[LW]

In my program it’s important to me to get to know and build a relationship with younger siblings of families who are in program and will eventually join as well. I always make it a point to greet them and smile and for special holidays when I make treat bags or have valentine’s, I make sure to have extra for the siblings. It makes a big difference, because by the time they join us in program they already know and feel comfortable with at least one familiar face.

[Trainer]

Great approach, LW! Building relationships with younger siblings fosters a sense of belonging and eases their transition. Keep it up!

[Agnes Wyman]

I had an amazing kindergarten and 1st grade teacher, it made me want to be a teacher one day.

[Trainer]

Great reflection, Agnes! Positive early experiences can truly inspire future aspirations. Your teacher’s impact is a wonderful example!

[Brenda]

My son had a teacher with a very negative attitude that affected him from loving to go to school to dreading going to school.

[Trainer]

Thank you for sharing, Brenda. It’s crucial to recognize how teachers can profoundly influence children’s attitudes toward learning.

[Cheyanne]

My sister had a teacher in 1st grade that criticized her for being slow at class work. The teacher called her a turtle and made her stay in from recess to complete an assignment. My sister had very low confidence after that. She cried often when she was having difficulty doing school work. When she got into middle school she was placed in a class to assist her with reading skills. It was not until she was an adult that she was diagnosed with anxiety depression and OCD. After that she was able to take control of her life and gain the confidence to do what she wanted to do and be the kind of person she wanted to be.

[Trainer]

Cheyanne, thank you for sharing your sister’s experience. It’s a powerful reminder of the profound impact educators can have on a child’s confidence and mental health.

[Pat]

Have a child in my class, who has a hard time separating from her parents, will come right to me and willing leave her family member as I happily greet her and let her know I am excited she is here!!

[Trainer]

Great observation, Pat! Your warm welcome clearly creates a safe space for the child, positively influencing her separation experience.

[Marisa]

I was always told I would not amount to anything and I believed it to the point I always settled on situations or things now I have learned I am worthy and have the ability to assist others with the same issue of not being accepted.

[Trainer]

Marisa, your reflection highlights the power of words and self-belief. It’s inspiring to see your growth and desire to help others!

[Jessica]

Any type of positive interactions will help to impact others reactions. Only you can control what makes you happy or angry, but others can definitley impact how others feel.

[Trainer]

Great insights, Jessica! Your emphasis on positive interactions highlights the importance of emotional influence in early childhood experiences.

[Alex]

When I was tutoring elementary kids. I had this student that had adhd and autism. When I went to her class she faced the student away in a corner from the class because he was easily distracted. This caused him to be disengaged with the tasks being provided and well as defiant towards myself and others. He started not coming to school because he didn’t feel good about being in class. He was isolated and felt alone i asked if he wanted to do the assignment and he nodded with a frown. The teacher wouldn’t put him back in his spot so i asked the principal if it was okay to take him outside and do the assignment there. immediately i saw a different kid. he was engaged and ready to learn with a smile on his face it became a regular thing we did since the teacher wasn’t really giving him the time of day. He finished his work and then some and was happy to be put in a different learning environment where he could engage in his own way yet still complete what was asked of him. He started showing up to school more and was excited when i came to his class because he knew he would get his work done and not have to struggle at home.

[Trainer]

Alex, your experience highlights the importance of adapting learning environments to meet individual needs. Great job fostering engagement and connection!

[Riley Longwill]

I became a teacher because the teachers that I had were exactly what I needed growing up. I was a child of divorce and I had a lot of big emotions. If it wasn’t for my teachers in school taking me out of the dark head space that I was in and help me enjoy education. They would help me in what I cared about most.

[Trainer]

Riley, your reflection beautifully highlights the profound impact teachers can have on students’ emotional well-being and learning journey. Thank you for sharing!

[Makiko]

I had a child in my class who went through sever sickness, hospitalized for a long time and returned to school. Because the child went through a hard time, he was very caring and understanding about other child’s pain.

[Tracy Bumgarner]

I had a teacher in elementary that had favorites. I was not one of them. I for sure felt it. I try to make everyone feel equally valued in my classroom.

[Trainer]

Great reflection, Tracy! Your experience highlights the importance of inclusivity and valuing every student in the classroom.

[Tiffany]

The mood and attitude you show up with impacts those around you. If you are a negative person no one wants to be around and those that do may feed off your negative vibe and the negativity may spread. Spread positivity!

[Trainer]

Great insight, Tiffany! Your emphasis on the impact of mood and attitude highlights the importance of fostering a positive environment for everyone.

[jess]

There’s many instances or examples that can affect kids from early on in their childhood that could impact them in the future. An example I can think of is maybe not having a certain parent in your life for whatever reason, that can influence and impact a person as they grow up.

[Trainer]

Great insight, Jess! Your example highlights the profound impact of parental presence on a child’s development.

[Fredia Wernette]

We had a 4yr old that was with us for several months and she would not talk to us. Parents said she talks all the time at home but absolutely nothing when at preschool. The staff would get down to her level to talk to her, used gentle voices, and offered hand when going from room to room. The girl went on to Kindergarten doing great and opened up to her new teacher. The family thanked our staff for giving her a great start in her education.

[Trainer]

Fredia, your example beautifully illustrates how patience and nurturing can help children thrive. Great job supporting her transition!

[Dieu Pham]

Vin is a boy who was being neglected by his mom when she had another baby, he doesn’t feel good about himself so it is hard for him to trust people and he rarely smiles.