Stickers...Simply Essential to the Morning!

Today I came back to work after a week break*...a week break that I spent sniffling, coughing,  taking medicine and sitting at the computer with a box of Kleenex beside me.  A stay at home sick break.  It always takes me a few days to get back into the swing of things after a break; so I knew today would  be no different.  I figured it may be a bit more jarring than usual, given the fact that I spent most of last week laying on the couch or sitting at the computer!

aaannndd...I was correct! 

Here was my first big mistake:  You see, I couldn't find the stickers...the stickers we use every morning at calendar time.  Those same stickers we put on each child's right hand before we sing the "Hello Song".  The VERY same stickers that help us distinguish our right hand from our left.  The PRECISE stickers that help us remember to shake our friend's hand with our right hand.  The incredibly STICKY stickers that often immediately get removed and stuck on the carpet!  Never mind that they often end up on the carpet...apparently, we are simply not allowed to sing the "hello song" without firmly securing one round sticker to the back of our right hand!

I reached behind me for my basket of supplies...I found a few extra carpet squares, I found a few rubber duckies, I found a Lego.  No matter how much I searched, I couldn't find the stickers.   Great...  We can be flexible today!  I tried to keep my voice upbeat!  Sure we could be flexible!  It's a great skill to practice!  Why not practice it today?!

As I turned on the music and said "It's OK, we will still sing our hello song" I realized I may have been wrong.  Flexible was definitely NOT the word of the day in my room today!  I was met with hands covering a face and tears streaming down from one child and a flop to the floor and a swift kick to my leg from the child nearest me.  Great way to start my morning.

Good thing we found the stickers soon after this disaster!  Tomorrow will be better!  It has to be better; we will be starting it with STICKERS! 

(*Because of our "year-round" schedule, we often have small scheduled breaks throughout the year.)

Parents and the Transition to Preschool!

As a teacher, how do you assist parents with the idea of sending their "baby" off to preschool?  Personally, I've always tried to remember how I felt as a parent sending my own "babies" off to preschool for the first time!  Then I remember that my children went to a traditional preschool for 2 1/2 hours 3 times a week...NOT 6 hours/day- 5 days a week!

On top of that, I didn't have to start my child's preschool experience with an IEP meeting!  No matter how hard we work to help parents feel comfortable, that first IEP meeting (when your child is just turning 3) can be pretty darn scary!  

So, here are a few of those "little things" I think are so important to remember:  

1. Make sure parents know that they are welcome to drop in, to call or to e-mail!  Often just knowing that they have access to their child's teacher helps parents feel more comfortable!
2. As you talk to parents, remember to leave pauses!  Often, questions, concerns and fears may come up during these small pauses.  It always helps to voice concerns rather than silently wondering what may happen!
3. Let parents know of several concrete things that they can expect!  I always let parents know that I will send home daily notes and that I love to take photos of those first few days and will send home photos with the children as well.  
4. Don't assume that parents will know what goes on in preschool!  Make sure they know that the children will go outside each day, will participate in art activities and music activities, listen to stories etc.  (Sometimes parents become concerned that a child with special needs will be left out or won't be able to participate in these things).  I always make sure parents understand that we will provide the support necessary for the children to participate in all the activities. 
5. Answer questions and address concerns...and do this again, and again, and again...until the parent feels comfortable!  Some parents may find it fine to hear verbally about the classroom, some will want to e-mail or call and ask many questions, some will want to come visit the room to see what goes on during the day and others may want multiple visits!  There is no right or wrong way to become used to this idea!   Work with the parent at the pace they are comfortable with!
6. Make sure you are friendly and accessible; but also be professional!  Make sure there are no surprises!  Assist parents in making sure forms and paperwork are filled out if possible!  This can reduce later surprises! 
7. Finally, convey to the parents that as an early childhood teacher we are not the "authority" on a specific child; we are PARTNERS in the child's education and care.  When parents feel their opinion and knowledge about their child is valued, we can create a true partnership!

Keeping us Busy...Quick and Easy Transition Prop!

I found this cute little bumblebee at the Dollar Store.  It's technically supposed to be used as a bath washcloth for a child...but he's awful cute hanging on our Parent Board near the doorway!  Best of all, if we find ourselves waiting for a minute or two before we head outside I can pull him down and sing one of the bumblebee songs. 

Either "Hickety Pickety Bumblebee,"  ("Hickety, Pickety Bumblebee will you say your name for me?") or Busy Bee (from Teach Preschool).   Sometimes all it takes is a quick little transition prop and song to keep us busy for a minute or two while someone finishes up in the bathroom!