Once upon a time, my life revolved around lesson plans, reading circles, and engaging math activities. I was a dedicated kindergarten teacher, pouring my heart and soul into my classroom, while blissfully unaware of the challenges faced by my students as I didn’t have children of my own. Fast forward to today, and I find myself immersed in Lego-building, fort-making, and karaoke sessions with my kids in the kitchen. Motherhood has completely transformed how I perceive education and the needs of young learners.
If I were to step back into the classroom now, I’m confident I would be a more compassionate and effective educator. I’ve gained invaluable insights as a parent, viewing school through the lens of my children’s experiences and the perspectives of my former students’ families. Every child is someone’s precious baby, and that realization would shape my approach towards teaching in profound ways.
Here are some of the changes I would implement:
Enhanced Communication with Parents
In my teaching days, I sent home a weekly newsletter and casually invited parents to reach out if they had questions. Now, as a parent, I know that school can feel like a mysterious world. I’d opt for daily emails sharing highlights from the classroom, offering conversation starters to help parents engage their children about their day. A dedicated Facebook group for parents would foster connections and encourage friendships outside the classroom. I’d also share pictures and videos (with consent) to keep parents in the loop.
Understanding the Weight of Small Issues
I understood that children face challenges, but I didn’t fully grasp how deeply these issues could affect them until I became a mom. There were times I brushed off a student’s concerns, viewing them as insignificant. If I were teaching today, I’d approach every student’s worries with kindness and attention, ready to offer support and reassurance when needed.
Prioritizing Hygiene
As a teacher, I sometimes overlooked handwashing after recess. Now, having witnessed my own children’s messy habits, I’d be diligent about ensuring my students washed their hands regularly. This is crucial in keeping everyone healthy, especially in a bustling classroom environment.
Ensuring Every Child Eats
In my teaching days, I would drop my students off at the cafeteria and not think twice about their lunches. I’ve since learned that many children, including my own, struggle to find time to eat amid the chaos of a noisy lunchroom. I would check in on students during lunch and make sure they had the opportunity to eat comfortably.
Practicing Compassion without Judgement
I taught in an urban school where many students faced significant challenges at home. Back then, I sometimes misjudged parents’ involvement or commitment. Now a parent myself, I recognize the immense pressures they face. Understanding this has shifted my perspective, allowing for greater empathy towards families dealing with difficult situations.
Keeping Promises
Kids have incredible memories and a strong sense of fairness. I learned this as a teacher, but it became crystal clear after becoming a mom. If I promised a child they could share something special or participate in an activity, I would make it a priority to follow through. Trust is vital, and I wouldn’t want to break that bond.
Teaching is an incredibly demanding job, and I remember the whirlwind of my days in the classroom. I know that not every moment can be perfect, but I’d strive to treat each student as if they were my own child, ensuring their emotional and physical needs are met.
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In summary, motherhood has profoundly impacted how I would approach teaching, emphasizing communication, empathy, and the recognition of each child’s unique needs. It has shaped me into a more understanding and compassionate educator, ready to support my students and their families.
Keyphrase: motherhood and teaching
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