This morning, I was tidying up our circle time area and found a book that Ms. Lauren had loaned me that I needed to return. Since I’m still struggling to get around quickly, I decided to utilize my “teacher helper” job and send one of my preschoolers down the hall to return the book.
Thinking that this first errand might be a little daunting alone, I sent a buddy along with my teacher helper. Standing in the hallway, I offered encouragement to my suddenly shy friends. “Go on. Knock on the door.” They disappeared into the doorway, and I waited for them to return.
Two heads peeked out, smiles spread across their faces, and as they emerged into the hallway, I noticed they still had the book with them. “Guys, you have to knock on the door louder. She’ll come and you can give it to her.”
Giggling, they tried again. And again, after a minute out of sight, they reappeared in the hallway, still clutching the book. Now I’m giggling, wondering whether to walk down and help them.
More reassurances. More trepidation and nerves. It’s time to call in reinforcements.
I called upon Alani, my not-afraid-of-anything spitfire, to help them. She gladly tiptoe-ran down the hallway to assist her too-shy friends. Confidently, Alani knocked on the door, and Ms. Lauren opened it, to the surprise of my little ones. They handed over the book, and all three ran back to me, proud smiles plastered on their faces.
I’m glad I didn’t go save them. One step closer to the independence I am trying to instill. They’ll be ready next time another errand presents itself.
Aren’t kids funny? Loved they way you kept encouraging them to try again.
They are soooo funny!
This is such a sweet story. I love how nervous they were about knocking on the other teacher’s door. And I love how they had a classmate willing to help them out. Hooray for independence!
Yes, hooray for independence! 🙂
How cute! Good job encouraging them and making them try it themselves!
I wish I had my phone…their faces were THE cutest!
Your little ducklings are so fortunate to have such a wise compassionate mama duck. You struck the perfect balance and they took their next step with pride.
Thanks Sandy!!
So cute! And even though they were nervous, I’m glad they came back each time giggling 🙂
I know! It was adorable!!
I’m always amazed at how confident a child can be in my classroom, only to become someone completely different outside of my door. I like the way you encouraged them to get past their shyness, maybe I need to find more things that my shy students can do….
I know, it amazes me, too!
What a sweet story and so true. I had Gr. 3s who still needed that support.