After my return from several weeks of international travel, my three-year-old son, who is in Beth Clawson’s class, told me, “Mummy, I love you…and I love Ms. Beth.” In my child’s mind, SSDS has become a part of the extended community of love, care and fun that will shape his earliest childhood memories.
Having co-oped, it is abundantly clear why our children adore their teachers. Ms. Beth and Ms. Jerri facilitate fun, cooperative activities; they identify the child who is having a rough day and hold him, showering him with attention while also being firm about behavior towards other little friends; they identify the child who is watching from the side or playing by himself and find ways to engage him. They work tirelessly to encourage each child’s individuality and personality, whether outgoing or introverted, and they are constantly problem-solving.
Teacher Feature, in The Spotlight Community Blog, will hopefully help us get to know our SSDS teachers a little better.
In this Teacher Feature we welcome two new teachers: Ylla Bishop, who teaches two-year-olds and the Little University Mini Yogis Program, and Beth Clawson, who teaches three-year-olds. Both began their foray with SSDS as parents and decided to become more actively involved at SSDS by becoming leaders in the classroom. I asked each a couple of questions and here is what they had to say:
Ms. Ylla: (with purple fairy) “I love the idea of integrating mindful practices with school-based education.”
Quick Facts about Ms. Ylla
Teaches: Older 2s, Little U Mini Yoga
Grew up: FL, MT, and AZ, but mostly Chicago, IL
Favorite colors: Green, Yellow, and Purple
Favorite places: Australia and Italy
Favorite season: Whatever season it happens to be
Favorite instrument: Guitar
Favorite kids book: Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees or Being With You This Way by W. Nikola-Lisa and Michael Bryant
Why did you want to work with preschoolers?
I have always liked to work with kids (and I tend to be a kid at heart, too). Kids are fun, creative, energetic, and curious and I love to foster and be around that type of energizing environment that supports expanding little minds and hearts as kids explore and develop. I love the idea of integrating mindful practices with school-based education. And, I fell in love with SSDS and being in the classroom when I co-oped at the school in my daughter’s 2s and 3s classes. I love the emphasis on community and parent involvement in education. Also, I believe play is such an important part of learning. I still learn through play and see my children learning through play-based exploration.
What do you find the most challenging about working with preschoolers?
Sometimes you never know what the day will bring, but at the same time that is the exciting part about working with kids. Just as kids are, I love to be creative and think on my feet to meet kids where they are at on a particular day.
What one or two pieces of advice would you share with co-oping parents?
Have fun, play and be part of your child and other children’s learning. You have so much to offer!
Ms. Beth: “This preschool teacher gig is the most fun job ever.”
Quick Facts about Ms. Beth
Teaches: Older 3s
Grew up: Beauford, NC
Favorite colors: Green and Orange
Favorite places: Quiet beach and her garden
Favorite season: Spring
Favorite instrument: Tibetan Singing Bowls
Favorite book: What is the What by Dave Eggers
Why did you want to work with preschoolers?
This preschool teacher gig is the most fun job ever. I chose to become a teacher at SSDS because it felt good. One of my favorite things about SSDS is observing a kid having a “breakthrough moment” as they achieve a certain goal for the very first time. Also, I love to make art with little humans and nothing beats a lap full of kids and a really great book.
What do you find the most challenging about working with preschoolers?
The most difficult part of the day—for all the humans in the classroom, no matter their age—is transitioning from snack to the playground. As I step back from this transition and think about other social situations in which I might need to corral 17 people from point A to point B—for example getting all my in-laws to come to the table for Thanksgiving dinner or organizing a happy hour with a gaggle of ladies—the aforementioned transition actually works as a treat.
What one or two pieces of advice would you share with co-oping parents?
“If you don’t know where it goes, ask for help then you will know.” There’s even a little tune that goes with this advice! This song applies to everyone, not just adults and not just co-opers.
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With the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that these two new teachers bring to bear in the classrooms, they are, one day at a time, building a community of emotionally confident children at Silver Spring Day School.
By Tanushree Isaacman (mom to Rahm in Ms. Beth’s 3’s)