Read the scenario below and answer the questions.
Principle 8: Recognize problems as learning opportunities, and let infants and toddlers try to solve their own. Don’t rescue them, constantly make life easy for them, or try to protect them from all problems.
Jasmine rides down the path in the play yard on a tot-sized tricycle, pushing with her feet on the ground instead of using the pedals. She runs off the edge of the concrete walk, and the bike tips over, spilling her into the sand. She lets out a lusty yell and lies on her back with the bike on its side next to her. A teacher arrives in a hurry and crouches down next to Jasmine but doesn’t touch her. She looks into her face and asks, “Are you okay?” Jasmine cries louder. The teacher says, “You fell down.” Jasmine stops crying and looks at her and nods. “You went right off the edge.” Jasmine nods again. She starts to roll over on her side. Her teacher offers a hand to help her. She refuses it and gets up, brushing herself off. The teacher looks her over carefully and sees no scrapes or red marks, but says again, “Are you okay?” “Okay,” Jasmine responds. She reaches for the bike handle. The teacher gets out of her way. She struggles a little but persists until she rights the bike. The teacher doesn’t help. The teacher says, “You did that all by yourself.” Jasmine grins and pulls the bike back to the cement. She has a broad smile on her face as she rides off.
- What is Jasmine learning in this scenario?
- Do you have a different idea about how the teacher should have handled this situation?
- What would you have done? Why?
- What if a family member watched this and became uncomfortable with how the teacher handled the situation? Why might the family member have been uncomfortable?
- What would you say to the family member if you had been the teacher?
- If you were the teacher, would you try to prevent the children from riding tricycles off the pavement?
- If yes, how? If no, why not?
1. She is learning that her teacher is concerned for her and allowing her to learn on her own, not constantly searching her body and taking her away from the bike. The teacher is concerned but she is not hovering over Jasmine and allows Jasmine to pick up her own bike and continue on with what she is doing.
2. I cant think of the teacher doing it any differently, because the principle had made it known not to constantly rescue the child or solve the child’s problems because the child will have to face their own problems later in the future and this is their way of trying to have the child be more independent instead of the child having to go for help every time a problem or accident happens.
3. I would have done the same thing but also check up on the child once in a while and ask if they are okay just in case they start to feel pain a little later after the incident and to make sure their parents are informed of the incident.
4, As a parent myself and that protective motherly instinct, sometimes you cant help but want to be their and constantly keep your child safe so in some ways parents might see that as the teacher not caring for the child and not noticing they are trying to have the child be more independent.
5. I would explain to them how important it is to make the child feel that they can do things on their own and not rush to them for any little thing because you don’t want the child growing up constantly clinging on to others for help and not being able to deal with certain situations or made to feel like they can not do it on their own.
6-7. Yes, I would try to make the children understand how unsafe it would be for them to ride a tricycle off the pavement by talking to them.
Hey Tiana, I like how on #4 you connected this with your personal experience. Good Job :).
Tianna — Thanks for your insights! I agree there is a fine line between safety/ being take care of and independence!
I like how you connected Tiana when it came to your opinion on this situation.
1). In this scenario Jasmine learns to overcome things on her own, she knows she has someone by her side in case she needs more help, however she knows she can trust herself and do it on her own.
2). I believe the teacher handled this situation very well because children need to learn that we are there to help them however they can trust themselves and face certain situations on their own. By letting children do things on their own they are able to build self confidence and trust.
3). I would have done the same thing as the teacher, expect I would check up more on the child if she was hurt or feel any pain. Some children get hurt and don’t tell us, so it is always safer to check more on the child and make sure they are safe.
4). I can completely understand if a family of Jasmine watches this and becomes uncomfortable because families are always more carefully on children then everyone else. No one feels more comfortable leaving their children with someone else except in their own arms. So if a family sees this situation taking place they might feel as if the teacher doesn’t care about Jasmine.
5). In the future if this exact situation happens to me where the family feels as If i didn’t care in this situation about their child I would try to explain to them the importance of teaching children independence and confidence. This would probably make the family more comfortable and also have an open mind by understanding that there is more than just giving a hand to a child every-time they need it.
