On Thursday we went to visit with the kindergarten teacher, and I just wanted to highlight a few of the beautiful things she did to welcome Aidan (and me) into her classroom. Why do I want to do this? Because we (parents) often express what teachers are NOT doing right (me included). . . rarely do we shout their praises - and I think it's important that we have a model of excellence out there in the blog world.
One. Mrs. F. greeted Aidan and got down to his level (which he promptly copied and crouched down too).
Two. Mrs. F. said how excited she was to have Aidan in her class, and how she was busy preparing her classroom with things that would be developmentally appropriate for him. She showed us a few of the items and Aidan had an opportunity to engage with them.
Three. She had a gift for him wrapped in red tissue paper. Not that I believe teachers need to give gifts to their students, but the way she gave it was really nice. It was a gift for him to open and keep at the classroom. Something to share with the other students. BTW - Aidan played with the paper, shredding it and throwing it in the air. He couldn't have been happier.
Four. Mrs. F. asked me how I was feeling about Aidan starting school. She reassured me that he was going to be very loved, and that he already was loved by her. She shared a story of her own attachment to her daughter, now in her twenties, and of her own feelings of separation.
Five. She told me that if I ever saw something that she was missing in her teaching of Aidan to let her know.
2 comments:
Wow, Carol, it sounds like Aidan is going to have a great year. His teacher sounds amazing...and you're absolutely right that it is important to celebrate the great things your kids' teachers do. It's very easy to be critical, but harder to be (and remember to be) positive! I hope Aidan's first days in kindergarten go as well as your visit did yesterday!
And congratulations and good luck on your first day at the university. What are you teaching?
Joanne
Wow, this sounds like it's going to be a truly wonderful school year for your BIG little boy!! I'm so glad his new teacher is so nurturing. We're thrilled with Samantha's new teachers, too, and have told them as much already, in just the first week. Watching how they keep control in a large Kindergarten class while getting their lessons across in a fun way has been really amazing, and Samantha has responded beautifully. We're excited with what this year will bring! Can't wait to hear more of Aidan's adventures!
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