In a previous chapter of my life, long before my days were consumed with crafting Lego masterpieces, building forts, and belting out Taylor Swift tunes off-key in the kitchen alongside my children, I was a dedicated educator. My days revolved around reading circles, writing workshops, math activities, and singing (also off-key) with my kindergarten students on the Circle Rug.
Teaching kindergarten brought me immense joy. I was youthful, optimistic, and full of idealistic dreams, which fueled my passion for education. Without children of my own at the time, my focus was entirely on my classroom, my lesson plans, and nurturing my students. However, I now realize that if I were to step back into the classroom today, my perspective would be vastly different, and I would undoubtedly be more effective.
Becoming a mother has altered how I perceive education. I now understand the school experience through my children’s eyes and the viewpoints of parents who once entrusted their little ones to me each day. If I were to return to teaching, I might not be able to enhance my lesson plans or instructional methods, but I would recognize each student as a cherished child—someone’s baby. That realization would profoundly change my approach.
Here are some adjustments I would implement if I were teaching today:
- Open Communication with Parents: In my teaching days, I sent home a weekly newsletter and encouraged parents to reach out. I thought this was sufficient communication. I now know how misleading that was. As a parent, I often find school to be a maze of uncertainty. I would send out daily emails highlighting key events and conversation starters to encourage discussions at home. I’d create a Facebook group for parents to foster connections, and I’d share photos and videos of their children engaged in activities, with their consent, of course.
- Recognizing the Importance of Small Concerns: As a teacher, I understood that children often face challenges, but I didn’t fully grasp their significance until I became a mom. My children have returned from school carrying emotional burdens, wishing for reassurance and support. If I were teaching now, I would be more attentive to my students’ worries and ensure they felt heard and supported, offering them comfort and understanding.
- Promoting Hygiene: This seems straightforward, but during my time as a teacher, I didn’t consistently enforce handwashing after playground time. As a parent, I’ve seen how dirty my kids can get, and it’s easy to forget how imperative cleanliness is in a school setting. I would ensure that my students washed their hands regularly, especially after recess.
- Ensuring Lunch is Consumed: I often dropped my students off at the cafeteria without checking their lunch status. Many times my own child has come home with a full lunchbox, claiming they didn’t have time to eat. As a teacher, I would make a point to check in on students during lunch, ensuring they had the opportunity to eat in a calm environment.
- Empathy for Students’ Backgrounds: My previous students carried numerous challenges from home, often overshadowed by their difficult circumstances. Now that I’m a parent, I understand the struggles families face. I would approach my students and their families with compassion and understanding, recognizing the tremendous hurdles they overcome daily.
- Keeping Promises: Children have remarkable memories and a strong sense of fairness. As a teacher, I knew this, yet I didn’t fully appreciate its weight until I had my own children. If I promised a student they could share something special or participate in an activity, I would diligently follow through.
Teaching is undeniably challenging, and I don’t intend to criticize those who are overwhelmed by their responsibilities. I remember the chaos of my own teaching days. However, it’s essential to remember that every student is someone’s child. If I were teaching today, I would treat each of these precious children with the same care and respect I desire for my own.
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In summary, my transformation from teacher to mother has reshaped my understanding of education and the needs of children. By integrating compassion, open communication, and respect for each child’s unique circumstances, I would strive to create a nurturing environment that recognizes every student as a treasured individual.