Week of the Young Child 2022: Work Together Wednesday

I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.

Mother Teresa

During a typical preschool day, children practice interacting with one another and building positive relationships. Teamwork is one of the first skills children learn at school by developing their ability to work together towards a common goal. Any time a child works within a team, they have the opportunity to build a positive, supportive relationship.

Teamwork requires:

• Children to cooperate with each other
• Problem solving skills
• Communication skills
• Listening skills
• Creativity
• Self-esteem

I recently observed teamwork at Ms. Fabienne’s classroom at Nashold Early Childhood Center:

Students were welcomed into the room and began checking in, helping each other find their names and place them on the sign-in board. They moved to the carpet to look at books together. Two children spent time reading their books to each other. As the classroom transitioned to the gym, they reviewed the expectations and children performed their assigned jobs: line leader, backpack holder, door holder and caboose. As they moved down the hall, I heard one of the children reminding another how to stay with the group.

As a seasoned teacher in her first year at RPS 205, Ms. Fabienne understands the importance of children working together. One area she has concentrated on is moving throughout the building. She feels that it is important for the children to understand that they are not alone in the building. She encourages children to “stay behind a friend” as they transition throughout the building.

Interested in learning more about the RPS 205 Early Childhood opportunities for families with children Birth-age 5? Visit the early childhood webpage or call the Early Childhood Screening and Placement Office at 815-229-2103.

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Hillary Cook-Harris

Hillary Cook-Harris is the Director of Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment. Hillary joined RPS 205 in November 2019. She has been an Early Childhood educator and director for more than 27 years.