Observation at school

           This week I observed my assistant director interacting with a new child. I enjoyed their conversation very much because it was so effective. Beth, the assistant director, wanted to make sure April felt comfortable on her first day.

                When April walked in, Beth put her arms to her side and addressed the girl in a very sweet high pitched voice. Beth said, “Hey April! How are you ?” April said, “Good.” Beth said, “We are so excited to have you here at our preschool! Is that your lovely?” April said, “Hmmhmm”. Beth responded by letting her know that she is welcome to bring other things from home that she likes to play with. April smiled. Beth then asked April is she wanted to go to her classroom and meet her new friends. April agreed. While they walked Beth held April’s hand and told her that if she needs anything she will be right here in the office. Icould tell the girl felt comfortable and secure with Beth and was ready for the transition.

                One thing that stuck out to me and taught me something about making children feel comfortable is letting them understand that they can bring pieces of themselves with them to school, i.e toys, dolls or lovies. That is probably one of the best things you can do to help someone feel welcome. It may be a little more more work for the teachers and directors to keep up with the items and make sure they arent destroyed but it helps when their name is on it it and it means so much to the child while they are transitioning. When Beth told the girl that she is so excited she is here, it helped the girl feel that she is of value to the center. Beth’s use of open arms and offereing her hand to walk with her made the girl feel more self-assured and accepted.

                One way I have improved by observing this interaction is I want to do more to help new children no matter how much of a hard time they are having. This girl did not have a very hard time and Beth did a great job with helping her on her first day. There are some chilodren that take it harder but I aim to work through that challenge and remind myself that it is about the children and they need me at this time.