“Teachers themselves have the power to be playful and joyful with the children, establish warm positive relationships, speak kindly, and make learning fun.” -Sue Bredekamp, (2011).
I love the idea that teachers have the “power” to create a positive learning environment in their classrooms. Despite circumstances, we can change the lives of young children by providing this safe and loving space for them to grow and develop. Speaking kindly and making learning fun is something that all early childhood professionals should be doing, and through this we obtain our power to educate every child.
"Children benefit most from teachers who have the skills, knowledge, and judgment to make good decisions and are given the opportunity to use them." -Sue Bredekamp, NAEYC.
This quote reminds me that as teachers we are always learners. We must always strive to learn about DAP, current research, and what’s new in early education. As society changes so should we, while still remaining true to DAP and being sensitive to culture and diversity. We can only benefit our students if we hold the proper skills to make decisions in their benefit.
“Being considerate in life will take your children further in life than any college degree.” -Marian Wright Edelman.
I love this quote because over-all I believe that teaching grace and courtesy should be included on every classroom’s lesson plan. The young children in my class are there primarily to learn how to interact with their peers and with other adults. To be polite and a good friend is an incredible important social skill that will get you far in life.
“I had a built in passion that it was important that I make a contribution to the world, to fix all the injustice in the world. And I wanted to do this through teaching.” –Louise Derman-Sparks, Professor Emeritus, Pacific Oaks College, CA.
To teach is to make a contribution to the future of our society. What a powerful position to be able to guide children down the wonderful path of life! This quote humbles me and helps me to feel the gravity and importance of our roles as educators.
“My passion has been evolving through the years, it’s an ongoing process, like a ripple when you throw a rock and the center ignites.” – Leticia Lara LCSW, Regional Manager, Outreach and Professional Development, Zero to Three.
The passion that I had when I first began teaching had grown and expanded through the years. At first, I simply wanted to help children to discover the world around them. Now that I have been exposed to those in need, I want to give learning opportunities to all children as it is their right. Passion should be growing, expanding, and changing as we learn and have new experiences.
Resources:
Bredekamp, S. (2011). Q&A With the Editors of Developmentally Appropriate Practice. NAEYC. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/event/developmetnally-appropriate-practice
Bredekamp, S. (2009). Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8. NAEYC.
Wright Edelman, M. Marian Wright Edelman Quotes. Retrieved from http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/marian_wright_edelman.html
Course Media. The passion for early childhood. Walden University.
Erin you have chosen some awesome quotes especially Louise Derman Sparks quotes. When she talked about when her interest in teaching began as a child when she lined up her dolls. I could comely relate to this because I used to pretend to be a teacher as well never thinking my dream would become a realization. Great comments.
ReplyDeleteSue Bredekamp comment reminded me of how I would brace myself for the funny things two years would say or do. Establishing relationships with this age group initially was challenging because they do not trust easily it sometimes takes them weeks to get use to a different teacher. During this time there is nothing you can do for them until they have watched you from a distance engaging with the other children. This is when I notice I had gained their trust.
ReplyDeleteThese are powerful quotes from two powerful women in the field of early childhood education. Your insights add to the depth of their meaning. Thank you - mm
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