For a preschool teacher to educate effectively, she must have a heart of compassion. A preschool classroom is one filled with youngsters who are trying to figure a way to socialize in appropriate and morally acceptable ways. Compassion is a foundation from which these life skills can be built.
It is important to recognize that compassion does not mean overlooking difficult situations or problematic elements in the classroom. In fact, apathy is the polar opposite of compassion. Apathy basically implies an attitude that says I really don't care, whereas, compassion says I car a great deal. A preschool teacher needs a compassionate heart, so she can effectively address the children in a calm, fair, and loving manner. There are a few basic ways that a preschool teacher can show compassion toward her students and develop a caring classroom environment.
Compassion is Firm, Fair, and Consistent
There is no place for a preschool teacher who shows preference or favoritism toward certain students. Compassion means that the teacher must use loving judgment to discern how to handle a situation. In doing so, she must have a firm and fair response that is consistent in both form and function. For example, if a child disobeys a classroom policy, the discipline must be the same for every child who disobeys that same rule. The punishment should be appropriate and dispensed in a loving and positive manner. Kids thrive on consistency, so firm and fair treatment goes a long way in the preschool classroom.
Compassion is Remembering that No One is Perfect
Preschool teachers have to deal with a great number of spilled drinks, dumped paints, crumbled crayons, and messy meals. Compassion is remembering that no matter how many times a clumsy or careless drink is spilled, no one is perfect. Even teachers make mistakes and deserve second chances. Children feel accepted when a preschool teacher doesn't criticize or ostracize them in the classroom. Certainly it is OK to have a child help clean up a mess or take responsibility for a mistake, but compassion doesn't hold a grudge or expect perfection.
Compassion is Sympathizing with a Situation
Preschool children love to talk to someone who has a sympathetic ear. Preschool teachers can be some of the best confidants and encouragers to young children. If a child loses their favorite toy or breaks their prize possession, a preschool teacher should lovingly console the child. Some have claimed that there is no place for coddling in the preschool classroom. There is a big difference between coddling and sympathizing. Coddling says I will protect you from a difficult situation, and sympathizing says I will support you as you face a difficult situation.