Friday, November 27, 2015
Friday, November 20, 2015
Little Teachers
When it comes to toddlers, sharing is a constant challenge, because at the age of 3, they are still rather egocentric - they think about themselves before thinking about others. In school, I am constantly encouraging the children to share. I do not force or demand them to share. Rather, I guide them in asking politely. If the other party is still playing and not ready to share, I encourage them to wait for awhile. When their friend is ready to share, they will.
One day, Little O and Little R are playing together. Little Y comes and grabs Little O's toy without asking. Immediately, Little O starts to scream! As I was about to step in, Little R says to Little O, "You do not need to scream. If you scream, your friend won't know what you want. You can ask, 'Can I have the toy, please?'"
I beam with pride as I hear what she says. I've created little teachers!
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Of eating
When it comes to fussy eaters, one of the trick I have up my sleeves is giving children choices.
Scenario:
I don't want to eat carrots!
Rather than forcing them to eat, engaging in a power struggle where both parties end up frustrated, I respectfully offer:
"Ok, you choose: would you like to eat 3 pieces or 5 pieces?"
They usually would choose 3. But occasionally, a child who likes the number 5 (or perhaps can't differentiate more or less) would choose 5!
Sometimes, they negotiate. 2!
Ok, but 2 BIG pieces.
Win-Win!
The thing is, as adults, there are certain things we do not eat either. No one is ever going to force me to eat bitter-gourd! That's why I believe that we should not force the children to eat what they do not like. Of course, we encourage them to try. We encourage them to eat a bit, even if they don't like the taste.
The other day, I tried something at the spur of the moment.
"OK, if you don't like the carrot, how about you close your eyes when you eat it. I'll mix it with some chicken. You won't taste it!"
Surprisingly, it worked!
Scenario:
I don't want to eat carrots!
Rather than forcing them to eat, engaging in a power struggle where both parties end up frustrated, I respectfully offer:
"Ok, you choose: would you like to eat 3 pieces or 5 pieces?"
They usually would choose 3. But occasionally, a child who likes the number 5 (or perhaps can't differentiate more or less) would choose 5!
Sometimes, they negotiate. 2!
Ok, but 2 BIG pieces.
Win-Win!
The thing is, as adults, there are certain things we do not eat either. No one is ever going to force me to eat bitter-gourd! That's why I believe that we should not force the children to eat what they do not like. Of course, we encourage them to try. We encourage them to eat a bit, even if they don't like the taste.
The other day, I tried something at the spur of the moment.
"OK, if you don't like the carrot, how about you close your eyes when you eat it. I'll mix it with some chicken. You won't taste it!"
Surprisingly, it worked!
Friday, November 13, 2015
Kids Say the Funniest Things
We have a family tapestry in class, featuring the family photos of all the students and teachers. It's nice to have my family picture up there so the children are aware that I have a mummy, daddy, brother & sister, too, just like them.
One day, little L is looking at the family tapestry together with her mum and sees mine. (I used my wedding photo as my husband is my family, too.) She gasps as she looks at my picture.
"Mummy, is Ms Yen Nee a princess?" she asks.
Her mum & I laugh.
"Nope. That is Ms Yen Nee's wedding! She was getting married. But she looks like a princess, doesn't she?" her mum replies.
Little L says, "Yeah. She looks like a TALL princess."
At barely 155cm tall, no one EVER calls me tall! LOL. I guess to her, I am!
On a separate note, every time children see my husband's picture next to me, I'd innocently ask them who they think that is. 9 out of 10 times, the answer is......
"Is it your daddy?"
LOL!
One day, little L is looking at the family tapestry together with her mum and sees mine. (I used my wedding photo as my husband is my family, too.) She gasps as she looks at my picture.
"Mummy, is Ms Yen Nee a princess?" she asks.
Her mum & I laugh.
"Nope. That is Ms Yen Nee's wedding! She was getting married. But she looks like a princess, doesn't she?" her mum replies.
Little L says, "Yeah. She looks like a TALL princess."
At barely 155cm tall, no one EVER calls me tall! LOL. I guess to her, I am!
On a separate note, every time children see my husband's picture next to me, I'd innocently ask them who they think that is. 9 out of 10 times, the answer is......
"Is it your daddy?"
LOL!
Friday, May 15, 2015
A reflection of my journey
It's Teacher's Day! As I look back on my teaching journey, I realized that I've come a looooong way.
I started teaching in the church Sunday School on 9th September 2007. I had just turned 16 and I was starting to ponder on what I would like to study after high school. I fell in love with teaching.
Right after high school, I studied early childhood education in college and was deeply inspired by some lecturers. I loved to learn and would read and study on the train on the way to college (I am nerdy like that). I worked and studied at the same time as I believed that my learning would be more meaningful if I can apply and practice what I learned.
Whilst studying, I worked as an English tutor in a tuition center, a Mandarin teacher to 2-3 year olds, an assistant teacher in a very teacher directed school, a right brain teacher in an enrichment center, did my practicum in a so-called play based school. Then I graduated.
