Continuing Education

It is important that in any career that you stay up to date in the latest research and same applies for the field of Early Childhood Educators. Recently Lana, Jaclyn, Cindy Sadowsky, Lyn and myself went to a fabulous conference in Phoenix for Jewish early childhood educators. It was one of the best conferences we have attended.
I went to a few sessions on blogging, one of different personalities and one on behavior. The ones on blogs gave me more ideas for improving what we are already doing. So I look forward to showing you what your children are learning and doing in the classroom through this blog.
The session on different personalities allowed me to realize that every child, parent and teacher are very different. I learned that everyone responds and acts in a different way. This knowledge will help me in my interactions with everyone.
The one I would like to share more with you is the session I went to on behavior. This was not a session on what disciplinary actions one could take, but gave me insight on how to manage behaviors. At the beginning of the session the instructor asked what we wanted to get out of the session. The number one question everyone had was about biting. What she did say was that she did not have the answer; if she did it would not be such a big problem everywhere. What she does know is that it is a reaction; that is can happen in a matter of seconds even if the teacher or parent is standing right there. She also said that it is developmental. It is a way needs can be met or a sensory input can come from it.
The other thing I got out of this session was that we need to be teaching the children the right thing to do. At young ages they are still learning how to behave; so we must teach them. When for example if they are having trouble sharing a toy you should walk them through the proper things to say and do. So if a child takes a toy out of another child's had you teach them to say, "can I have that toy." "I am playing with it." "Can I play with it when you are done?" "Yes." "When will you be done?" "Three minutes."
I feel so fortunate to be able to continue my education. I know that everyone who went to this conference feels motivated with new knowledge and ideas.