Passion for some comes in all shapes and sizes, for me it comes in the human form...four feet tall or less, full of wonder and excitement. It is here that you can see the spark of accomplishment, and the pure joy of each accomplishment--large or small. The innocence that is open and honest and ready to learn all the world has to offer. My passion is fueled by these things and sometimes it amazes me just how much my life can be filled with contentment by being in the classroom!
A few years back I heard a quote from Marian Wright-Edelman and it stuck with me, it inspires me to this day! "If you don't stand up for children then we don't stand for much". Whenever I get discouraged in my job as a director of a child care center I often have to take a breath and remind myself why I am here, and how I got here. And here is what I have come to understand...I am here to advocate for better treatment and respect of children, to offer them a safe place to explore what it means to be a child. To give them many chances to work on social emotional intelligence skills in a non threatening arena, to show them that learning can be fun and to provide them with the tools they need to learn about math and science, language, literacy and to become ready for the public schools.
I am their cheerleader, their biggest fan and if I can help one child to succeed then I have done my job!
I agree that by standing up for children, by giving them the tools they need to become better students, we give them the power to become better adults! I also agree that by helping every child succeed is our job! Here is a website you may find interesting. I was led to it by one of our Walden classmates. http://www.campaignforeducationusa.org/lesson-for-all/
ReplyDeleteDavey, Your blog shows you are very caring. "The innocence that is open and honest," is a wonderful way to describe children. I agree there are times at work that we have to reflect on what is our purpose, especially after a parent has been rude and hurtful. It is the love of children and as you say their innocence.
ReplyDeleteBest of Luck,
Diana