They Are Watching

“Miss Sam, look, we are matching!” Kennedy exclaimed as she ran into the day care center.

Miss Sam quickly turned around to see the towhead coming toward her with a large grin and a brand-new pair of glasses, identical to hers. “I love them! Let’s take a picture!”

Kennedy’s mom, who was close behind, watched as they took a selfie and Kennedy ran off to play with her friends. She then turned to Sam and expressed gratitude for the relationship Sam had built with her daughter. She shared that from the minute they learned her daughter would need glasses, all Kennedy could talk about was how she was going to be like Miss Sam.

Although we already know our actions influence those around us in some way, shape, or form, it’s stories like this that remind me just how important our everyday actions are to the children we work with. They are watching, listening, and thinking . . . all the time. How we walk, talk, and behave becomes an example to them.

This specific example reminds me of three things: 

Relationships matter. Whether at work, home, or in the community, positive relationships build a sense of belonging, happiness, value, and support. Miss Sam cares for Kennedy, and Kennedy enjoys her time with Miss Sam.

Attitude matters. The energy you put out is the energy those around you receive. Miss Sam wears her glasses every day with a smile and doesn’t complain about having to wear them. Kennedy witnesses this day in and day out, and therefore feels nothing but excitement when she is told she gets to wear glasses, too.

Influence is powerful. As teachers we have the capacity to influence the character, development, and behavior of those in our care. Our attitude and the relationships we build with our students affect this influence. Getting glasses is a major life event. Miss Sam’s influence helped make Kennedy’s transition one of joy (which is evident in the adorable picture above).

They are watching. What are they learning from you?