In my Pre-k class with 4/5 year olds, I had an emotions check in with each student as they came in. They would select the clothespin with their name on it and put it on the emotion face plate (happy, mad, sad, tired). Then I would ask them why they felt that way to give them a chance to share if they wanted. Then I would ask them, "What are we going to do today?" With the support of my co-teacher I would find one on one time with the children in this way. This helped me keep two things in mind - how they felt when the day started and the one thing they wanted to do. I could use this later to check in with them (usually at lunch time, while walking in line to go outside/inside or as they were laying down for nap time) to see how they were feeling and if they were able to do the one thing they wanted to do or they could share what they were looking forward to the rest of the day. I used this information on our daily reports to parents as a way to build connection with them as well. Many times parents would provide more insight into why their child was feeling a certain way or provide more information on what they liked to do at home similar to what they did at school. When I shared information with parents on the daily report, often they would share more and ask for support in helping their child emotionally if they were having a rough time. This took work my friends, but it was worth it as the relationships started to build as well as connections with parents. It made all the difference in my intentional planning for the children.
The things I learned about building relationship with kids (parents, staff, coworkers, etc.) is it takes intention, a plan, time, patience, consistency and support. I also focused on making daily deposits ("I like how you are sharing with your friend." or "Thank you for putting that away in it's place.") noticing their behavior, giving encouragements with the children. The article I attached is a great resources on building relationships and talks about daily deposits. Hope this is helpful! It helped me!
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Rissa Scott
Child Action, Inc.
Childcare Coordinator
Sacramento, CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-03-2021 11:33
From: Allison Bloomfield
Subject: Building relationships
Thank you so much for sharing this @Deborah Naumann-Lindsey! It is clear that you do love this, and I am sure you get back just as much as you're putting into these interactions and relationships. That's what it's all about! Wishing you the best as you continue in your career, and thank you so much for your passion. It's people like you who make a difference in the lives of children everywhere.
Best,
Allison
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Allison Bloomfield
Charlottesville VA
Original Message:
Sent: 07-31-2021 15:44
From: Deborah Naumann-Lindsey
Subject: Building relationships
Currently my kids range in age from 15 mo. to 24 mo old where we have crawlers, walkers, talkers and no words yet.
Building a relationship with my children has always been wholistic. From the moment they arrive they are greeted by name and know how excited I am to see them with hugs & squeezes.
To capture their attention and make learning fun I'll do funny/dramatic voices when reading, do the crazy 5 little monkey's sitting in a tree dance. We "most me" talk about what we're doing throughout the day whether its singing the washing hands song, asking them about what they are having for snack/lunch (food/colors/taste/texture) or outside exploring what is all around us (Feeling the wind blow, listening for planes/helicopters, watching for the flowers to bloom/leaves change/what's the weather) or what we can do to help a fried that is sad.
I am the safe island when they get frustrated/upset and and will be there with open arms for a hug if they need/want it, ears to listen and try to figure out how to help or just hang together for a while if that's what they need. You gotta LOVE what you do!
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Deborah Naumann-Lindsey
Original Message:
Sent: 05-23-2018 14:31
From: Kimberlyn White
Subject: Building relationships
What strategies do you use to build relationships? What interactions have you found help create understanding and trust?
Developing positive teacher - students relationships is one of the most effective ways you can take to establish a positive discipline climate in the classroom, it is critical to remember that when you treat students with respect, they tend to appreciate you, which causes them to be more likely to behave appropriately. This is why it is important to remember that, when it comes to student behavior, it is far more often that the relationship students have with you (teachers) that it is the rules themselves that encourages children to follow these rules.
A positive teacher - children relationship built on trust, understanding, and caring will foster children's cooperation and motivation and increase their positive outcomes at school.
I believe children grow and thrive in the context of close and dependable relationships that provide love and nurturance, security, and responsive interactions.
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Kimberlyn White
Original Message:
Sent: 05-21-2018 13:51
From: Liz Savage
Subject: Building relationships
We know building positive relationships with young children is an essential part of good teaching. A strong relationship can foster children's cooperation and motivation.
What strategies do you use to build relationships? What interactions have you found help create understanding and trust?
I'll start with a simple one, but one of my favorites- Greet every child at the door by name.
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Liz Savage
Community Manager
Teachstone
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