6&7). Absolutely, as a caregiver you would never want your student to do anything that would be unsafe or put them in a situation where they are in danger. Children watch and learn from adults so it is our duties to teach children what is safe and not safe for them.
Edisa — Thanks for sharing your insights! I agree that helping children to develop confidence is important!
I agree Edisa I would do the same if I were the teacher in this position.
1. What is Jasmine learning in this scenario? Jasmine is learning independency and that sometimes when trying new things, you may fail and get hurt but that trying again can lead to a successful outcome.
2. Do you have a different idea about how the teacher should have handled this situation? I think the teacher handled the situation well, but if there was one thing, I think she could have done differently was, console Jasmine. Helping her up and maybe giving her a hug or rub on her back.
3. What would you have done? Why? I would have tried to help Jasmine up and comfort her. I feel this shows compassion and empathy and it will help Jasmine feel trusted in you as a teacher in making her feel safe.
4. What if a family member watched this and became uncomfortable with how the teacher handled the situation? Why might the family member have been uncomfortable? I think if a family member watched this happen, they might feel that the teacher lacked cared for Jasmine. I think this will make them feel as if the teacher didn’t care about Jasmine’s safety.
5. What would you say to the family member if you had been the teacher? If I was the teacher, I would tell the family member that, I apologize for how they feel and explain that wasn’t my intention. After getting their input I would explain that I was trying to teach Jasmine independency. I would explain that I was trying to teach Jasmin that failure is okay and when trying new things this will happen. Finally, I would explain that I was trying to show Jasmine that trying again after failing to do something new may give her a successful result and that giving up shouldn’t be an option.
6. If you were the teacher, would you try to prevent the children from riding tricycles off the pavement? Yes, if I was the teacher, I would try to prevent Jasmine from riding her tricycle off the of the pavement.
7. If yes, how? If no, why not? While I think it’s important for Jasmine to learn how to accomplish doing new things alone. I believe her safety is most important. I would want Jasmine to always get back up and try again if she fails in doing something for the first time, but I wouldn’t want her to physically get hurt, so I would definitely stop her from riding off of the pavement. I also think when in care of teachers it’s important to protect the child from getting physically hurt because this can cause conflict between teachers and parents.
Hey Erica, wow a lot of rich vivid details. Great Job :).
Erica — Thanks for your input. I agree, safety is important! How can we create safe environments that enable children to 1) learn their abilities and limits, and 2) develop independence and competence?
1. Jasmine is learning in this situation that she is able to get up on her own since she realizes the teacher doesn’t right away help her out.
2. I think the teacher did well in this situation, I can’t think of another way to handle it. She handled the situation in a way where the child can figure out how to get herself out of it.
3. I think if I was in this situation I would have reached out my hand and tell the girl she is okay, look at her hands and knees for any scratches and then proceed to pick her up and the bicycle. I would do this because from what I experienced a child will look at you at the eyes and if they see you worried, most of them will burst into cries and cry, until you soothe them.
4. If a family member sees how the teacher handled the situation, for sure they would feel uncomfortable because it is their child and the teacher is not picking her up right away, especially if the child lets out a yell, any family member would do anything to prevent their child from crying.
5. If I was the teacher I would calmly explain to the family member that this is one of the many ways we are showing the children that they have independence and can learn from this tiny accident, become a stronger person.
6. If I were the teacher I would try to prevent the children from riding the tricycles off the pavement. 7. Because I would try to prevent an accident where the child could get injured or scratched badly and I wouldn’t want the child to come home every day with injuries.
Daisy — Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I agree, we don’t want children to go home eery day with injuries! How can we create environments that are safe but still enable children to 1) learn what they are able to do and their limits while developing competence and independence?
1. Jasmine is learning about actions and consequences. She is able to recognize what caused her little accident and was able to acknowledge what happened when the teacher reaffirmed it.
2. I strongly believe the teacher handled the situation the best way possible. She was responsive as she approached to Jasmine as soon as she saw what happened, talked to Jasmine is a very calmed and clear way so Jasmine would stay calmed as well. The teacher didn’t hold her or touched her in order to teach Jasmine she was ok and was able to continue with what she was doing.
