Yesterday at a Town Hall meeting regarding health care reform, here are some behaviors I observed in people in their 40's, 50's, and 60's:
-Loudly interrupting the speaker, repeatedly
-Yelling rudely at other people with whom they disagree
-Name-calling
-Ignoring instructions
-Refusal to listen to others, even those in authority
Today at this year's very first day of preschool, here are some behaviors I observed among the young two year olds:
-G. handed a toy to another child at the water table, saying, "Here. For you." With no prompting.
-K. said "Sorry!" to A. when she accidentally splashed water on him, which momentarily upset him. Again, no adult prompting.
-When two boys both wanted the same book, a brief tugging match ensued. When teacher assisted by saying, "Would you like me to read the book to both of you?" both boys settled in to happily listen to the story together, forgetting their squabble.
-Everyone willingly listened to what the teacher said, and readily complied with the few instructions. They washed their hands, went to the picnic table for snack, and rang bells for Goodbye Time.
-One boy served a new friend a plastic pear at the tea party he had set up in the housekeeping area.
-Four of the toddlers easily negotiated turn-taking with the doll-strollers.
-Several children began learning everyone's names, and using them correctly.
-Everyone seemed happy to be together, even though they don't know each other yet.
What a contrast from my experience at the Town Hall yesterday. It reminds me of why I work with toddlers instead of working in politics. Toddlers are so much more civilized.
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Sooooo glad you're doing this! Just finding it now and adding you to my blogroll. We have such fond memories of your class. I wanted to get Jack into Together Time, but unfortunately I have to pick Ryan up at 12:30, so the timing doesn't work out:( Such a bummer.
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