I taught right brain enrichment full time for 2 years (I still teach part time now) before moving on to a kindergarten. In a kindergarten, I get to bond more deeply with my children. However, the school I was teaching in was a too-many-students-in-a-class, too-many-books-to-complete-before-end-of-the-year, children-sit-down-and-listen-to-me kind of school. I did not enjoy teaching that way and felt the pressure of completing workbooks. I decided that that kind of teaching is not my cup of tea. I then joined TweedleWink Playhouse, a wonderful Montessori inspired right brain school and I really enjoy my work here.
Everything happens for a reason. I learn from good experiences and learn what not to do from bad experiences. And everything that has happened has led me to where I am and to be who I am now. I have never regretted my decision to be a teacher and I am so blessed to have found my calling. I never get Monday blues, and whenever I think of my children, I smile :-)
I started teaching in the church Sunday School on 9th September 2007. I had just turned 16 and I was starting to ponder on what I would like to study after high school. I fell in love with teaching.
Right after high school, I studied early childhood education in college and was deeply inspired by some lecturers. I loved to learn and would read and study on the train on the way to college (I am nerdy like that). I worked and studied at the same time as I believed that my learning would be more meaningful if I can apply and practice what I learned.
Whilst studying, I worked as an English tutor in a tuition center, a Mandarin teacher to 2-3 year olds, an assistant teacher in a very teacher directed school, a right brain teacher in an enrichment center, did my practicum in a so-called play based school. Then I graduated.
I taught right brain enrichment full time for 2 years (I still teach part time now) before moving on to a kindergarten. In a kindergarten, I get to bond more deeply with my children. However, the school I was teaching in was a too-many-students-in-a-class, too-many-books-to-complete-before-end-of-the-year, children-sit-down-and-listen-to-me kind of school. I did not enjoy teaching that way and felt the pressure of completing workbooks. I decided that that kind of teaching is not my cup of tea. I then joined TweedleWink Playhouse, a wonderful Montessori inspired right brain school and I really enjoy my work here.
Everything happens for a reason. I learn from good experiences and learn what not to do from bad experiences. And everything that has happened has led me to where I am and to be who I am now. I have never regretted my decision to be a teacher and I am so blessed to have found my calling. I never get Monday blues, and whenever I think of my children, I smile :-)
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Work
It's labour day! (That's why I finally have some time to do some blogging!)
In reflection of my work, I think that I actually work too much. And the thing is, I love working. Even if at the end of the day, I'm exhausted, worn out, drained, I love working. Why? Because I'm serving children. And that's the reason I have energy to start my hectic day all over again.
Yesterday was one of the student's last day, and as we were singing the 'I Love You Song'' and the 'Thank You Song' for the last time, I started tearing up and I realized this little girl has crept into my heart and has left a mark there. I looked back at the pictures of all my previous students and I can see them so vividly in my mind - their smiles, their behaviors, their laughter. Every one of them has a special place in my heart.
I remember that as we were talking about friendships in school, I shared to the children that you can be friends with everyone, because that the more love you give, the more love you'll receive. Indeed, I am rich with love. And that is why I love teaching.
In reflection of my work, I think that I actually work too much. And the thing is, I love working. Even if at the end of the day, I'm exhausted, worn out, drained, I love working. Why? Because I'm serving children. And that's the reason I have energy to start my hectic day all over again.
Yesterday was one of the student's last day, and as we were singing the 'I Love You Song'' and the 'Thank You Song' for the last time, I started tearing up and I realized this little girl has crept into my heart and has left a mark there. I looked back at the pictures of all my previous students and I can see them so vividly in my mind - their smiles, their behaviors, their laughter. Every one of them has a special place in my heart.
I remember that as we were talking about friendships in school, I shared to the children that you can be friends with everyone, because that the more love you give, the more love you'll receive. Indeed, I am rich with love. And that is why I love teaching.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Joy of teaching
I enjoy teaching. At times it's difficult, but the little things these little people say and do just make it so so rewarding.
I was reading the children a story when I got a paper cut. Blood started gushing out of the wound. As we went out to get a band aid, one child offered to hold my hand for me. 'It's OK, I'll help you, teacher!' Another rushed out to get me a cup of water. They all gathered around me as I applied the band aid. So sweet.
My kids are also such sweet talkers. They've learnt to say kind words and compliments, so during snack time, one would suddenly say, 'You look nice today, teacher.' And others would follow suit. 'You know teacher, your face is like, so amazing!' Haha. Aww, thank you!!
I was reading the children a story when I got a paper cut. Blood started gushing out of the wound. As we went out to get a band aid, one child offered to hold my hand for me. 'It's OK, I'll help you, teacher!' Another rushed out to get me a cup of water. They all gathered around me as I applied the band aid. So sweet.
My kids are also such sweet talkers. They've learnt to say kind words and compliments, so during snack time, one would suddenly say, 'You look nice today, teacher.' And others would follow suit. 'You know teacher, your face is like, so amazing!' Haha. Aww, thank you!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)