The Roles of the Teacher, Student, and Family
Within early childhood education, there should be a partnership between the teachers, the students, and the families. When everyone is united for the sake of the student, we all can work together to provide the best learning experiences for the students and offer support for the families.
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As an educator, I do not see myself as a person who knows it all, especially when it comes to my students. Forming a partnership with my students and their families is optimal if I want to provide them with the best experience within my classroom. Families are the student's first teachers, and their home and cultural experiences are their first classroom. We as educators must not forget that. As Jimenez (2014) mentions, it is vital to tap into our children’s and their families’ funds of knowledge, which is their exclusive cultural experiences, to make teaching meaningful for all. Therefore, one of the most important things you can do is get to know your students and their families.
Even though the families have registered their child to your program or school, it is important as the teacher to inform the families of the expectations and happenings of the program. For example, I teach kindergarten at a play, nature-based school. The families have registered their child to our school; however, they all do not fully understand the routines and happenings of our day, especially concerning our nature study, the clothing that is needed to be outside during all weather, and how we implement the different forms of play. This is where you as the teacher steps in to inform and support the families.
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References
Amara-Jimenez, C. (2014). Lessons learned from a teacher working with culturally and linguistically diverse children. YC Young Children, 69(1), 32-37.
The Student: Each child brings their own background knowledge, cultural experiences, interests, and learning style into the classroom. The child guides the learning and play within the classroom. The child has value over what they already know and what they want to know. It is up to the teacher to make those ideas and interests come to life.
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The Family: Are vital in a child’s education. Teachers, families, and the students should work together as a team to achieve the best possible outcome for their education. When families are welcomed, comfortable, and respected then a solid foundation for a flourishing school year is planted for the students. Families should try to be involved with their child’s school (if they can) and share in with their child’s interests and adventures.
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The Teacher: Is the facilitator, who guides the students to wonder about their world. The teacher is the one who supports and guides their play and learning, providing resources and scaffolding when needed. The teacher can also be an active participant or an observer during students’ play and learning, feeding off of what the child needs at that moment. The teacher is the curator who identifies what the student's interests are, who are in need of support or enrichment, and then create opportunities for the students to engage in. When it comes to the families, the teacher is the bridge, connecting the families to their child’s learning experiences.