I have been thinking a lot as I get ready for spring break with my colleague and then plan summer. I need to change the dynamic on our team. And that has me reflecting on my style of things like programming and behavior management. It is different than the 2 guys I work closely with.
If I want to change things I need to be clear about why I do what I do first of all.
One thing is that I don't have as many rules as these guys. I am also less likely to take away a toy or specific area because of a problem. It showed up last week when 2 girls were sitting in a chair together and B walked by and just said he didn't think that was allowed. What? There have been rules about tape and rules about homework time and rules about a lot of things that just seem petty. My attitude is that if we don't need a rule then don't have more of them, have principles and help the children learn. Is it safe? Is it taking care of our materials? Does it include others? And rules as we need them. You know those smart kids will always find a loophole anyway, principles help with that. Am I the only one that thinks fewer rules are a good way to go?
The other thing that we need to work on before summer together is talking to the large group all together. When I started it was pretty negative. They had all the kids attention and then they waited a long time to be ready for the next activity. If the kids moved or talked then they made them sit longer. I was no impressed. I have been working with my assistant on this and several factors. First of all 2 minutes or less in talking to the kids in a large group, Second be prepared for the next activity so there is no waiting, third give clear instructions. Our colleague from the other site is doing better with this but still the tone is just on the harsh side overall. I would love to get rid of the word 'respect' and replace it with observations of actions. So instead of having them all quiet and the leader saying 'you need to show respect' , saying I need eyes on me, hands still and each person to raise their hand. There is just an icky feeling with telling the kids they need to show respect for me, a negative tone or unclear expectations, does anyone else have a feel for this.
Okay open to feedback before I go into meetings with my team.