare depends on what we are willing to pay those who are responsible for it. Our willingness to pay in a way reflects also the amount of respect we have for them. I recently walked into a Nursery One schoolroom of only 12 students, which was staffed with two teachers and a teaching assistant, and there was still a lot for me to get my head around. There was a child just screaming for no apparent reason, about four or five little girls were squealing with joy playing and running around the classroom - and yes they were girls. There was a chubby little boy sitting under a desk sucking his thumb while one of the teachers tried to convince him to come out from under the table in a very patient conversational tone, which I must admit I couldn’t have managed myself. So you will understand me well when I say this; respect to all the teachers who have to deal with the hyperactive, loud, withdrawn, shy, talkative and whatever other personality combinations that our children may display all in one classroom. They do a great job of teaching our children to socialise and deal with all the different people in the real adult world. In my research on early childhood learning I discovered teacher-training guides on the 3Rs. The 3Rs are Respect, Response and Relationship. Since this article is in a sense a tribute to the respect the teachers deserve I think I should talk about respect some more. Respect is probably one of the most important social skills that a person can have. From a very young age children begin to learn how to interact respectfully with others, especially with the adults around us. Teaching children the importance of respect is one of the most important tasks we have both as parents and educators. I recognised respect in the way the teacher spoke to the child stuck under the table. Not harshly but firmly. Not with judgment, but with understanding. It is important that the parents also reinforce the lessons the teachers teach in the home as well. Below are two crucial tips on how to teach our children respect. Teach respect by example If we do not respect our children, they will not learn to respect us or others around them. Give value to respect The next time you see another child in a situation where they are being respectful, acknowledge and praise them in front of your children. You will be affirming that respect is an admirable quality in all children equally and not just your children. Be sure to compliment your own children when they show this beautiful quality. Above all, be a patient guide. All lessons take time.