If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40
people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of
whom didn't want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer,
or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence
for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher's
job. ~Donald D. Quinn
What inspires
me about my advocacy is being in a kindergarten classroom as a teacher or an
aide, and witnessing them not having any time for free play. I don’t like seeing
children who are five years old have a school day that is totally scheduled with
no down time. They have not time set for centers, child directed play or even
teacher directed play activities. I feel that these students are missing out on
an important part of their education.
My biggest
anxiety is not making a fool of myself in front of professionals in the
education field. I am afraid of being asked a question and freezing up, having
my brain not work.
My biggest challenging emotion is
nervousness about public speaking. I believe that I can overcome that by being
very well informed. I can also make sure to be prepared for opposing views and
attitudes. Many people do not like change, and will fight it, so what I have to
do is to be prepared for anything. For example if someone at a school board
meeting states that children do not learn while playing with each other, I can
refute that with statistics and facts to the contrary. I can let those who
oppose know that children learn social skills, math concepts as well as
literacy concepts while playing, as well as problem solving and practice with critical
thinking. One way of teaching children successfully is to allow them to learn
from each other.
I hope that I can get
others excited about the need for children to have an opportunity to play in
school, and hope that maybe some will allow more time for play at home. I am hoping
that I can be persuasive enough to motivate others with information. I think
that others can encourage me to keep going by being as excited as I am about
curriculum changes for kindergarten.
Amy,
ReplyDeleteLike you, I dread getting in front of a large group of people and speaking. I actually put off the speech requirement until just this past fall. Even then I took the course online through my local community college and only had to complete two speeches in front of a classroom and two speeches taped in front of 4 adults (which was actually harder than I thought it would be). I do get tongue tied and stammer but I have also found that when I begin to speak on a topic I am passionate about I do so much better. Whether this is because I have the feeling of wanting to share so badly or because I am more knowledgable I do not know but I do better.
I have brought up the question, with the panel I have been invited to join through my work, of why as Head Start we say we are focusing on kindergarten readiness but we are not allowed to introduce some of the things that the children will be expected to do (such as worksheets or dittos). Not that this would be the primary focus of our curriculum by any means but just to even allow the children to see and complete with their parents at home would be a transition idea. I do agree that children in elementary schools do not get enough physical movement time. They need to "destress" just as much (if not more) than the adults and just even five minutes of free time without structured thought would allow anyone to come back and have a greater ability to focus again. I remember being in kindergarten (early 1980's) and having a play house set up in one corner of the classroom. Kids are expected to be learning academic knowledge earlier and earlier!
I agree with you that young children need to have "downtime" and free time in school. It is not realistic to think that we can throw young children into an environment for hours and hours and expect them to sit still. Young children have lots of natural energy and need to have frequent opportunities throughout the day to expend that energy. This is for their overall good health. It is not wonder that there is an epidemic of Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without hyperactivity. These children need to have an outlet for that energy and if they don't have one, they will act out in ways that can be a behavioral issue. This is especially true for young boys. Medicating these children is not the answer; letting them go play frequently throughout the day is.
ReplyDeleteAs far as your nervousness with public speaking, one way to prepare is to write a speech and then practice it in front of your husband, children, friends, and even yourself in the mirror. This helps you build fluency and a comfortableness with your topic. The more you repeat this information out loud, the more it is stored in your mind and subconscious. It will become part of your natural cognitive process. Try to predict what type of questions your audience will ask about your topic and have those answers ready.
You will do great if you are prepared. Good luck!
Amy,
ReplyDeleteI am very nervous as well to get in front of people and speak aboutmy topic. I have been practicing a little by just reading outloud when I find new information about my topic that could help me persuade people to be on my side. I think that hearing my voice say the various points of my topic has helped me and will hopefully help me when the day actually comes. I have also asked people I work with for help by asking them to come up with various questions or comments about my topic so that way I can be ready if someone asks that same question. I think that we will all do good even if our public speaking is not perfect we just need to remember it is about the children and making a difference.