10 Glimmers from an ECE

Well, here I am again…for sure in another season of change…perhaps in another blogging era? Writing is something I’ve tried on many times that feels very meaningful. Especially as a RECE.

Sharing my voice as an educator is a practice that is very validating for me. Often we exist in this invisible chamber that seems like the rest of the world just goes about its day to day…and our work with children is behind-the-scenes.

The more I reflect, this is actually a bigger discussion. In our work, we know the value and meaning of documentation. Of making children’s learning visible. This is part of our pedagogy and plays an important role in the programs we create. Writing for myself is a very liberating practice that allows me to share my work in a different way.

In the spirit of gratitude, today being Childcare Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, I want to share some of the most valuable parts of what we do: the ‘glimmers‘.

10 glimmers from an ECE

1. After many months of tough mornings, the day arrived when it came time to say goodbye to mom and the child gently waved. A quick “bye mom,” without even looking up from what they were working on. The look of relief in the parent’s eyes and contentment and comfort in the child. A monumental moment of independence.
2. The table is filled with journals. Carefully selected materials are displayed for the children to choose from. Five sets of busy hands are moving across the paper, over to the colour selection…eyebrows furrowed with fierce looks of concentration. Quiet self-talk and narration fill the room with a fluttering hum.
3. It’s so windy! We have hiked to the top of the hill with a kite. I pass the kite handle to the child standing beside me and hand-over-hand, we gently unravel the string. A strong gust of wind pulls the kite up in the air and the children bracing it let go and start to cheer. The child holding the kite is strong, smiling big and proud.
4. At the top of a ledge, a child stands counting down. “3-2-1- jump!”….they close their eyes and leap into my arms. A sacred form of trust.
5. Tears stream down a child’s face after they’ve been hurt. One of their peers reaches out their arms and says, ‘I’m sorry you’re hurt. Do you want a hug?” The hurt child nods and the two share a comforting embrace.
6. We’re reading our favourite stories together, the children are nestled into each other. It gets to the funny part and the whole gang erupts with laughter. Their joy and silliness is palpable.
7. Months and months of putting on their own shoes, only to realize they’re on the opposite feet. I watch the child stand up, observe their feet, sit down and switch them on their own. The child points to their feet and asks “did I do it right?” I nod and smile.
8. I feel a small, warm hand wriggle into mine. No words. Just a friend who wants to hold hands for a moment in a busy yard.
9. “Come see what we made!” Two children call me over to show me how they used all the magnetiles and blocks and animals. There’s a whole story happening. I’ve been invited into their world.
10. On their way out the door, a child spontaneously says, “thank you for today.”

Happy Childcare Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day to all the folks who spend their days and lives working with our youngest citizens.