Joy creators

Outside of babysitting at a young age, my first professional experience working in the early childhood industry was at the ripe age of 15. I started at a daycare that cared for infants up to school aged. I quickly learned that liberties were taken with children under our care. Not physically unsafe liberties, but emotionally unsafe liberties. I moved on to other facilities that had different philosophies and business structures but it seemed that I would always find myself among one or two teachers that felt that they could take liberties with children's emotional well-being. It could have been with a clear need for power, a clear lack of empathy, or just simply not knowing better. I found myself falling into the same traps. I was over disciplining and always assuming the worst from those kids under my care. I supplied them with a fun atmosphere, and definitely had good intentions, but boy was I executing it dead wrong. I will always regret that. My age and inexperience weren't excuses for the entitlement that I had taken with my students. Eventually, I gained experience, I learned, and I had some amazing mentors along the way.

When I decided to open my own school, I knew that I had to find a way to demand respect and intention for each of the kids under my watch. It was the first topic in my teacher handbook and I talked about it and demonstrated it always. What a simple concept and yet, so difficult to find in this industry that has my heart. What's more, a child that receives respect is more apt to give it. Why wouldn't we, as educators, want to supply these kids with happy, respectful, fun days? Wouldn't we want that for our days too? Are kids going to be perfect decision makers? Not at all. Spoiler alert, neither are we! BUT, can we supply them with respectful boundaries, natural consequences, and joy regardless of that? 100%.

I'm the first to admit, that we have seen a shift in the behaviors of today's kids. Covid, parenting styles, and an overall lack of attention (thanks to smart phones and social media), have played a huge roll in the uptick of challenging behaviors. As the adults, it's our job to work through these behaviors in a clear effective way. Even with difficult behaviors, it is not an excuse to be entitled to a child's self-worth.

A letter to the joy creators:

I am writing this with the hope that you understand how important the work you are doing is. We are entrusted with these precious children, every day. It is our job to teach them, respect them, create joy, and spark curiosity.

Please remember, that in more ways than one, you will have the opportunity to create a safe space both physically and emotionally. Understand that the parents and guardians of your students are the decision makers. You are here to support and encourage, not fix. Respect them as the leaders in their child's life.

When experiencing difficult behaviors or learning hurdles, remember that you will be the guiding force to reach a resolution in your classroom. Children will always learn from example and give what they get. Set healthy boundaries and set realistic expectations. Follow through with promises and declarations. Allow your students to be students. Do not expect perfection. Allow for the flexibility that children require. If they had the capabilities to do it correctly, 100% of the time, you would be out of a job.

Take the teachable moments and run with them. These are the moments to live for. They will indeed, inspire the most accomplishment for not just your student's, but you as well.

Above all, remember that no two children are the same. Get to know your students. Who they are, what makes them tick, their likes and dislikes. This will not only allow you to streamline their education, but will create a foundation for joy in your classroom.

After all, there is no greater gift to give your students and yourself.