A Preschool Teacher's Creed
by Donna Krause
I believe
... that the single most important predictor of a child's success is
me.
... that I have a special talent in working with young children and no
other career would satisfy me as teaching does.
... that I must continue acquiring new knowledge about how children
learn and develop.
I believe
... in the principle that, in order for a child to feel worthy of love,
he must be taught he is lovable.
... that I need to be affectionate and say, "I love you" to every child
throughout the entire day.
... that my children should not know if they are my most or least
favorite child.
I believe
... that children respond cooperatively in a positive atmosphere of
redirection rather than a negative atmosphere of commands and
punishment.
... that children cannot learn to make appropriate decisions unless
they are given the opportunity to make choices and to experience the
consequences of those choices.
... that I need to smile, use humor and play with children to create a
warm, pleasant and comfortable environment.
I believe
... that every misbehavior is a teachable moment.
... that consequences are productive and punishment is counter-
productive.
... that before blame is placed on a misbehaving child, I need to
reflect upon my own behaviors and classroom management to determine how
I may have contributed to the situation.
I believe
... that I need to be consistent with rules, limitations and
consequences so that children will have a clear understanding of what
is expected of them.
... that I need to follow the daily schedule so that children will have
predictability and a sense of control in their lives.
... that I need to ask open-ended questions to allow children to
develop problem solving and critical thinking skills.
I believe
... that all children are capable of learning and that it is up to me
to provide a curriculum that allows for their individual needs.
... that the biggest compensation is not financial, but in witnessing
the impact that I have on the children's growth and development.
... that my efforts *will* make a difference that will last a lifetime
for each child whose life I touch.
I believe
... that my morning routine will determine whether or not the children
will have a successful afternoon.
... that I need to use appropriate transitions to help children meet
success throughout the day.
... that naptime can be an anxious time for children, so I need to
provide hugs and kisses so they feel secure enough to fall asleep.
I believe
... that flexibility is essential when working with young children.
... that too much noise is overstimulating to children and too little
noise stifles them.
... that I need to allow children to talk to me and I need to really
listen.
I believe
... that a clean, organized and attractive classroom creates a
comfortable environment for the children and their families.
... that children's art work should be displayed -- everywhere!
... that music should be a part of every child's day.
I believe
... that the most challenging child is the one who really needs me the
most.
... that the experiences I provide my students will greatly determine
their emotional and intellectual quotients for the rest of their lives.
... that my every response or lack of response makes a difference.
I am a teacher. I believe!
--
Mariann
Visit Baby K online -- http://babykosub.cjb.net
"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember
anything." -- Mark Twain
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