Promises and encouragement to graduates
OPINION —
As we teachers have seen our classes graduate, we have bittersweet heart felt feelings as we see our students finish up a good school year.
As parents bond to their children, we teachers bond to our students. They become our life families as we bond with these lives day by day. We teachers truly miss our students as we pray and encourage them to the next step of their lives. I know we older teachers are so rewarded when our students are grown up and still come back to give us a hug and to say thank you. As Classroom Observer I would like to review and remind we parents, grandparents, and teachers that children are a promise. The Bible says it so well from Psalm 139:14: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
I like to use the word PROMISE as an acrostic for us to be easily reminded.
P — Praise and encourage your child. Verbal praise is important for children to hear when they have done a good job. Pats on the back or eye to eye contact, or a smile or wink says, “I am proud of you,” which means so much to children.
R — Reach out to your child. In our world it seems like that we are always on the run going here and there. Spending time with your child spells love. R also stands for Realize free play is important for your young child’s growth and development. Free play is a young child’s work. Free play serves as an outlet for children to work, grow and express themselves. Our local parks offer beautiful, spacious green areas to run and play.
O — Optimism is contagious to be around. Children love to be around happy people. It brings them joy. POP is a catch word that I share with younger children. It is not soda pop or a lollipop but it encourages us to be P(positive)-O(optimistic) and P(peacemaker). During a classroom day if the children are complaining or having trouble getting along with their classmates, I just say “POP” and they know what I am instructing them to do. This can also be done within families. Children learn early that life is not always going to be easy, but it is our attitude and how we handle life situations that matter. We have all heard the old expression about making lemonade out of lemons, and it is so true. Children love this expression and seem to pick up on it quickly.
M — Meeting your child’s strengths of gifts and talents is so important in encouraging children to be all they can be. Help and be available to offer learning sessions and supplemental activities which enhance what children are inclined to do. When parents discern and guide them in their interests and talents, this is a true gift of love. Talking and listening to your child helps a parent discern what their interests and talents are.
I — Interaction is so important in teaching and reaching our children. Before we can reach and teach our children, we have to know what kind of learners our children are.
- Physical learners learn best by activity, such as being active with their hands, feet or whole body. Physical learners engage in pretend play and games.
- Visual learners learn by seeing pictures and demonstrations.
- Logical learners learn by following patterns or sequences. We think of ordering numbers or alphabet sequence when we think of this kind of learner.
- Reflective learners generally learn best when they are by themselves or alone. These learners are observers. We usually see these learners playing or reading a book alone, and they assess and ponder on how to handle new learning situations.
- Musical learners will sing, hum and enjoy playing instruments. As a teacher, I love to sing Bible verses, sing the ABCs, sing numbers, etc. Children love to learn by singing.
- Natural learners love to be outside and learn. They are naturally little observers and scientists who love to look closely at nature with its plants, insects and animals.
- Relational learners interact and relate well with other children and people.
S — Special is what children are to us. Children love to hear their names, and they love to hear praise and encouragement. As parents, grandparents and teachers, we paint on a child’s life canvas. We can paint rainbows of hope for our children and students.
E — “Every” is such an important word as we watch our children grow up so very fast. Cherish each day of your child’s life. Each day is a gift wrapped up with a bow. Our children are such a gift to us. I wish every child at the end of this school year of 2024 to reflect on this year with happy memories of learning, making new friends, and knowing just how special each child is. James 1:17: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.
Beth Pinyerd has taught many years and holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education.