I strongly believe that children need support, guidance, and understanding as a part of their everyday lives. It is important to me to always be positive and give praise. It warms my heart to see the smile on a little child’s face when they have explored, learned or accomplished something new. It is very gratifying and rewarding to me to know that I am making a positive difference in their young lives. I am caring for our future!
(A very special poem given to me by a parent a couple of years ago that touched my heart)
The Hand Holders:
A Tribute to Caregivers
There is no job more important than yours,
no job anywhere else in the land.
You are the keepers of the future;
you hold the smallest of hands.
A Tribute to Caregivers
There is no job more important than yours,
no job anywhere else in the land.
You are the keepers of the future;
you hold the smallest of hands.
Into your care you are trusted
to nurture and care for the young,
and for all of your everyday heroics,
your talents and skills go unsung.
You wipe tears from the eyes of the injured.
You rock babies brand new in your arms.
You encourage the shy and unsure child.
You make sure they are safe from all harm.
You foster the bonds of friendships,
letting no child go away mad.
You respect and you honor their emotions.
You give hugs to each child when they're sad.
You have more impact than does a professor,
a child's mind is molded by four;
so whatever you lay on the table
is whatever the child will explore.
Give each child the tools for adventure,
let them be artists and writers and more;
let them fly on the wind and dance on the stars
and build castles of sand on the shore.
It is true that you don't make much money
and you don't get a whole lot of praise,
but when one small child says "I love you",
you're reminded of how this job pays.
to nurture and care for the young,
and for all of your everyday heroics,
your talents and skills go unsung.
You wipe tears from the eyes of the injured.
You rock babies brand new in your arms.
You encourage the shy and unsure child.
You make sure they are safe from all harm.
You foster the bonds of friendships,
letting no child go away mad.
You respect and you honor their emotions.
You give hugs to each child when they're sad.
You have more impact than does a professor,
a child's mind is molded by four;
so whatever you lay on the table
is whatever the child will explore.
Give each child the tools for adventure,
let them be artists and writers and more;
let them fly on the wind and dance on the stars
and build castles of sand on the shore.
It is true that you don't make much money
and you don't get a whole lot of praise,
but when one small child says "I love you",
you're reminded of how this job pays.
Author Unknown
The Rainbow Fish
By: Marcus Pfister
North South Books, 1992
The Rainbow Fish is one of my all-time favorite books to read to my class and the children love it. Its moral has so much meaning about the value of being an individual and teaching young children about friendship and happiness. It is wonderful and I feel that the children really understand and relate to the story especially as I watch them work together to make their own Rainbow Fish creative art or through engaging in play. This book definitely is one that supports their social emotional development. I highly recommend this book to parents when they ask me about books they should invest in.
Some of my Favorite Quotes
"It is not what is poured into a child that counts but what is planted." -Linda Conway
"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." -Albert Einstein
“An apple for a teacher… It’s really nothing new…
Except when you remember.. Parents are teachers too!” –DLTK-Kids.com
I loved everything about your post. The poem brought tears to my eyes and I even called my sister who is a kindergarten teacher and read it to her. It just reminds me of why I am a teacher and the love I have for children. I also love the book The Rainbow Fish because it sends such a great message of friendship and every child needs to be taught the importance of friendship. I loved the quote from Linda Conway. I feel this is a quote that every teacher should read. I feel it is most appropriate for early childhood educators. It really makes you think a little differently about how you teach. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nicole,
ReplyDeleteOne of my parents gave this poem to me and it touched me so much that I have it hanging on my parent board to share with others. So many families and other teacher's have commented on it and have actually asked if they could get a copy so they could share it. It really touches my heart and definetly reminds me of why I love teaching so much.