New Traditions

Hopkins-Locke Center
Classroom 5
Jaclyn Fullerton, BA-ECE, Hired 2014
Dianna Gifford, BA-ECE, Hired 2014

Head Start turns 50 on May 18, 2015, and our centers are going all out for bridging ceremonies this year. We hope we are starting a new tradition of getting the community more involved in what is a very special time for our children, their families and all the Head Start staff as our students transition into Kindergarten well-prepared. You are all cordially invited to join us in celebrating the achievements of Hamilton and Wellington students on Tuesday, May 19 at LCCC’s Stocker Center. We hope for an equally strong turnout on Wednesday, May 20 at Lorain Palace Theatre for the students of the Hopkins Locke and the Child Developmental Center. Please save the dates.

Planning these celebrations tie neatly to my classroom visit this week. All sorts of new things are happening at Hopkins-Locke, including in Ms. Fullerton and Ms. Gifford’s room. Both teachers shared how they are discovering new ways to meet each child’s needs and make adjustments as the children progress.

 

While separately accomplished, these two teachers have similar teaching styles. They are at ease with the children. They speak firmly but kindly. They issue instructions to the children in short, clear sentences. They listen intently to the children. I saw both react with amusement more than once at something a child said. At the same time, they are both very attuned to the preferences and abilities of each child.

What I Learned from Ms. Fullerton and Ms. Gifford

These two teachers are permissive in the best ways. They consistently gave the children choices. Something as simple as being excused from the lunch table to get water instead of having milk may not seem like it is worth noting. I thought it was amazing. If the children respectfully asked, all reasonable requests were granted. It helps children gain language skills and build self-confidence.

Memorable Moment

After leaving Classroom 5 I was approached by Kim Algood, one of our four Home Visitors who serve home-based students. Twice a month parents in the home-based program are invited to bring the children for group play. About seven children were playing in the center play space while parents talked among themselves. There seemed to be a great deal of information being exchanged. Our home-based program is back this year since federal funding lost during the sequestration was restored. It truly came back better than before thanks, in large part, to staff who understands how to best use home-based services for children and families.

Linking It Together

I have been asked if I will continue blogging next year. With the snow finally melting and plans for bridging well underway, there is no avoiding the reality we are just a few months away from the end of the school year. Blogging about bridging will be my last entry until school resumes in September. I am thinking of making it a photo blog so that those unable to attend get a sense of all they missed.

Blogging helps keep me connected in ways that matter. I want to retain that and yet do something slightly different next year. I have not figured out exactly what yet. Just like our teachers keep updating what they are doing in their classrooms, I want to do that, too. That is what Head Start has done through the decades. The program is turning 50 and yet it remains relevant and vital. It comes down to purpose and being open to creating new traditions as needed. It will be fun to see what September brings.