One challenge that I know I faced when trying to explain something to a child was when I was trying to talk to children about lying. I did not know how to talk to them about it because they do not realize what they are doing. They know that lying is bad, but they do not realize the consequences of lying. How do you explain lying and discussing things about being honest? Why do you need to be honest? Children are taught to be honest yet people lie to each other all the time. So are we being hypocrites?
This semester has been an adventurous semester. This class has taught me many things about documentations and how to use them. Analyzing and viewing the different types of documentation and observation types has opened me to a wide range of opportunities to get to know my children better. I think what continues to challenge me is finding which form of documentation is the easiest and best way. It is always different with each child yet it has been fun trying the different techniques.
In response to your question about lying I'd like to point out there is a difference between lying and being deceitful. You can tell a truth and still be deceitful. You can omit details to make things seem a certain way. I always try to tell my own kids, not to tell the truth, but to be honest.
ReplyDeleteHi Monica
ReplyDeleteIts funny that you would bring up lying because there have been a couple of incidents over the last week where a child has been saying that another child took toys out when she was actually the one who did it. I haven't actually used the word lying to her and tried to choose my words very carefully. I told her that I saw her playing with it and then asked her if she was finished. She tried to tell me that someone else was playing with it but then I told her that she was the one who I saw take the toys out so to please put them away if she was finished. I didn't want to out right tell her that she was lying so instead I just told her what I saw, which was that she took the toys out and played with them. It is like instead of praising the child, we just tell them what we see. i appreciate you sharing this semester and good luck with everything!
Monica,
ReplyDeleteIs lying bad, how do children know that they are using their words in a negative manner? Children re-play what they see, so as educators it is important to always mirror honesty and demonstrate how children should feel/act when they do something bad that they feel they need to lie about. In most cases they are ashamed they haven't done it the right way, not intentionally trying to lie, show them how to explain and use their words. Lying is a word we use for discipline, the action needs to be re-directed into words of encouragement. How can we be examples for children to teach them without telling them how to, but showing them?