Three year olds are kind of like frantic little lawyers. By this, I don’t mean that they cross examine witnesses or write contracts (though maybe one day!), but rather that they exhibit masterful persuasion. Working with Jumpstart, you definitely notice they have clear preferences with how they want to spend their time. This, of course, isn’t a bad thing. They are free spirits, taking in stimuli and forming new and exciting opinions about the world that build their understanding. They are getting excited about interacting with corps members and with playing with their peers, which is a huge part of what we at Jumpstart are trying to do. We want the kids to enjoy learning and embrace the skills we stress so that they may take that passion with them as they continue through to future successes.
However, it’s important not to let the children become the boss. Jumpstart has very specific session plans, with specific activities and Center time options that all connect to the domains and skills that we as corps members are trying to establish in the classroom. At times, the children are going to push to do something that is not part of the Jumpstart session plan. Corps members may feel tempted to give in to their desires, but it’s important to remember something very important: You are the boss. We are teachers in the classroom; We have authority that, if used correctly, can open up a very productive and fun environment for the children we work with. The key is to stick to the plan.
Many times, simply adjusting how you do session will make this difference and keep everyone on track. Kids are always thinking about different things, and they will constantly try to distract you into doing other things or into reading them the same book they’ve read a thousand times before. They like the comfort that their favorite activities bring them or that a familiar book can supply. But one really important lesson is teaching the kids that the more books you read, the more you try new activities and look at the way words are formed and sound, the more you understand and enjoy. Pacing is an important aspect of Jumpstart to keep in mind to best utilize the potential of the session. If a corps member finishes their book very early each time, it’s important to adjust for next time and perhaps take more time to focus on the details of the book or discuss the illustrations. Another good strategy is to try to advocate and seem excited about the session yourself. The children will be enthusiastic if you’re enthusiastic. If we see that there is one child who wants to do an activity not in the session plan or perhaps goes to the same Center each time, try to advocate for some variety. We as a group are committed to these kids’ education, and we are the driving force that keeps them on track with the curriculum. The way we handle our precious time with the kids is of utmost importance, and I know the corps members in my team work hard to make sure we improve session each and every time.
There will certainly be the occasional kid who continues to lawyer his/her way out of doing the session plan. If I’m ever struggling to keep control, I always tell myself the same thing: I am the teacher in the classroom. Another very reassuring thought is that we are loved by these kids. We are Jumpstart Corps Members: That’s really cool! They love it when they see our red shirts walking through that door. They always have to contain their excitement when we are there, and they will think you’re great even if you say no to them sometimes. I look forward to session each week because I know we are making a difference in these kids’ lives and that we are helping to build their futures. In order to accomplish that, it’s important to be confident in yourself, and don’t forget: stick to the plan!
~Shawn Bush
Team Leader
Team Learning 2
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