Children see magic because they look for it.
-Christopher Moore
One of my mentors was Clare Cherry, who for many years directed the Congregation Emanu El Nursery School in San Bernardino, California. And, while practicing what she preached, wrote a number of books, such as the Nursery School Management Guide, to help teachers and directors carry out their daily work. Her, classic, Don't Sit on the Kids: Alternatives to Punitive Discipline, offered this advice...
"Encouragement... must be sincere. Don't pretend something is hard when it is not — that says to children that you don't think highly enough of them to be honest, that you think they are incapable and unworthy. Use encouragement to allow children the pleasure of knowing that some things are indeed easy for them to do and the security of knowing that when something is difficult, you will acknowledge the difficulty and provide support or assistance.
"....Encouragement need not always be verbalized. A nod, a smile, a touch of the hand, standing nearby — all of these can give children courage to continue a difficult task. Your tone or voice, too, can convey your true feelings, so when giving encouragement, be sure that your voice carries the meaning you are trying to get across."
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Comments (5)
Displaying All 5 CommentsSan Diego, CA , United States
You reminded me of how grateful I am to have the wonderful wisdom of Clare Cherry at my fingertips throughout my teaching career. I am so appreciative of her knowledge and experience, I keep 2 copies of "Don't Sit on the Kids" so I can loan one to the students that I mentor.
Mesa, AZ, United States
My first year being a Teacher was back in 1992 at Congregation Emanu El School in San Bernardino, California. Many of my philosophies are those of Clare Cherry that I learned at the school. What a great person and Teacher she was. She taught so many of us how to be involved in the learning of young children.
United States
Loved Clare Cherry! She was so authentic and non-gimmicky.
ISU Child Care Center
Normal, IL, United States
Oh, how WONDERFUL to have Clare brought to mind. Loved her books and especially her Creative Art for the Developing Child. Many children enjoyed the activities I gleaned from that book! GREAT QUOTE here by her regarding encouragement!
Mawo'ltijig Mijjuaji'jg Child Care Centre
Listuguj, Quebec, Canada
Great information.
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