Glen Education Serrel Street
Joy is Contageous
Joanna Palios, Early Childhood Teacher
There are certainly many moments of joy present in whatever we do, not only with children but with each other, listening, building partnerships, collaborating with each other, sharing common goals, somebody saying ‘I hear you’! All of these to each and everyone of us bring joy and a feeling of one’s value.
“Joy bursts in our lives when we go about doing the good at hand and not trying to manipulate things and times to achieve joy”. (CS Lewis)
Joy: how does it affect the children’s learning?
Joy is contagious! When we are happy and calm, a sense of belonging and inquiry surrounds children. Children are at ease, ask questions? Their favourite word “Why”! we as educators extend their interests, we are creating a ripple of joy that cascades to other children becoming involved on the learning journey, families contribute to the program in more ways than one, their biggest contribution of trust, sends a sense of calm and joy to their child to belong at kindergarten.
Together in partnership, we strive towards achieving learning outcomes for their children. All educators document moments of joy and learning which are carefully placed in each child’s learning portfolio. A parent’s joy at reading and viewing photos captured (a moment in time), as children recount their moments of ‘joy’ that they experienced.
Joy: how does it affect you as educators?
We are all individuals, from different walks of life, we all have different experiences, but it’s for the love and joy that we are here and the empowerment that each one of us gives to each other. We inspire each other, we respect each other, we feel valued and heard with each other, there is support all around us, effective leaders to guide and support our vision and joy, sharing common goals.
Once again, joy/happiness is a ripple effect. From the warm morning greetings, from family’s genuine respect and trust as they leave their children, to sitting down in a circle and the JOY of watching your children lead “Acknowledgement of Country”. Once again Joy has a ripple effect as children empower other children. Modelling respectful values and behaviour. Your children too become our educators! We all never stop learning!!
“Lifelong learning ensures we have the skills and knowledge to meet the demands of an ever-changing world.” Believing that there is always an opportunity for change and growth” Dr. Joseph Eli.
Joy: what moments have you experienced this year?
From the moment I walk in the door, the joy to see my colleagues, the respect, empowerment, encouragement and support from management and most importantly to see the trust in children and families.
Very recently, a family reached out to Glen Education for the adoption of their Guinea Pigs! A sense of joy, trust and gratitude overwhelmed this family when we said ‘YES’.
A personal journey of mine was discovered. I got to know one of the families, when I worked at Glen Carnegie Kindergarten, many years ago. It was JOYFUL to see the treasured photos kept by the family, as I was their daughter's educator, 12 years ago! And the joy this family feels as they are welcomed to visit our service, helps with the separation of their loved ones, but for me personally to see the child, Amy, now in year 8 (who is now taller than me), is beyond JOYFUL!
The guinea pigs named Kevin and Bob have bought our groups much joy and learning. A big thank you to all our current families for sharing in our Joy and children’s numeracy learning as they have contributed to funds for a bigger home for them. Children were empowered to learn about currency from the 5-cent piece to the $20.00 and $5.00 note.
It is not about putting out a jar and collecting a few coins, it is about empowering Joy! Working together in partnership for a common goal.
Our Joy turns into a thank you for all that inspire, support, and drive us to the best version of ourselves as educators.
Joanna Palios, Early Childhood Teacher