This profound train of thought came about at 3.30am one morning recently and made me think about how we, as early childhood educators, need to think about what we do and how our expectations affect the process of learning and it’s outcomes.
Being process orientated takes a lot of hard work, awareness and reflection. How do I encourage my teachers to teach in this way? How do I guide my teachers to think in this way?
We are so preconditioned from our childhoods and it takes courage, resilience, determination, self belief and endless support from colleagues, family, friends and community, to remove the burden of what was, and live today anew.
I have just a few tips here which have worked for me and I constantly need to return to them in order to stay on top of things and live in the now. Live in the process. Live in the excitement of the unknown. Live in the fear of the unknown.
- Change is inevitable and is an absolute.
- Be in the change courageously.
- Reflect on what is holding you back and face it and adapt it.
- One step at a time is all you need.
- Share your thoughts and concerns.
- There are many people who are willing to listen, support and help.
- Sometimes a listening ear is all we need.
- Be in the moment.
- Don’t have an expectation.
- Experience each experience.
- Live now.
- Children do not know what is written in your curriculum for today. Be with them in the learning and welcome the outcomes.
- Let children take ownership of their learning.
- You do not need to control the learning to control the learning.
Wake up and welcome today. It is all that we have.
