At an earlier Reflective Practice group, we looked at how
some corporate logos can be helpful in our work…
Here are some scenarios I often see in the field. Maybe you can relate to them!
A teacher is about to read a story to a group of children. Some come right away and sit down ready to
listen. A couple of the other children
are running around, avoiding storytime.
After lots of pleading “Come over, I’m going to ready a story now.” “It’s one of your favorites, you’ll like it.”… those children are still not having it – and now
the ones that were ready before are getting antsy!
As Nike says – JUST DO IT!
Go ahead and start reading the story.
Those who were ready will be rewarded for being ready and those who were
not will likely join in quickly.
Another scenario – with similarities to the first one.
A teacher is serving lunch.
All but one of the children washes hands and sits right down. One child does not. All her attention goes to that last child – “We’re
waiting for you.” “Time to wash up for
lunch.” … again and again.
In addition to Nike’s JUST DO IT, let’s take a cue from
McDonalds I’M LOVIN”IT! Give your
attention to the positive behavior you see.
Serve those who are ready. Say, “I
love that you washed up and came right to the table.” Children’s behavior is tied to attention –
give your attention to the behavior you want to see more of and you will get
more of it! If your attention is on
negative behavior – that’s what you will get more of. As soon as you begin giving attention to
those who sat right down, that last child will join you.
One more.
Sometimes I see teachers that seem stressed, angry, and
annoyed with the children.
Let’s take a cue from Disneyland THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON
EARTH! Remember, little kids are cute,
they are fun and you get paid to play!
Allow yourself to relax and enjoy them.
They will not always be perfect because they are little and just
learning. As you pay attention to their positive behaviors more and more, you’ll
all be happier!
