How Motherhood Influenced My Teaching Approach

Before I became a mother, my life revolved around teaching in a kindergarten classroom, where my days were filled with interactive activities like reading groups, writing workshops, and engaging students through music. I was dedicated to my students, pouring my energy into lesson plans and classroom activities. However, without children of my own, my perspective on education lacked the depth that motherhood has since provided. Now, as a mother, I see education through a new lens—one that recognizes the emotional and developmental needs of young children. If I were to return to teaching today, my approach would shift significantly in several key areas.

Enhancing Communication with Parents

First and foremost, I would enhance communication with parents. In my previous teaching role, I sent home a weekly newsletter and offered my contact information for questions. However, as a parent, I realize that understanding a child’s school day can be a daunting task. I would now send daily emails highlighting key activities and include conversation starters to encourage dialogue about their day. Additionally, I would create a social media group for parents to foster connections among families, which can help strengthen friendships outside the classroom. Sharing photos and videos of classroom activities would also allow parents to feel more involved in their child’s educational journey.

Attuning to Emotional Experiences

Secondly, I would be more attuned to the emotional experiences of my students. As a mother, I have witnessed how small issues can feel monumental to children. I understand that a minor conflict on the playground can weigh heavily on a child’s mind throughout the day. If I were teaching now, I would prioritize acknowledging and addressing these feelings, ensuring that every child felt seen and heard. I would actively look for signs of distress and provide reassurance and support, creating a nurturing environment where students felt safe to express their concerns.

Emphasizing Hygiene Practices

Moreover, I would emphasize hygiene practices, particularly handwashing. As a parent, I’ve become acutely aware of how easily germs can spread and how crucial it is for children to maintain cleanliness. I would implement a routine of handwashing after recess and before meals, understanding that the school environment can be rife with germs.

Ensuring Adequate Lunchtime

I would also ensure that students have adequate time to eat their lunches. Previously, I would drop my students off in the cafeteria without checking how much they ate. Now, I recognize that the busy lunchroom can be overwhelming for some children, potentially leading to skipped meals. I would monitor lunchtime closely and offer additional time in the classroom if needed, ensuring that every child had the opportunity to nourish themselves properly.

Approaching Home Lives with Empathy

Lastly, I would approach my students’ home lives with empathy and understanding. Teaching in an urban, low-income community exposed me to the various challenges my students faced, including unstable home environments and food insecurity. However, I didn’t fully grasp the extent of these difficulties until I became a parent myself. I would now strive to communicate without judgment, recognizing the incredible effort it takes to support children under challenging circumstances.

Keeping Promises

Keeping promises would also be a priority. Children have sharp memories and a strong sense of fairness. If I committed to an activity or event, I would make sure to follow through. This simple act of reliability can significantly impact a child’s sense of trust and security.

Conclusion

In summary, my experiences as a mother have profoundly transformed my understanding of teaching. I would prioritize open communication with parents, emotional awareness of my students, hygiene, adequate mealtime, compassionate understanding of family dynamics, and the importance of keeping promises. Each student is someone’s child, and they deserve to be treated with the same care and respect I would want for my own.

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