Inspire, Motivate, and Care

Thinking about the profession of early childhood education, there are a great many people who have had a great impact on this area of learning and development. Some are quite notorious while others are essentially unsung heroes who work with children day in and day out. Some quotes always stick out and enhance my daily passion of why I wake each morning with a fire in my heart to help young children learn and grow.

"Children are like tiny flowers; they are varied and need care, but each is beautiful alone and glorious

when seen in a community of peers." 

- Friedrich Froebel

"Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed."

- Maria Montessori

A couple of weeks ago, I had an assignment to watch a media clip about other professionals passion for working with young children. These were five professionals with different areas of experience within the field of early childhood. One in particular stood out to me as she as detailing her experience assisting a grieving family. Renatta Cooper stated, "It's not all about you. You got to take your ego out of it and think about what's best for this child". Upon hearing this I thought "YES!" because all too often we as adults and care givers are so consumed with what we may think is best for a child or how we think a situation should be handled, when really we need to step back and think of a the child. 

Who is someone who has inspired you or motivates you? Do you have a favorite quote that just sticks with you?

Photo credit: montessori.org.au and britannica.com

My Personal Childhood Web

So many people have a great impact on ones life. When I look back on my early years, a lot of people stand out. These are placed in no particular order as each mean a great deal to me as each shaped me into the adult and early childhood professional I am today.

Laura, my older sister is my best sister (I have four) but she just did not know it right away. She has cared for me since the day I was born. I was the little sister always tagging along right on her heels around the neighborhood for so many years; always looking up to her. We attended summer camps together because I was too afraid to go alone and she knew it. As we grew older, we would hang out with each other's friends because we were a packaged deal. Those younger years of a close bond ad sharing secrets taught me to be a great friend to many others over the years and into my adult life. Always being a listening ear to their trials because that is what Laura and I were for one another. 

My Great Aunt Sharon. This woman was the grandmother I always needed and she was happy to fill that role in my life. She always supported me and offered advice when I needed it. Aunt Sharon always made each child feel special and unique and I got that with her. I always hope to pass that to the children I work with on a daily basis because I know how important that is as Aunt Sharon always offered this to me. 

My dad, Melvin was truly the best and I still strive to be the parent he was for my siblings and I. He was always supporting me in sports and scouts when I was very young and then with playing music as I entered high school. When I joined the military, he was right there and had my back to let me go pursue my dream and always letting me know how proud he was of me. So much of what I do now as adult is because I know he would be there championing for me and asking me how things are going with my own family and career. Unfortunately, he passed away over ten years ago but I still feel him pushing me to do better things and be a better person, which is why I am continuing my education. This is the type of support I hope to offer others. I want people to follow their dreams and feel like I am standing there in the wings for them to do their best. 

Being a middle child, with an older brother, two older sisters, and two younger sisters; I was the peacekeeper. I still wear that title to this day. Growing up, I was always the one to try to get everyone to be friends again and stop arguing for just the smallest amount of time, easier said that done when there are six of you. I loved being the middle child to because I got to spend time with all my siblings whether it was as the little sister or as the big sister. I was always able to fit in with any crowd because of this. Now as an adult, I am always looking for the solution for others. I want to help everyone work through his or her troubles. Also, because I am a middle sibling and being offered the opportunity to spend time in the role of big sister or little sister now as an adult I am able to go into any situation and be a part of the group because this was something I did so much as a child. Knowing how to fit right in is what I do so well. I do not change myself, but I just know how to work well in a group because of being part of a group my whole life. 

Who is someone who stands out for you? Or what is a role you have maintained your whole life? I know we all have so many who have helped along the way so it may be difficult to choose.

Getting to Know You

This time a year ago, I was preparing for Mr. Kasco to return from a deployment. Living in a military community, these comings and goings become routine for so many young children, but one child made me feel so special. During lunch, he and I were discussing how I would not be at school the next day since Mr. Kasco would be coming home. This wonderful boy got the attention of the whole class and made the announcement of Mr. Kasco's return and let everyone know how happy he was for me. His joy was so pure and genuine that my heart grew a bit more. I will always think of him when I need a smile and even in the event that Mr. Kasco has to depart again, I know he will come back and I am sure my student will still be excited for me. 

When thinking of words that inspire me, I almost always go straight to ones that have to do with play. As adults, we often forget this basic fundamental for young children. I have been fortunate enough to work in a couple of environments that cherish these early years and the important role play has in them. This quote from Albert Einstein is one of the greatest ones because it puts on play in a term that adults can understand and value. As a preschool teacher I can tell the parents of my students how important play is as well as the value it holds for each child but when it comes to them understanding it can become difficult. When a child plays he/she is learning to problem solve, take risk, use the scientific method, as well as many other lessons. When my son was in pre-kindergarten, he would come home and I would ask about his day and he would say "I played all day". Unfortunately, I did not take it for its value at the time. Yes, he was learning but for his little four year old brain he was playing. 

I do not have many pictures of a younger me, but this is one that is dear to my heart. I am on my way to my first time at Girl Scout Camp. I was about 7 or 8 years old and so excited to do something my older sisters had done. Of course, my week at camp did not go without a few hiccups and quite the bout of homesickness. I made it through and went back for many more summers. I always think back on my years at camp when I am trying to recall a fun song to sing with my students, so this moment is quite valuable to me. 

Pete the Cat will always hold a very special place in my life for many reasons. While I have many children's books that I truly adore, Pete the Cat is always there as a constant for all my students. When I worked in a child care setting, I had one child with a few special needs but Pete was his incentive to do well. If he was having a rough day Pete the Cat would be turned on to help him out. The next year I was at a private pre-school with new students and Pete was still there for me. One day I spent the majority of center time in the library area reading Pete the Cat over and over. I encouraged my students to "read" but many insisted he/she could not. I would get the part of the book with the singing and let them take over and each would get so excited about reading. In my current position, Pete made an appearance on the first day of school by calming a child's new school nerves. Not many children's books make the reappearances over and over for me but Pete the Cat is the one that I will never let go; plus, I have all the shoes to coordinate with him.

Now that you know a bit about me, share something about yourself. What is your favorite book? Do you have special memories with a certain student? Do you have embarrassing young childhood moments? What words inspire you? 

Resources: https://www.askideas.com/62-beautiful-playing-quotes-and-sayings/play-is-the-highest-form-of-research-albert-einstein-2/

Litton, E., & Dean, J. (2010). Pete the cat:I love my white shoes (1st HarperCollins ed.). New York: Harper  

http://www.elc.udel.edu/admissions/registration/wait-list/your-turn/

Welcome!

Hello! I'm Sarah. I truly love my profession as an early childhood educator. There is something about the early years and the "aha" moments that makes each day so special and unique. As adults, I feel we all can forget how important the role play has for children. In the coming weeks and months this blog will grow to contain more information and tips for help you be the best professional you can be. Thank you for joining me on this journey and your dedication to young children.