The question for the exercise in research is:
Can the sensitivity of the teacher ease the stress of separation anxiety in early childhood?
I will look at three groups: 1-2 yrs; 2-3 yrs; 3-6 yrs.
The events that sparked this interest have to do with the crying, especially at the start of the school year. Questions of how much should be permitted before the parents are called have come up often. We find ourselves on uncertain ground and with differing perspectives.
I initially thought defining the physical and associated social and academic effects of this behavior would be be the way to prove the point. To test this, resources and skills beyond my present situation would be needed.
My purpose now is to show how steps taken by the teacher to form secure attachments with the child will lessen his stress during his early days and also on 'not so great' days. In the process, secure attachment will be defined. The importance and possibility of secure attachments formed apart from the family will be stated.
There is much written about the importance of secure attachment in the early years and its lifelong effects. As a child gets older and his play is interactive some security can be gained from his peers. I am expecting to show that at each of these age levels a sensitive teacher who takes the initiative to secure the child in this new environment provides a necessary service to his well being.
I have chosen these three groups because that is how our classrooms are set apart at my school. The purpose will be primarily for improving the life at our school. It may also move to a statement of policy on some aspects of this issue. My principal has asked that I forward pertinent papers to her.
I would be interested on knowing if anyone has comments on whether this is a workable and/or needed question to be asked. Also if anyone has experience with this or works with schools that have existing policies, I would be appreciative of your input. Also, if in your reading you have come across some articles that speak to this, could you pass the url along.
Thanks everyone and Good luck!
Very interesting topic! I chose my topic (factors that go into establishing secure or insecure attachments in young children) for that reason as well. As a kindergarten teacher I have experienced several children who really struggle leaving their parents at the start of the year. I look forward to hearing your research!
ReplyDeleteIt seems that we have similar topics. I have not been in a permanent classroom before; only done classroom observation. I work in a completely different field right now. I think it will be interesting as we gather our research information and hopefully find workable solutions to helping younger children overcome their insecure attachments. Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful that you have chosen a topic that is directly relevant to your work.There are some children who engage in excessive crying upon transitioning from one classroom to another in spite of the fact that they are familiar with the teachers in that room and the children who have transitioned just before them. We've found out that the new teachers are not always the issue, but rather the new environment. Slower transitions that include the "old" teachers in the new environment have proved helpful to those who have difficulties transitioning.
ReplyDeleteHi Bobby,
ReplyDeleteYou have chosen great topics. I can not wait to see the outcomes of your research. I have been in the early childhood field for a long time and nothing stays the same I am excited to hear some new ideal on your topics.