This professional case study presents a situation that almost every ECE will encounter during our career. Philosophy is such a personal process that we hold dear to our heart so it comes as no surprise that emotions will be attached. It is important to keep an open mind and be willing to communicate with our colleagues without compromising our own philosophies.
- I do feel that the early learning professional should have approached Mistrella to discuss the situation regarding Hannah. At the very least, Mistrella made a facial expression that left the author feeling uncomfortable. The author was left doubting how she handled the situation and after hearing how Hannah’s mother supported Hannah’s belief that she could make it rain, felt the confidence to discuss what happened with Mistrella. Mistrella could have encouraged Hannah’s imaginary play and worded things differently without sounding so negative and pushing Hannah to tears, which the author did not agree with. I think it is appropriate to communicate with colleagues directly, only bringing the situation to a director to handle if there is a breakdown in resolving the issue.
- I don’t think Mistrella’s comments were suitable. It is clear that Hannah was involved in some imaginary play and Mistrella not only upset Hannah, but then brushed Hannah’s feelings off by saying it was nothing to be upset over. We don’t get to decide what is worth getting upset over – Hannah’s feelings are her own, and as such she has every right to her emotions.
- By observing Hannah is the dramatic play area, we would gain insight into her confidence…. she believes she is magical, she believes she can make it rain, she is feeling more comfortable with her surroundings after weeks of apprehension. It saddens me to think that Mistrella squashed that confidence, even if only temporarily, by more or less telling Hannah she was silly for believing those things. If I were to write a note for Hannah’s backpack, I would not address the situation with Mistrella, but instead comment on how lovely it is that Hannah is growing with her imagination, which in turn is helping her gain confidence. Hopefully, the conversation would continue on at home how Hannah can make it rain with her rain stick and she will not focus on what words Mistrella used.
- I would approach Mistrella privately and ask calmly and with genuine interest why she chose to say those words to Hannah. Perhaps Mistrella felt she had a reason to tell Hannah she couldn’t make it rain, although I fail to see any acceptable reason why anyone would squash a child’s imagination, let alone call them silly for believing they can do something. After taking Mistrella’s view point into consideration, I would counter with my thoughts and then explain my relationship with Hannah, and how I deal with an upset child. It may be different from how Mistrella would handle it, but I would hope that she respects me and my approach.