Home Hot Topics Articles Directors' Choice Awards About Us / Contact Us Activities & Curriculum Activities for Outcome-Based Learning Arts & Crafts Music for Learning Recommended Reading Sharing Boards: What Do YOU Think? NEWSlink Current National News Conference Calendar Topics In Early Childhood Education Art and Creativity in Early Childhood Education Job Sharing Board State Licensing Requirements Stay Connected! Each month we'll send you an email filled with articles and ideas for your classroom. Subscribe Now Date: 3/10/2002 9:33:00 PM Author: Shawn (ShawnAdams@earlychildhood.com) Subject: I am a big bear of a man, I stand 60 ta... I am a big bear of a man, I stand 6'0 tall and weigh in at 300 lbs. Are the children scared of me when we meet, of course they are, but then I'm afraid of bears too. They learn soon though that I'm a big teddy bear not a scary bear. I don't know many female teachers who can be a tree for the children to climb, or who let the children hang from their arms like a jungle gym, or like to play in the mud, the slime, and I'm not afraid of bugs. The children learn that when they are hurt my big strong bear arms are their to hold and comfort them. They like the feel of my beard. I've had many children who like to rub my face while they go to sleep, or just to see how it feels, and Judy I'm assuming that if you can grow a beard you shave, so you can't give them that it's uniquely male. I'm not shy with the kisses or the squishes(hugs) either. I've had people upset with my being in the classroom, I talk with them and tell them of my credentials, and most importantly of why I love teaching children. This is an important step in the process. Don't just let it stay unsaid, you have a right to be heard but they also have the right to question your priorities, not because you are a man, but because it's likely their child will spend more of their young life with you than them. I don't take it personally, I feel that parents should get to know all of their children's caregivers like this and I'm happy for the opportunity to let them get to know me. It also helps prevent miscommunication. I had another teacher tell me once that a parent was uncomfortable with their child sitting on my lap. This hurt me deeply to think that this parent thought I would harm their child. But I steeled myself up and had a meeting with that parent. I found out that my co-teacher had been mistaken, it wasn't me. The parent felt it was inappropriate for the child to sit on anyone's lap, even theirs. This was the way she was raised and the way she was raising her children. I felt a lot better, and we respected the parent's wish, therfore strenghtening the bond between the teaching team and the parent. I've also found that many children feel safer when they are with me. I even had a child that would not take a nap until I came to class(about halfway through naptime). I asked her once why she wouldn't nap without me in the room. She said very matter of factly that she just couldn't sleep without a teddy bear to watch over her. I was very touched. In closing I would just like to say that their are men who love nurturing young children as much as women do. We are here to stay ladies, so rather than complain about us, share your secrets with us, and we'll share ours with you, our mission is the same, to raise the future generation to be loving, caring and kind, to all people, not just women. And nothing makes my day greater than when those little kiddos come up and say squish me Shawn. So I squish them, and they feel safe and loved. Isn't that what it's all about. P.S. About the handy man thing. I have never been asked to perform any of the Mr. fixit duties around the centers I have worked. But I did volunteer my services, because my grandpa told me that's what men are supposed to do. But If anyone is really hellbent to clean up the plugged up toilet mess I'll let them have it. I'll head down to the pub for a pint with the rest of the guys!!!!! Name: Email: Subject

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