we finished pre-k conferences last night…a time when i think of each child in a new way.  when i imagine them in a new setting, usually in a more traditional classroom setting.

and i get protective….and feisty.

my simple requests:

i ask now that none of these kids be considered a tattle tale.

i ask that when a child brings a concern, it is met with eye contact and attention.

i ask that when a child tells you that someone’s pencil dropped on the floor, you thank them for letting you know.

i ask that when a child tells you that someone is being mean to someone else, you take that as a sign that you can do more in your classroom.

i ask that when a child cries and whines about the same thing everyday, you receive that as his hurt that needs your attention.

i ask that you remember it doesn’t take much to help a child feel safe.

i ask that  you don’t consider children tattle tales.  even if they are just “trying to get someone else in trouble,” doesn’t that point to a need in the so-considered tattle tale?

oh, i get defensive of these children as they prepare to leave the nest.

i know there are wonderful, wonderful teachers in traditional classrooms.

i know there are always different ways we can care for the children in my classroom.

i know i do not have all the answers.

but i also know these children and from the depth of me, wish them well.

okay, stepping down from the soap box now.