How we connect with young children...
I've recently seen so many comments by misinformed people on posts by educators with a similar tone- "teachers shouldn't discuss their personal lives with their students." The notion that we should be teaching robots with no connections to our work is ridiculous.
How do you build secure attachments, relationships, and connections with children (and their families) if you do not share your life?
My students loved hearing stories about my daughter. They asked about her all the time. They wanted to know what we did as a family on the weekend. Our favorite places to go on vacation. What TV shows do we watch.
How do you have conversations with the families of young children if you don't share your own experiences as a parent/caregiver?
I am still not so patiently waiting for the large early childhood groups to take a stand for our children, families, and early childhood professionals.
While I wait, let me assure you that young children are not harmed by learning about their teachers' lives outside of school. They adore you and see themselves as an extension of your family.
Our children, families, and early childhood professionals deserve better.
Fight for them!
