As a trainer and someone that goes into centers offering technical assistance, I have learned the importance of working as a team with teachers, and respecting the fact that it is THEIR classroom. When you work WITH the teacher on this task, and engage them, they will usually buy into the changes. I try to use it as a training opportunity, and explain why I think something might work better. I listen to the reasoning the teachers have as well, and talk it through with them. Sometimes when I've had a teacher really resistant to change, I've tried to compromise and in the end, said "Please, just try it my way for a week. If it doesn't work for you, we'll change it back, I promise." Usually, it's the initial response to change that's the issue - and getting past that with some people.
The other piece I find... we don't discuss upcoming or obvious changes with children. They just walk in, and it's completely different. How would you feel if you came home one night and your house was completely re-arranged and you didn't know where things were? This is a great opportunity to walk through the room excitedly with children, and reinforce (by asking them) the appropriate ways to use each learning area.
Thanks for letting me voice my opinion.
Respectfully,
Cathy
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