You teach through the environment…
- Clean the room. Sparkle the windows clean.
- Paint the room a soft color if needed. Color is added with teaching materials.
- Put only necessary things into the classroom.
- Window coverings are not necessary, unless sunlight is distracting. Use window as a teaching tool. How many ways can you teach a child about God as you both look out a window?
- Allow preschoolers to touch anything in the room (with guidance) which is accessible to them. Remove unsafe items from their reach
You teach through facial expressions…
- Your eyes provide many expressions and the children read them.
- Your grimace over an absolutely natural activity of a child soiling a diaper says, “This is bad!”
- Your smile when a child arrives in the classroom says, “I’m glad you are here!”
- A wink can communicate affirmation to the work they are doing.
What other facial expressions give messages to children?
You teach through body language…
- As you move calmly and are on the child’s eye level, you are saying, “Everything’s okay.”
- Hands on hips and a stink eye say to the child, “You are in trouble.”
Think of other positive and negative ways body language speaks loudly.
You teach through voice inflections…
- Instead of trying to talk above a child’s voice, when it is loud, whisper. The contrast gets attention and calms the child.
- Speak clearly and distinctly. Every word you speak can be repeated from a child who is growing her vocabulary.
- Talking with other adults in the room should be minimal. Talking with children is the priority.
Name other ways the voice a teaching influence?
You teach through dress…
- Good grooming is noticed by everyone.
- A brightly colored shirt attracts the attention of even young children.
- Wearing clothing that does not limit your mobility will reduce your frustration.
- Aprons and smocks are welcomed and often promote teaching.
How do teachers teach through what they wear?
