Lesson 2: Class List Log and School Adjustment



Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able

  • Use a Class List Log as an observation method to document separation behaviors.
  • Describe appropriate teacher/caregiver strategies to help minimize separation anxiety.
  • Discuss the importance of the teacher’s reflective journal as a tool.

Teaching

Read Chapter 1 in Week by Week.

The reflective journal is a teacher’s diary which she/he can use to improve approaches and performance. Journals are private and may contain opinions, ideas, emotions and thinking. Daily journaling is an important ritual, but weekly journaling may be a more realistic goal. They are most effective when used regularly and become a reflective teaching practice habit. You may think that you will we remember how you handled a situation or what went well/not well during a lesson, but running a classroom is busy and can be hectic. Writing down important details as soon as possible will benefit you when you have planning time or want to make environmental changes. There is a good example of an entry on pg 34 of the text.

Separation anxiety and adjustment issues are common in young children, but there are many approaches that caregivers can use to relieve this stress. One of the first steps is to develop a secure attachment with the child. Some teachers conduct a home visit prior to the child attending the program. This gives the family an opportunity to meet the teacher and ask questions in a familiar, safe place. Open houses are another way to allow families a chance to meet staff, visit the classroom and help the child become familiar with the setting.

You must also work with the family to create a nurturing environment and perhaps establish good bye rituals (text pg 38). It is important to help both the family and the child feel secure. It is easier for the child when he/she knows what to expect from both the separation and the routine of the day. If a child has difficulty adjusting you may need to have a caregiver spend time reading, rocking or comforting him/her after the family member has left. It can also be reassuring for a parent to call the center a few minutes after leaving to make sure that the child has calmed down and joined the group. Technology can be used to help families with this transition as well. Teachers can send pictures, via cell phone or iPad throughout the day to let parents know that their child is doing well.

Please read this short article on Bowlby's Theory of Attachment.


Assessment

Lesson 2 Assignment

Obtain written permission from the appropriate person before you observe. Please complete the Class List Log Form on 6-8 Children.

Observe a minimum of 6 incidents of children under the age of 6 separating from an adult as they are left at child care, preschool or family child care.

Using the Class List Log, quote what the child and adults say, and note the behavior of the child and adults from the moment they enter until the adult leaves. Complete the summary, discussing 2-3 goodbye rituals an adult could establish to improve this transition time.

Submit a version of this Class List Log Form to the Lesson 2 Assignment Drop Box


Lesson 2 Qiuz

Read the following: https://www.naeyc.org/files/tyc/file/TYC_V3N4_Reflectiveteacherexpanded.pdf and then answer the following question:

  1. Practice writing a reflective journal entry. This should be 1 paragraph describing your experience and feelings about working with young children. The second paragraph should discuss how you can use this journal entry information in your future work with children. (ex: Do you need more classes in working with children with special needs, have you thought about changing jobs, etc). The closing paragraph should tell me how you felt about writing down your feelings and why that might be valuable when teaching young children.

 

Lesson 2 Discussion A

Some parents try to "sneak out" after dropping their children off at childcare to help eliminate separation issues and tears! Based on the readings and your own experiences, discuss why you think this is a good practice or why you do not think this is a good practice. Feel free to share any direct experiences you have had with this situation.

Lesson 2 Discussion B

 

 What skills could you observe and record using a Class List Log during this preschool circle?