Blog Journal # 3-411
During
my last 2 weeks I have interacted with the type 04 Head teacher at a local YMCA
child care center, and 18 head start children between the ages of 3-5. During
my interactions I witnessed parents seeking advice, and education on family
issues, employment, and child discipline. During my visit there has been a
student teacher from another university that has not offered a comment nor
shown any movement towards helping to conduct the class while the head teacher addressed
the issues that parents brought to her. This was very frustrating to see.
During my observations I saw the teacher yell allot and spend most of her time
stopping the children from fighting or running into the bathroom to play with
the water. I saw minimal teaching taking place and children constantly being separated
into groups in play areas while staff mingled or complained about the behavior
of the children. I also saw teachers only speaking to certain parents when asked
why they stated that many parents come in the morning with attitude and they
themselves do not have to deal with people like that, so I feel there is a lack
of professionalism missing.
On
my visit 11/07/12 I asked the following questions to the head teacher being
that the director is involved already in child advocacy I felt that other staff
would also have some involvement. I asked the head teacher if she is involved
in advocacy she said she only advocates for the children in-house to their parents,
and to the social worker on sight. The teacher advocates through transitional reports,
and daily follow-up. The teacher however reports that she and other staff cannot
really advocate because there is never enough classroom coverage or time to
even discuss advocacy efforts. The teacher did discuss how they have tried to
involve parents but they never seem to come to the meetings. I also went ahead
and asked if she knew of any places where I can seek information on child advocacy
and she honestly said no. I find it very hard to believe being that this program
has been accredited by NAEYC for a few years already.
My last question I asked the head
teacher was what kind of differences would she like to make in her community?
The teacher stated that she would like to help parents become more pro-active
when it comes to their children’s education. She did however report that she
feels that parenting is lacking therefore children are not getting prepared to
even enter pre-school therefore are behind in learning all through their pre-school
and head-start careers. Based on what she said this information had created
some curiosity as to the real reason why children are not ready for school. Is
it the parent or the school system?
Please always state your topic as the title so we know exactly your advocacy plan. This program sounds like they need to have a more definitive curriculum where you would be teaching socialization, reading, and math skills. If you want parent involvement you have to find and provide opportunities for parents to be involved. It's not easy and it takes a long time to develop a strong parental relationship however, if you do this it pays off.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you I will state my topic next time. Socialization skills and training are in need at this center starting with the learning staff. I agree that it takes a while to develop parental relationships but I strongly believe that staff should start that relationship not the parent.
DeleteWhen I worked in a child care setting a lot of the teachers would get caught up in the gossip. I have been caught up in it as well. I think that teachers sometimes forget where they are when they are talkning about the children. I know that teachers shouldn't be talking about the chidren at all when other chidren are around. It happens though. I am suprised to hear that they would do it in front of you when you are a guest. Did they know that you could hear them? Did any of the children hear what they were saying?
ReplyDeleteI have seen a little different issue that is present at the YMCA that you probably didn't notice. You said that the student teacher didn't do anything while the head teacher was talking. Have you ever thought that this is all new to her? I have seen so teacher aide that doesn't assist with helping the teacher out. At my son's school i feel that the children don't get enough time to interact with one another. They sit and read and write and interrupt the teacher because they have things to say. I believe that sometimes teachers need to talk amongst each other they all need a break these children these days are not the easiest to teach or deal with.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher candidate she should be imitating the teacher’s actions and helping the teacher in any way she can. Does the head teacher guide the student teacher or state her expectations? Do you think the student teacher is not sure how to be more helpful? It seems like the head teacher needs an assistant, a trained and qualified assistant. The children are only getting negative attention. Does the teacher have time to teach or conduct an activity? I completely disagree with the teacher’s attitude about the parent communication. The parents need to know that you care and that you are welcoming and respecting to them and their child. If they feel that you are not communicating with them and only with certain parents they may be insulted or feel upset. I think you are accurate when saying there is a lack of professionalism in this classroom. Is this your topic, professionalism?
ReplyDeleteDo you agree with the teachers reasons for not making an effort to be an advocate for young children? Does it take that much effort just to promote and support the children in a simple way? The teacher can only try; but when the parents do not communicate with the teacher it is hard for them to build a relationship. Teachers should never give up trying to communicate with the parents in different ways. Some parents do not have time to parent and teach their child; this makes out job so much more important!!
Hi, Katherine
ReplyDeleteI considered that this YMCA program needs to plan more activities to motivate parents to participate in meetings. Such as creating reading activities to take home or come to school, family fun night with movies and games. In addition, the center could communicate with parents in other informal ways such as email, text message, newsletter, or phone calls. Furthermore, parents could take turns to volunteer in the classroom and teacher can communicate basic things daily during pick up/drop off about what they children accomplish during the day. At last, it is essay to observed how poor other people are doing but he to understand when we observed that there is not just one right way instead there are many right way. I considered that every time that I observe that I always learned something about the host teacher specially classroom management and lesson plan delivery.