Arriving at the centre is never a quiet event. From the moment I walk pass the stretch of glass windows by my classroom; I can hear the vibrations of children in the centre shouting my name all the way to the main door. This can sound rather frightening but this is the very thing that perks me up in the morning especially before having had my coffee. The warm hugs, salutations and the “I am so glad you are here, Teacher Patrick” really makes my traveling for one-and-a-half hours from Ang Mo Kio to Changi Airport and standing in the bus through the incessant daily traffic congestion on the TPE worthwhile.
Coming to centre is like coming home. I treat the children under my charge like my own children; my colleagues and parents like family and friends. As with any parent, I want only the best for my children. I always believe that children have the right to be seen and heard. They have a say in what they would like to learn. With that in mind and with the developmental expectations of formal school in Primary One, we set out on a learning journey together.
My classroom is set up with many learning corners that have several interactive activities arranged so that they can construct their own learn and so that they can become independent learners.
A typical day begins with a class meeting to recap our previous day’s learning journey and to discuss what they would like to explore and learn presently. When in the midst of a project, this class meeting is when they decide what area of the project or activities they would like to be involved in. Following that, they will proceed to their respective groups and corners to work. There are ample areas for them to go to and time is not rushed. Of course, children develop and work at their own pace; those who complete their work quickly are allowed to work on another area. At the end of the day’s work, we regroup and the children can share how they have learned and what they would like to explore in the next session.
Besides projects, we work on skills-based lessons like Math and Language. As these skills development is rather developmentally specific, there is a progression to which we follow. Being the Letterland Trainer in Learning Vision, my children get to experience learning in somewhat unconventional ways, like writing on balloons, constructing a laundry line and working wires. The ideas that the children come up with also provide me with a well of ideas for my Training Workshops.
I am very thankful for Learning Vision for many reasons; the most important reason is that they were willing to hire a male teacher in an industry that is predominantly female. They were willing to take a risk and invest and train me so that I may be equipped with the tools and knowledge to be an affective early childhood educator. They sent me to obtain my Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Teaching) and I am currently pursuing my Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Leadership). I would then proceed to do my degree and eventually to a Masters Degree … one day.
It was really difficult a journey for me in the beginning as a male teacher when I started work in Changi Airport. Many of the parents aired their objections when they found out that a male teacher was going to be their teacher. I spoke to these parents and we agreed to work together for the sake of the children. I am glad that after a few weeks, they warmed up and they became more confident in me. This I guess must have been because the children had returned home and had spoken approvingly about ‘Teacher Patrick this, Teacher Patrick that.” One parent even said that I was his son’s idol! That is my greatest compliment … to be someone’s idol … how humbling. I believe that it is important to have more male early childhood educators because children get to learn that it is the role of both fathers and mothers in their nurturing. Male teachers give a more masculine perspective to education and fatherly role models. My learning journey with the children is daily enriching. They make my work with them so meaningful because at the end of the day, I know that I had used it well and effectively. The children are my inspiration. I learn of them constantly. I believe that we are traveling on a journey together. Though we may have to part someday, our adventure doesn’t end because one day we will meet again and journey alongside each other in this life that God has given us. |