What is specifically best for a child is often unknown at a moments glance. As an individual, I came into the field of early childhood education with one thing on my mind and in my heart- my love for children. It is not until one studies the development and experiences working hands on with children, that they can really hone in on what they "feel" should be the primary purpose of early childhood educator's in relation to the best interest of the children attending preschool, and their futures.
Now that we are on the subject of children's futures, this is where things become even more complex. In order for a child to grow, they must be given the opportunities to flourish in an environment that supports them. Some Kumu (teachers), view their purpose of being an early childhood educator as the "prep for kindergarden." They may value teaching the "ABC's" more than teaching children social skills. Another Kumu may say, "They have the rest of their lives to learn that stuff," and therefore focus more on social skills, and emotional awareness.
These are two completely different perspectives, among an array of many others. But which is best? What focus will make the keiki thrive in their future endeavors?
Because no keiki are the same, and each has their own individual needs, I feel that there is no right answer. Children are guided by not only their kumu, but by their ohana, and community as well. I feel that as early childhood educators, we must stick to our heart's desires, because we cannot be at our full potential as educators, if we are practicing something we do not agree with. So my opinion is that although there is no "right" answer to this question, we as kumu should be true to ourselves, and put our best foot foward to find, or create the program which best fits our feelings of what the focus of early childhood educators should be, so we can work with and support our keiki at our fullest potential.
Hi Elena,
ReplyDeleteBring true to yourself -- this is a powerful conception of teaching. I wonder how your view of the child influences being true to yourself as the teacher. What might it mean to view children as capable in terms of being true to yourself? Should a teacher remain true to herself if she views the child as incapable? Can a focus on "readying" children for the future limit the view of the child as capable? What might it mean for teaching and asministration if young children are respected enough to live in their childhoods rather than using childhood as a means for "readying"?
Jeanne
Aloha Elena,
ReplyDeleteEvery teacher I know has the right intentions in doing their best and giving their all. I think we can agree that we are all in this profession not because of money but because we genuinely love children and feel a strong sense of making an impact on their future because of it. How can we as teachers incorporate a well rounded approach in teaching our children? Now that you have taken a stand on why you are teaching, How will you further strengthen this stand? What will you do when you face challenges that will make you rethink your stance? Congratulations on your accomplishments and so glad to have you on board KS-CBECED and especially on ECED 420.
Hello! I enjoyed reading your posting because I do agree on being true to yourself when your a teacher, but of course on best interest for the child. Sometimes I ask though, What if you being true to yourself is different from the philosophy of the school you work at? Do you still continue being true to yourself or do you consider the philosophy whole heartedly? LIke you mentioned, some schools focus on things like their ABC's and some focus on social skills. Fortunately, the schools that I had done my practicum at believe in children learning through play. I do like this style they believe in because it leaves room for no right or wrong answer a lot of interaction with the children. I like to see the children explore and discover things they didn't know they can do. I think that this is focused on the social skills and not much of the ABC's, but for me, I do believe in learning and enhancing a child's learning. I'd do whatever it takes for them to learn since children should always come first.
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