After learning about developmentally appropriate practices, social emotional well being, the way that children learn and grow, and the myriad of other things that we learn about who children really are in our classes, We have a vast amount of knowledge and a deeper understanding of kids and why they do the things they do. And we are faced with a dilemma of sorts.
What do we do with those people who don't know? Who don't understand how children operate, and have probably had less than stellar experiences in their own childhood?
"Of course!" We might say, "We're educators, we must educate them on how to see children!"
Easier said than done.
Reversing years of ideas and beliefs about how children think and act, their motives, and intentions is a difficult thing. Especially if said beliefs are coming from those who have believed that way for a long time.
Another thing to consider is the vast amount of knowledge we don't have after coming out of school. Our professors, as knowledgeable and experienced as they are, don't have the answers or solutions to every situation or problem we face. They can only give us the basics, and we learn from those who have been in the field for more years than ourselves.
Sometimes, these are the people that might not have the training we have. The people we need to teach, are also the people we need to learn from.
We can teach others, and suggest solutions, and lead our peers by example, but we, as new educators, must also learn from those who have come before us.
The balance will do both groups good.
We are, after all, in it for the kids.
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