I took a few minutes off from my classroom and went to visit another teacher’s 3-4 years old classroom. I noticed that the teacher always bent down to children when they spoke, and listened to what the children had to tell her. She seldom interrupted what the child had to say, and she waited very patiently until the child finished talking. Some children were English language learners, but she never cut them off when they tried to express something with their broken sentences or simple words. During circle time, she gave everyone chances to speak out, and she gave the children a long time and never rushed them to finish their sentences.
I really like the way she listens to children and makes sure everyone has the same opportunities to express themselves. I also remember in the this week’s video segment, Lisa talked about children needed to feel respected and secure to speak out, and heard. She also mentioned that she waited and didn't take away children’s words (Laureate Education, 2010). The teacher I observed has used similar ways to communicate with children.
I believe communication is very important for both children and adults. Like Lisa mentioned in the video, teachers need to pay close attention to children’s body language as well, and this is something I have been working on because sometimes I focus on the spoken languages and didn't pay enough attention to children’s body languages, as their body languages can also tell me their stories and thoughts about what they are doing. As I work at an international school, more than half of the children speak languages other than English. As a result, observing their body languages becomes crucial to understand their ways of communication. I like this activity as being able to observe other teachers in their classrooms, because I seldom have this opportunities to sneak out from my own group of children, and I learned a lot from observing other teacher’s communication styles with children.
Reference
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). “Communicating with Young CHildren” (Video webcast). Retrieved at https://class.waldenu.edu/
Hi LuFei,
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way that teachers need to pay attention to the children body language as well, as what they are saying. Because the child could be sad,or sick and I have learned over the years that the child's body language will tell you if something is wrong. And yes we have to listen to children thoughts to help them feel respected.
Hi LuFei,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful opportunity to observe a colleague interacting with her students. I hope you communicated with her how precise her listening and communication was. As you witnessed, I think communication during circle time is critical, in addition to making certain that each child has an opportunity to be heard. Children are awake and raring to go during circle time, so it's a wonderful opportunity for a wide range of communication to take place. And yes, you will know instantly about your children's attitude for the day just by their body language during morning circle. It was my favorite activity of the day!
I'm happy that you mentioned English learners, because through my work as a reading consultant, I have the opportunity to communicate with English learners for the first time. I found that some of the children diagnosed with speech challenges or even possible ADD were just frustrated with their inability to communicate. They just did not have the words. Our one-on-one learning has helped them tremendously, and I advise teachers to give them a little bit more time to think before they respond; then, they have to listen, really listen.
Thank you for sharing your school with us.
LuFei,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you walked in to a wonderful classroom! I particularly found your comments about body language interesting.
Each time I find myself standing in someone's preschool classroom, it can be overwhelming. All the children are talking, many at the same time to the teacher. I often feel for the teacher, that she may be overwhelmed too.
Given the importance of listening to children, I find myself wondering how it is that we reach the balance of getting children to listen to us, and having the chance to listen to all of the children. It just seems like she is always having to shush them or tell them to wait becuase she is talking to me or another adult / student. Perhaps this is just what I witness when I am in there temporarily. I hope!
I am so please to see they teacher giving the students the attention they need. When children see you giving them time they give you the upmost respect. I understand that teaching 3 and 4 year olds can be overwhelming but its worth it because you are building the foundation.
ReplyDelete