Best qualities in early childhood teachers...

Here again I put on my early childhood educator hat, and share some thoughts about what makes a good preschool teacher. There are many important qualities that a great early childhood teacher must have, but two of the most important, in my opinion, are caring and flexibility.

To be a caring teacher means to really see each child as an individual, and to try to connect with him or her as a person. We must look below the surface and see what makes each child unique. We must get to know their gifts and their challenges (for every one of us has both), and help them have the best class experience possible. Preschool is often their first school experience, and may set the tone for everything that follows. In order for them to see school as a positive place where they are valued and their specialness is treasured, we must exhibit caring every day. This is far more important that whether they leave knowing how to count to 20, or naming all the colors. It is said that, even with adults, in every interaction, people may forget what you said, but they remember how you made them FEEL. Another person suggested that being a good listener is important, and I believe this is part of caring, too. To really listen to a child is a gift. So often in life we are busy, busy, busy, and it is hard to stop and truly listen, but it may be the most powerful thing we can do.

Another important quality is flexibility, so that we can adapt our teaching to the situation, work with different learning styles, and create lessons around ideas that emerge from the students themselves. Every class is a little bit different than every other class, and every child is unique. Many factors can affect the climate of a particular class, and we need to be ready to adapt. Also, individual children may need different things from us. A child who is very shy may need to be drawn out gently, while a child who is boisterous and active may need help settling down at quiet times. A lonely child may need help learning how to make friends, and a child who is going through a family crisis may need extra nurturing. In every case, we need to be ready to be flexible enough to make the most of every situation.

A great school is one where a child feels welcome, where there is developmentally-appropriate curriculum, and where the child and the family feel like members of a community. Some studies I’ve seen have revealed that when a child feels a connection with the teacher, learning is enhanced and social skills improve. It is important that every child feels valued.