Modeling in Action

As a staff, we have been reading Beyond Behavior Management by Jenna Bilmes. She states that what we model for children has a more powerful impact than any strategy.   Lila and Jacob's interactions are a wonderful example of how our bonding games with children (from home and school) are shared and then incorporated into play.  Lilah lovingly braided Jacob's hair one day, and then played "Trot, Trot to Boston," with Jacob in her lap.  Jacob is taller than Lilah, so that took some determination!   What lovely exchanges of friendship and affection.

  

Modeling (not on the runway)

Today during free play, Piper told a teacher "I'm burping the baby, I have her on my shoulder and she's not crying." This was very sweet to see how Piper was modeling behavior that she witnesses in her home. Piper has a baby sister, and often observes her mother taking care of her. Piper is able to show similar care for our babies at school.Children use modeling of parents and teachers as a learning process. This is a way for them to introduce new language into their vocabulary (by repeating) and understand new concepts.It is fun and interesting to observe, because children often model phrases and actions without knowing the meaning or reason. It is our goal as teachers to define these words and behaviors being modeled by the children, so they have a better understanding.