I grow up in
a big city called Bangkok in Thailand. Unfortunately I barely see nature
surround there as much as children who grew up in countryside did. Even though
my school was surrounded by tall buildings and cars there are areas inside the
classroom where small plants in milk cartons can be grown to decorate the
classroom. Personally I do not think that incorporating nature in children's
learning is only limited to parks, gardens, or courtyards. We can provide a
small area in the classroom where children can grow a small plant in a small
container like milk cartons or a small jar and see them grow. We can have the
children experiment with bean sprouts because they are easy to grow and care
for and only take small containers and a small area. What are other ways a
director can inspire teachers to promote nature to their children in a limited
space classroom? How can a director encourage teachers to think outside the
box?
How do
directors learn to lead with resources such as power, authority and influence?
I think it
is great that he motivated and inspired in believing that we can do anything we
set our mind to. Roberto did give some great ideas in thinking about what
they really want the children to get out of the center. It gets people talking
and sharing and explaining why they believe in what they believe in. This is
something that I would like to one-day try in a center of my own. I also liked
the fact that he tried to involve staff and parents in a lot of the planning of
the changes he was hoping to make. I think he went about it in a good way,
instead of just coming in as a new director and just changing whatever he
didn’t like. He was careful about involving staff and parents so that they were
included in a lot of the decisions and discussions. This way they could see why
things were going to be changed and done a certain way, because they were apart
of the conclusion that was come to in meetings and discussion times. As
daunting as standards and regulations can be, Roberto seemed to set good
examples for how to accomplish goals while keeping the focus on what is best
for the children.
