Good Morning Children!

By: Debbie Hasbrook, M.Ed.

Starting the day out right is so important. The arrival and departure of your students provides an excellent opportunity to create a positive start to the day.

Children come to you because they have to, not because they want to. Yes, you try to fill their day with fun activities and a warm environment. However, they would rather be at their own house, with their own toys able to get a drink or food when they need it, and slide into their own bed for their nap.

Warmly greeting each child that arrives puts the child and the parent at ease. It gives them the impression you are happy that this child is going to spend the day with you. This is especially true for little Ethel who might not be having a good experience in your class.

When you have a child like Ethel, it is important that you greet her warmly every day. She remembers the previous day, and may not be sure what to expect from you. Building relationships is so important to the child care experience, and can affect that child’s impression of school. We want children to see learning as fun, and each child as valued.

So, no matter what you are doing as children arrive, stop, look up, and greet that child with a smile. It only takes a few seconds to warm that child’s heart and let her know, no matter what, you are glad she arrived.

Smile, it’s contagious!

About the author: Debbie Hasbrook is a full time trainer with Successful Solutions Training in Child Development. Debbie has worked with children and families for 37 years. In that time she has been a home provider, teacher, director, Regional and State conference presenter and Adjunct faculty at a number of colleges in Washington State. Her education includes a Master of Education, Montessori Preschool Degree and several certifications. Debbie is independently approved through the Washington Dept. of Early Learning as an advanced trainer, which qualifies her to provide Washington STARS and CDA Training. In addition, Debbie is an approved Master Trainer in Oregon for the Core Body of Knowledge training.