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"The Intentional Teacher" was the theme for Beginnings Workshop in the January 2009 Exchange magazine. One of the articles in this feature was Pam Schiller's "Program Practices that Support Intentionality in Teaching." In this article which is available in its entirety on the Exchange web site, Schiller gives tips for being intentional in choosing the curriculum, in delivering information and in interacting with children.  Here are a few of her ideas on interacting:

"Teachers make a profound difference in whether a child will have a desire to learn and whether the information learned is valued and used or simply committed to memory. Children look to their teachers as role models. They strive to be recognized by their teachers. They strive to please. Every teacher, every caregiver, holds in his or her hands the power to shape a child’s entire future. The teacher-child relationship can not be underestimated.

• Build trust. Trust is the foundation of social and emotional intelligence. Social and emotional intelligence are necessary for cognitive achievement. Trust develops as children begin to know that you will meet their needs. Trust develops over time.
• Be ‘fully present.’ Take the time to listen to each child’s comments and statements. Respond as if their words are crucially important. We are born as fledglings. We need to be recognized and nourished by others. Nothing you are doing in the classroom is more important than children’s need for interaction and recognition. Be there — fully there!

An intentional teacher will help develop intentional ­students. Intentional teachers make thoughtful choices about the classroom environment, curriculum activities, and student interactions. Intentional ­students make thoughtful choices about their participation in the classroom. They model the thoughtfulness demonstrated by their teacher. They think before they act. For example they might ask themselves, “Which center offers something that motivates my curiosity?” “What story do I prefer to hear?”

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"The Intentional Teacher" is one of 89 Beginnings Workshop curriculum guides that are available from Exchange. These 16-page guides offer practical advice from the top experts in our field on a wide range of early childhood issues.  The 89 Beginnings Workshop guides explore the following areas:

• Child Development
• Program Development
• Professional Development
• Language and Literacy
• Curriculum Issues
• Environments
• Parents

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