3. I wouldn’t have responded much differently from what the teacher did. I think that was the best way to handle the situation. T he only thing I would add would be cheering words right after Jasmine stands up and brushes herself off, in order to give her courage to keep going.
4. I believe a family member that would have watched this situation could have been uncomfortable with the fact that the teacher wasn’t affectionate with Jasmine. Some families believe that comfort can only be expressed with physical actions and not only with encouraging words.
5. If I was the teacher I would have approached to the family member in a friendly way, to explain they way I handled the situation. I wasn’t affectionate and I didn’t talk to Jasmine with a too-sweet tone in my voice in order to show her how she can be independent and handle little accidents like these by herself, so with situations like these she becomes a stronger person.
6-7. I don’t think I would prevent the child to ride off the pavement. I would show the child how does it feel doing it on both surfaces, so that the child can decide what way feels better and why is it safer to ride on the pavement.
Juli — Thanks for your insights! You bring up an interesting point — what would it be like to ride the bike in the sand?
1. Jasmine is learning about being independent. She is learning that yes you can learn new things, but sometimes with learning new things you will get hurt and fail but you can’t give up. You should keep on trying and push yourself until you are successful.
2. I think that the teacher handled the situation really well. She was responsive to Jasmine when she saw what had happened and instead of yelling or reprimanding her she spoke to her in a calm tone of voice to ensure that Jasmine would also remain calm. The teacher handled the situation in such a way that Jasmine was able to figure out how to get what it is she wanted by herself.
3. I think that I would’ve responded in a similar to the teacher if I were in that situation. But I also think I would’ve comforted Jasmine because it shows a sense of compassion.
4. If a parent were to watch the situation unfold they would feel like the teacher lacks care or an emotional bond to Jasmine. The parent may feel like the child is not safe when in the teachers care.
5. First I would apologize to the parent for making them uncomfortable or hurting their feelings and then I would begin to tell them the plan to teach the child independency.
6-7. If I were a teacher I would not prevent the child from riding the child from riding their bike off the pavement. I say this because yes, the child may fall and get a few scratches, but it is all part of the learning curve. If you constantly try and protect a child, when their scenario changes , in this case riding on the pavement, it might be a new thing for them to learn all over again.
Aalyah — Thanks for your post! Your idea of apologizing to the parent is very insightful — you are recognizing and responding to their feelings, which is important!!! Learning involves bumps, bruises, scratches, etc. — both physically and emotionally!
1. What is Jasmine learning in this scenario? – Jasmine is learning new things like independency and trial and error. Although she is aware that she need to fail in order to succeed. The teacher will be there for her incase things go wrong but at the same time, Jasmine knows that she can not always be spoofed during her developmental process.
2 &3. Do you have a different idea about how the teacher should have handled this situation? What would you have done? Why?- I agree and as a teacher, I would have reacted in the same manner as I would ask the child if he/she is okay as I am aware that he/she fell down and would be hurt but I would also give a chance to the child to get back up on their own and even after this, if they are unable to then I would offer help and would be there if they need anything. I would want the child to handle the situation on their own as this is how they learn and develop.
4. What if a family member watched this and became uncomfortable with how the teacher handled the situation? Why might the family member have been uncomfortable? – Some family members are over protective with their kids and I feel that it is normal to feel that way. If a family member would object to how I reacted, then I as a teacher would make them understand that in order for the child to learn and develop on their own, I have to give them the independence to figure how to handle the situation. It is important for us both, the family member and the teacher to be on the same page in helping the child develop. We would have an open and honest discussion.
5. What would you say to the family member if you had been the teacher? – I would explain them why I am doing what I am doing. I would give them pointers why I responded that way and tell them that all this is just for the child’s growth and learning.
6 &7 . If you were the teacher, would you try to prevent the children from riding tricycles off the pavement? What would you have done? Why? If yes, how? If no, why not? – I would never stop children from riding off the pavement as I would want them to go explore ad try out things and fail too. This is how they will best learn and would be able to recognize themselves and their boundaries.
1. She’s learning empathy for others, learning not to give up, learning from his/her mistakes and learning how to ride a bike.
2. I like how the teacher handled the situation, maybe she could’ve asked the child if she wanted help up before reaching to put her hand out to help her.
3. As a family member or parent maybe their own personal way of dealing with the situation maybe to immediately console the child. Furthermore they probably would have thought riding the bike wasn’t safe.
4. I would highlight the fact that the child is gaining independence and has mastered self regulation. To make the decision on their own to try riding the bike again should be praised. I would reassure them that I would always get to the child as quickly as possible to help if they needed me to.
5. Yes, but if I didn’t get to the child in time there’s nothing I could do but be there after. It would be a learning experience for both the child and I.
6/7. Unless multiples children are falling over this pavement I don’t think anything further should be done. If that is in fact the case I would bring my concerns to management, and use cones for the meantime. Also I would ensure that children wear helmets.
What is Jasmine learning in this scenario? In This Scenario Jasmine is learning how to be Independent. She is also learning to not give up
Do you have a different idea about how the teacher should have handled this situation?
What would you have done? Why? The teacher handle the situations pretty well to me. She seen jasmine had a problem and responded to her instantly. I honestly would of handle the situation the same way because it helps the child develop on their own.
What if a family member watched this and became uncomfortable with how the teacher handled the situation? Why might the family member have been uncomfortable? I would have told the family member that jasmine has to develop independence on her own and I will try to make sure that the family understands how important it is for a child to be independent and also learn from their mistakes.
What would you say to the family member if you had been the teacher? If i had been the teacher I would approach the family in a friendly way and tell them this is apart of a child learning from their own mistakes and also the child learning how to be independent.
If you were the teacher, would you try to prevent the children from riding tricycles off the pavement?
If yes, how? If no, why not? I would not try to prevent the child from riding tricycles off the pavement because I want the child to learn new things.
1. Jasmine here is learning how to problem solve. She fell over the edge with her tricycle and yelled for her to get her teachers attention. Her teacher came but only responded to her verbally not physically. Jasmine realized that she was okay after talking to her teacher so on her own she got up and found the solution for her falling which was getting up and getting back on the tricycle.
2. I think the way the teacher handled the situation was great because she did not coddle the child or solve the situation for Jasmine but instead, she just assisted Jasmine into the right direction in order to solve the problem.
3. What I would’ve done was speak to the child in asking her if she was okay then telling her to be careful on turning with the tricycle so she doesn’t fall over again and hurt herself.
4. I feel like the family member wouldn’t have been comfortable with the way the teacher handled the situation because she would feel that Jasmine was not taken care of when she fell. The family member might feel that the teacher didn’t have any importance for the child’s well being because they didn’t pick Jasmine up right away and hug her and tell her it was all going to be alright. The member probably thought that the teacher didn’t care about Jasmine at all.
5. I would have told the family member what happened and what I the teacher spoke with her. Let her know that I wanted the child to solve her problem on her own but I was their to assist her in anyway I could.
6, 7. Yes I would try to prevent the children from riding on the pavement to avoid serious injuries but at the same time I wouldn’t because they are experimenting and trying to understand things. So maybe they wanted to see how different it is to ride on the pavement.
What is Jasmine learning in this scenario? Jasmine has learned that she can get up all by herself and doesn’t need help and that if she really did her teacher would be there anyway.
Do you have a different idea about how the teacher should have handled this situation? No, I feel like the situation was handled the right way because the teacher responded right away to show Jasmine that she is there but she let her get up on her own with still offering help.
What would you have done? Why?I would run over and be like your okay and let her know that she doesn’t have any scratches or booboos and hopefully that would make her feel better.
What if a family member watched this and became uncomfortable with how the teacher handled the situation? Why might the family member have been uncomfortable? She may feel uncomfortable because she sees that it may be dangerous and her child may get hurt but it’s all good to let them learn.
What would you say to the family member if you had been the teacher? Everything will be okay. It’s important to have your child do things on her own and I promise she won’t get hurt.
If you were the teacher, would you try to prevent the children from riding tricycles off the pavement? I would explain to them that its unsafe to ride their tricycles off the pavement and they can get really hurt.
If yes, how? If no, why not?
I reviewed this module